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Chinese Boxing Encounter

by James Cravens

The Chinese Boxing Encounter is an analysis and breakdown study of a realistic encounter. By seeing clearly the parts of the encounter and
being instructed in the areas that one can improve in order to increase one’s chances, one can then combine this knowledge with the particular
theory of fighting that he or she believes.

The Chinese Boxing Encounter data is important and applicable to any style or method of fighting. It is truth in combat separate from style.

The four areas that we breakdown in order to develop various skills is seen below. Encounters might not cover each of these areas and some
areas may occur simultaneouly. For example, a single knockout punch may contain all four areas in one instant.

I - Entry

Entry is the study of what happens before contact with the opponent. There are many schools and instructors that bypass the study of entry
believing that one has little choice as to how entry occurs. In Chinese Boxing we believe that learning important skills of entry allows one to get
to the touch point of a fight with an advantage. This timing advantage comes from understanding the study of explosion, distance (critical
distance), and the requirements of each fighting strategy.

We say that there are three basic strategies or kinds of entry. They are offense, yield and counter, and stop hit. Entry will occur in one of the
three methods regardless of whether the entry is effective or not. Someone will attack and someone will receive the attack in some form of yield
and counter or stop hit.

In order to understand the requirements of each strategy we have to first understand the term critical distance. Critical distance is the distance
that one can execute a non-telegraphic strike to an open target on the opponent without the opponent being capable of reacting simultaneously.
This distance varies from person to person and generally can be increased with proper instruction and practice. One must come to know his or
her critical distance in order to understand the requirements of successful strategies of entry.

A. Offensive Strategy

In order for the strategy of offense to begin successfully on entry, one must get into critical distance and then explode the attack in a non-
telegraphicic manner in order to get a head-start. In order to get into critical distance on offense one must have a number of skills including
good footwork and deception both in the body and in the limbs.

B. Yield and Counter Strategy

In the yield and counter strategy one must understand critical distance and must not allow the opponent to get into critical in order to attack. Of
course one can still execute yield and counter if the opponent attacks in critical distance, but if the opponent explodes from critical distance you
will be hit and depending on the nature of the hit and the target you may never get a chance to recover. Even if you are not affected by the
opponent’s attack, you will not be countering with an advantage. If, however, you can control distance so that the opponent attacks out of
critical distance, then you will have the reflex time to yield and to counter achieving a head-start on the counter.

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C. Stop Hit Strategy

In order to have a successful stop hit on entry one must be able to read an attack that begins out of critical distance, explode and intercept the
opponents forward motion. The earlier this is done in the timing the better. If the opponent was in critical distance and telegraphed his attack
you could also stop hit, but if the opponent was lingering around critical distance, we would teach that one should attack or get out of critical. If
the attack begins out of critical, then one should explode his limb and body moving forward as time and distance allow in order to intercept the
oncoming motion. The earlier the interception the less collision however there will be more than average collision because the opponent’s
intention and body are moving forward rather than yielding. A head on collision of force could be good but could also injure a smaller person.
Angles on stop hits are also ways of increasing the safety for the one that stop hits. After the stop hit, the stop hitter should then explode as in
normal offense in order to take advantage of the collision. Even if the collision does not do damage, the interception surprise often gives the one
who knew about the collision the advantage in timing as he or she explodes to get the head-start.

II - Touch Point (Interface)

Touch Point or interface is the point of contact. If all goes well with the entry one has the advantage on touch. Depending on the degree of
advantage the touch of taking over and finishing the fight is quite possible. If at touch point things are equal than one has a choice to take his
chances to stay in touch seeking the advantage or move back out of critical distance in order to restart entry. In Chinese Boxing styles it is very
common to have duels or “touch exercises” which develop balance in the unified arm and body in order to help one get or regain control of the
opponent. In Tai Chi there is push hands, Pakua Joint hands and Wing Chun chi sao. Each develops a keen balance to help this important aspect
of a real encounter. Of course somethimes touch point is the point one hits another in a vital area causing knockout or the finish of a fight.

III - Forward Pressure

This part of the Chinese Boxing Encounter is important when one is able to get advantage through entry or touch point. When the advantage is
achieved it must be held and increased or inevitable it will be lost. This increase in advantage and progress toward finish is achieved through
forward pressure. The forward pressure after contact advantage increases the advantage moving the fighter toward a finishing point. Forward
Pressure applied before an advantage is achieved could be successful, but could also be a total disaster against a good fighter. The forward
pressure may only contribute to a tremendous collision into force. Therefore, forward pressure should be applied upon getting the advantage.
Forward pressure is increased by good footwork, a good body state, a unitary body and good touch and balance.

IV - Finishing

The finish of the fight in Chinese Boxing can be the easiest part of the encounter. If the other parts of the encounter put you in the right position
finishing could be easy. Often however, finshing can be very difficult and a number of skills are useful in helping one finish a fight. Projection
skills should be developed as the finish may involve hitting or penetrating a choke or grip to a vital area. Without projection the opponent has
the chance to recover. Footwork with ad lib skills allow the fighter to deal with unexpected changes during the finish. Ground fighting skills are
often needed in finshing situations as well as chin na skills including excaping techniques. Finishing from behind clutching or ripping vital areas
are generally higher percentage than hitting although hitting can be and is often effective.

Conclusion

Dividing the realistic encounter into parts doesn’t make anyone any better at fighting. It is only useful in the student’s understanding of the
various skills needed to capitalize on every opportunity and to help analyse high percentage and low percentage tactics. The number of variables
that determine a fight are many from mind intensity to technique. One can only attempt to maximise his talents by learning to fight smart and
practicing hard.

Copyright© by Chinese Boxing Institute International

All Rights Reserved

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Last updated - 7/23/2001

Chinese Boxing Institute International

P.O. Box 666957

Pompano Beach, FL 33066

cbii@mac.com

This site design by James Cravens

DISCLAIMER

The author and publisher of this material are NOT RESPONSIBLE in any manner whatsoever for any injury which may occur
through reading or following the instructions in this material. The activities, physical and otherwise, described in this material may be
too strenuous or dangerous for some people, and the reader should consult a physician before engaging in them.

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