Ma-ai
Ma-ai
– Proper Distance and Timing
The
kanji for ma-ai means space, fit. The proper spacing that
“fits” the situation is a crucial element in combat, especially
if you add timing to this concept. This concept has been
used in combat as long as we have recorded history. Lets
discuss this concept from a martial point of view and how
that applies to other areas of our lives.
Each
person develops a specific distance from where they feel
the most comfortable when engaging in conflict with an opponent.
This distance is developed due to a number of elements including
body type, attitude and tactics or styles of training. A
larger person may feel more comfortable at grappling range
while a smaller person may be more inclined to use a hit
and run type of tactic. In America today, most martial arts
programs are very pragmatic and teach a variety of techniques
from different ranges, but in general pure arts tend to
specialize at a certain distance. For example, a Tae Kwon
Do practitioner would prefer a kicking range, while a judo
person would feel much more comfortable at grappling range.
The modern warrior has to develop the ability to instantly
identify the strengths of his opponents and developing a
strategic response based on his attributes, which can neutralize
these strengths. Taking the opponent out of his natural
range, or by modifying the timing may be the key principle
in this tactic.
In
the business world, this ability to specialize at what one
does best is called “competitive advantage”. In any industry,
one must identify their specific niche, and develop a mission
to become number one or number two in that specific niche.
There are very successful and different strategies for number
one and number two, but in reality everyone else is just
buying time on their way out of business. As the saying
goes, “If you do not have a competitive advantage, don’t
compete.”
The
second element of ma-ai, is fitting this advantage in by
using proper timing. The first style of timing is called
go no sen. The kanji for go no sen translates as after,
before or before it ended. This is a basic counterattack
where the opponent launches the first attack and you respond
to it. Most martial art systems teach their beginning students
this level of timing first. The next level is sen no sen
or before, before. This basically is the concept of countering
the actions of your opponent before he actually launches
an attack. This proactive level of training is a superior
methodology, and the mark of a master warrior. Successfully
controlling a situation before an attack is launched, requires
a person to develop attributes outside the punching and
kicking methods, and to become an expert in other areas
including negotiations, nonverbal communication and empathy.
In all areas of ones
life, being proactive is a major element towards success.
As martial artists we do work on physical responses to being
attacked, but even more important we are proactive in creating
the proper elements, which will create the best opportunities
for our successes. What we read, who we hang out with, what
we think about, the mentors we choose, all have a tremendous
effect on our future outcomes. The modern warrior uses the
principles of ma-ai when he identifies the perfect distance
and space, between where he is currently and where he wants
to be in the future. All successful people have this ability
to understand the proper distance and timing needed to create
win-win situations to all concerned. This ability is definitely
a step towards black belt excellence.
