The fighting measure & fighting range

An explanation of both the fighting measure, fighting range and their differences.

When we talk about distance we often use the terms 'fighting measure' and 'fighting range', but what exactly do they mean?

Fighting measure

The fighting measure is the distance which a fighter keeps in relation to his opponent. It is such that he cannot be hit unless his opponent lunges fully at him. – Bruce Lee in the Tao of Jeet Kune Do.

• Inside fighting measure - the distance when a fighter is close enough to their opponent that they can be hit without their opponent moving forward.
• Outside fighting measure - the distance when a fighter is far enough away from their opponent that they can't be hit unless their opponent moving forward.
• On the fighting measure - the distance when a fighter is close enough to be 'clipped' by their opponents strike, but that strike will have no penetration unless their opponent moves in. A fighter would stay on the fighting measure to intercept, perhaps when fighting an opponent with a longer reach.

Fighting Ranges

Fighting range refers to your relationship to your opponent only, without taking into consideration of their range.

When we use the term 'range' it refers to one persons fighting measure and not both participants.

• Close range - when you are close enough to hit your opponent.
• Long range - when you are too far away to strike your opponent without moving in.