An often used expression in mixed martial arts and Muay Thai fighting is the need to get an angle on the opponent.
The value in this is by attacking at an angle we move to a position that is difficult for the opponent to defend from, thus forcing them to change position that, in turn, increases their reaction time and presents openings for attack.
When attacking straight on to an opponent, in mixed martial arts, Muay Thai or even self defense fighting, we are directly in front of their vision and their main defensive tools, their arms and legs. This allows our opponent to readily defend attacks and catch us in a moment of reassessing a failed attack, thus giving an opportunity for the opponent to mount an effective counter attack.
However, by moving to a position where we can attack from the side we can often obtain an opening which is very difficult for the opponent to defend and counter from, due to the need to shift position, an act that requires time and a brief change in mental focus that again further slows their reaction time and ability to defend.
In addition, if they are forced onto their back foot as a consequence of your angular attack, both physically and (metaphorically speaking) mentally, their ability to move is greatly compromised and they become even more vulnerable to being hit.
The basic methodology for obtaining an angle as part of the offensive phase is to utilize a change of direction with the footwork, covered by a diversionary tactic with the hands, body or legs.
When learning mixed martial arts be sure to cover the shift in footwork with the jab or other feint to get the most effective and clean shift in angle that will not be picked up by the opponent until it is too late. In addition, there are several very effective footwork techniques that can be utilized to enhance the shift.
Also, do not limit the idea of attacking an angle to just changing the direction of our attack such that you come at a side angle, attacking from an angle also includes, as a sub category, the attacking into a different line; e.g. attacking the high left line then redirecting or changing the attack to the low left line
The learning and drilling of angular footwork in offense and defense, together with feinting and covers respectively, is a major strategy for bridging the gap in both the offensive and defensive mode when learning mixed martial arts or Muay Thai and should be trained thoroughly as part of the base drills.
I have developed a very comprehensive resource on DVD of numerous strategies for bridging the gap many of which utilize the angular change principle, check it out here and get some fee videos while you’re at it.
May 2009
