There are 3 common ranges that are utilised in Arnis, Kali, Eskrima: Largo (Long), Medio (medium), Corto (short range).
Each range has specific styles and fighting techniques that can be linked to it, example of such common styles and ranges are as follows:
A. Long Range - common styles includes Figure 8, Rompida, Banda y Band, Redonda, Doblete styles.
B. Medium Range - common styles includes Witik, Abaniko,
C. Close Range - common styles includes Punyo, Punya, Slice and scrape styles
Other than Largo, Medio, Corto ranges there are combination ranges such as:
A. Largo-Medio
B. Medio-Corto
C. Largo-Corto
Techniques vs. Range
In actuality, techniques are applicable to the range that you are in, for example, if you are in Long range you may find it hard to execute close range techniques such as Punyo (butting) techniques unless you bridge the gap (in terms of range) from Long to medium to close range. In this case, there are 2 options:
- Execute Long range techniques which is fitting for the range you are in (for this example - Long range).
- Induce the range (discussed below)
Option 1 will be challenging specially if you are a medium range or close range Arnisador. This is where multi-style system comes into play since you can react and apply techniques that are specific the techniques that you are in.
Induced Range
Another option base on the above scenario is to induce a specific range, that is bring the opponent to the range that you are strong at, this is often referred to as "creating the range".
For example, if you are good at Long range and the opponent is at close range, you can utlizing pushing (push the opponent) or step backward to create a Long range scenario. On the other hand, if you are a close range fighter and the opponent is Long range, you can either move in or setup feints or bait so the opponent will commit and bridge the gap