closing the distance

[Sensei Rick]

or you could wait for them to come to you....

[gzk]

You could, but that's not really an option if you'd rather try and out-grapple the person than try and out-strike them.

[swdw]

Walk straight in to your opponent. If you walk too fast, you will be rushing. If you walk too slow, your opponent can time you. Keep your head and hands up. Your second to the last step will close distance while your last step will be "normal". Make sure you're not leaning forward as you go in. If you truly want to close distance, don't worry about hitting him from long distance or try to reach out for your attacks. Move in calmly without fear of being hit. Striking from outside of range due to fear of being hit is one of the main reasons people can't hit hard or can't close distance. Alternatively, simply trying to just rush in to avoid getting hit is another. Provided that your posture is good and your mind is in the right place, the rest should take care of itself.

This makes me smile, not because it's wrong, but because it's soooo right.

One of the most fundamental things you learn in some styles of Okinawan karate is step/punch where the feet start moving before the hands. Most people say this is a bad idea because the opponent will see you're coming and drill you. However, if your hands are still up as you move in they are in a position to deflect any strike he initiates and create an opening for your immediate counter. In addition, most people become so focused on the lead hand because it's the closest thing to them that you can often drill them with the back hand or a low kick.

It also puts your opponent in a quandry because you'll have all weapons available as you move in, both hands and feet and you aren't telling him what your using before moving into range.

It also makes sure you're moving in covered. It only takes a miniscule move to deflect an incoming technique.

And yes this works against experienced people.

Too many people try to get too fancy and forget the fundamentals. So take Shorin Ryuu's advice and go back to your fundamentals.

[DancingSteve]

Sounds like its more of a mental thing.

YOU----^Hell^--------Your Opponent----^Heaven^

You have to go through Hell to get to Heaven. So just set your mind to it, and go.

[marie curie]

Yeh, coming in at an angel is a good plan. Also, you may be putting the horse before the cart. Forget your combinations for now. Work on getting in for a strike or a kick. then work on adding one thing to it then one more.