Improving Reaction Time

There are several formulas you can use to hone your reaction timing.

1. Attack when the opponent is preparing his attack. His mind is occupied with what to do next and he is not
fully prepared to attack or defend.


2. Attack when the opponent steps forward or backward. The key is to attack before his stepping foot
touches the ground. While one foot is in the air, the balance of the body is easily upset, but once the step is
completed, an attack is imminent.


3. Attack when the opponent’s attack is at its maximum height. He is unable to retreat quickly and his
balance is extremely vulnerable when his body is fully extended.


4. Attack when the opponent hesitates or is nervous. His indecision is your cue that he has mentally let down
his guard and is vulnerable to attack.


5. Attack just after your opponent completes an attacking movement. Every muscle needs a brief period
of recovery between exertions. Take advantage of this by attacking as soon as the movement is finished.

Overcoming Fear of Failure

Another common fear is fear of failure or fear of losing. This is more of an illusory fear than the fear of injury. Being seriously injured is a reality that could change the course of your life forever. Losing or failing is only a temporary emotional setback. If you have a great fear of failure, look at the possible root causes. Have you trained enough? Is your opponent much better than you? Do you have something to prove by fighting?

There are many causes of failing, ranging from poor training to just plain bad luck. Some you can control and some you cannot. Forget the uncontrollable. Look closely at the controllable factors like your determination to succeed, the amount and quality of your training, your ability and skill level. Assess each of these realistically. If you find that something is truly lacking, take action immediately to fix it.

More likely, you have become the victim of self doubt. Your skill does not change when you leave the training area and step into the combat site. But your self-perception might change. Try to focus on the reality of your present situation, rather than imagining all of the horrible things that could possibly happen.

If you cannot focus on success, think about the worst possible outcome. Is failing or losing really so awful? And even if it is, does it deserve your valuable time and emotion? Isn’t there something more important for you to be thinking about at this critical time in your life?

Types of Backfists

Types: 
1. Straight: traveling directly to the target
2. Circular: with a wide follow through
3. Downward: traveling on a downward arc
4. Spinning: using a ¾ turn to the rear

Targets:
1. Straight: jaw, face
2. Circular: jaw, ear, neck
3. Downward: jaw, face
4. Spinning: ear, jaw

Fighting from Neutral Range

NEUTRAL RANGE


Definition
Neutral range is the distance at which neither combatant can effectively attack with the weapons available.

Advantages
The neutral range gives you the time to prepare your strategy and ample opportunity to change plans as you observe your opponent. The neutral range is the ideal range from which to begin the confrontation because you can get yourself ready immediately.

Disadvantages
The neutral distance leaves you vulnerable to a surprise attack from your opponent because when you are at a neutral distance, your mind is less alert than at any other range. Don’t discount the possibility of an attack  from any distance.

Be prepared at all times.
Neutral distance is inefficient for attacking because an attack that covers a lengthy distance is easy to detect and avoid.

How to attack
Attacks from neutral range require explosive speed and deception. To create speed, use quick footwork and combined movements. Feinting, set-ups and traps are all ways of confusing your opponent to create an opening for a surprise attack.

Tactics
Be alert and study your opponent in the neutral range. Be prepared to counter or reverse a surprise attack. In addition to surprise attacks, you can try to outwait your opponent. Eventually one of you will become impatient and attack. If you are patient, your opponent will attack first and give you the chance for a counter. This tactic requires patience and an iron will.

Some Tips on Feinting

Feinting is a delicate balance of physical and psychological deception. It takes a good amount of practice to master. Being able to portray many different “faces” in combat gives you an added edge.


Sequence of Feinting
1. Give a false movement
2. Make the opponent react
3. Take advantage of his reaction


Types of feints
1. False movement
2. Eye direction
3. Slow down
4. Change of speed
5. Psychological

Set-ups

Setting-up is often confused with drawing or feinting. While drawing and feinting lure the opponent into your trap, a set-up uses the opponent’s strength, habit or preconceived thought against him. The best way to understand a set-up is to look at some examples.

Example 1
Attack the opponent continuously with a straight punch to the face. He will raise his guard to block, expecting that the punches are your only strategy. When he becomes comfortable with his defense, attack with a hook kick to the leg. Make him create a habit, based on your habit. When you break your habit, he will be unprepared to respond.

Example 2
Attack with kicking combinations and give your opponent time to adjust to your kicking style. When he feels confident handling your kicks, rush in and throw him to the ground. Your unexpected change of tactics will catch him off guard.


Example 3
If you know the opponent well, you will not have to spend time to create a habit or psychological pattern as in the first two examples. For example, if you know he likes to counter with his right hook kick, give him a short right hook kick to the body. While he is countering with his favorite technique, follow up with a back kick to the groin. This will make him hesitate to use his best skill again soon.

Combat Range

Simply put, combat range is the distance between you and your opponent. This is, however, a broad definition and can be interpreted in many ways. To apply combat range to the science of strategy, you will need a more specific working definition. Combat range has to be thought of in two dimensions: real distance and relative distance. First practice real distance skills and when you understand them, look at the implications of relative distance.