Trapping (Martial Arts)
Encyclopedia
In martial arts
, trapping refers both to a combat range and a technique used to immobilize an opponent in such a way that they cannot escape yet are still susceptible to very close range striking. The trapping range is very closely related to clinch fighting
. The other combat ranges are: Kicking, Punching
and Grappling
.
range, where the majority of the punching takes place; although not always. The two fighters next get into a clinch where they are both too close to punch effectively. It is at this range where hand immobilization, knee strikes, elbow strikes, headbutts, and foot stomps take place. While in the trapping range, fighters utilize forward pressure as much as possible while striking. This makes defense against these strikes very difficult as the defender is constantly being forced back away from his opponent. Trapping is usually accomplished by transiently trapping an opponents limbs (usually the hands or arms) and following up with short range strikes.
The trapping range is usually the least understood of the four combat ranges. In any physical altercation the interaction between two opponents can be classified within the four combat ranges. The natural flow and continuity of a fight can move between ranges very rapidly or slowly depending on the circumstances.
An important concept in range classification is that they do not necessarily need to flow in natural order of proximity. Fighters can move between a kicking range to a grappling range immediately, totally bypassing the punching and trapping ranges. The flow between combat ranges was defined as "closing the gap" by martial arts pioneer Bruce Lee
. It was Lee who formalized many of the concepts and classification of the combat ranges which he utilized in constructing his martial arts system of Jeet Kune Do
. The trapping range falls between the punching and grappling ranges. It differs from the punching range in that the strikes all travel a shorter distance than a full punch. Strikes are usually performed rapidly and with increased frequency. These strikes are usually difficult to counter as they travel shorter distances than punches and kicks and thus leaves less time to react. The trapping range differs from the grappling range in that the grappling range usually does not employ strikes as a means of subduing an opponent. Grappling weapons in that range typically consist of chokes, arm-bars, leg locks, and ankle holds. The grappling range usually employs techniques that attempts to subdue an opponent rather than incapacitate them through strikes designed to render them unconscious.
and Jeet Kune Do
Hand trapping can be followed by some type of muscle or nerve destruction. This can be done by attacking inherent vulnerabilities in the construction of human hands and arms. Hand trapping skills can be important to offset an opponents blocks. An opponents block is sometimes referred to as an obstruction. Fighters well versed in the trapping range learn techniques that will remove these obstructions, or go around them. This training enables a fighter to strike their opponent while immobilizing their arms. Effective traps are ones that tie up an opponent's two arms while utilizing just one of your own.
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
, trapping refers both to a combat range and a technique used to immobilize an opponent in such a way that they cannot escape yet are still susceptible to very close range striking. The trapping range is very closely related to clinch fighting
Clinch fighting
Clinch fighting is the part of stand-up fighting where the combatants are grappling in a clinch, typically using clinch holds. Clinching the opponent can be used to eliminate the opponent's effective usage of some kicks, punches, and mêlée weapons...
. The other combat ranges are: Kicking, Punching
Punch (strike)
A punch is a striking blow with the fist. It is the most commonly used attack in hand to hand combat. It is used in some martial arts and combat sports, most notably boxing where it is the only type of technique allowed...
and Grappling
Grappling
Grappling refers to techniques, maneuvers, and counters applied to an opponent in order to gain a physical advantage, such as improving relative position, escaping, submitting, or injury to the opponent. Grappling is a general term that covers techniques used in many disciplines, styles and martial...
.
Trapping range
The trapping range is usually entered from the boxing or punchingPunch (strike)
A punch is a striking blow with the fist. It is the most commonly used attack in hand to hand combat. It is used in some martial arts and combat sports, most notably boxing where it is the only type of technique allowed...
range, where the majority of the punching takes place; although not always. The two fighters next get into a clinch where they are both too close to punch effectively. It is at this range where hand immobilization, knee strikes, elbow strikes, headbutts, and foot stomps take place. While in the trapping range, fighters utilize forward pressure as much as possible while striking. This makes defense against these strikes very difficult as the defender is constantly being forced back away from his opponent. Trapping is usually accomplished by transiently trapping an opponents limbs (usually the hands or arms) and following up with short range strikes.
The trapping range is usually the least understood of the four combat ranges. In any physical altercation the interaction between two opponents can be classified within the four combat ranges. The natural flow and continuity of a fight can move between ranges very rapidly or slowly depending on the circumstances.
An important concept in range classification is that they do not necessarily need to flow in natural order of proximity. Fighters can move between a kicking range to a grappling range immediately, totally bypassing the punching and trapping ranges. The flow between combat ranges was defined as "closing the gap" by martial arts pioneer Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee
Bruce Lee was a Chinese American, Hong Kong actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, film director, film producer, screenwriter, and founder of the Jeet Kune Do martial arts movement...
. It was Lee who formalized many of the concepts and classification of the combat ranges which he utilized in constructing his martial arts system of Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial arts system and life philosophy founded by martial artist Bruce Lee with direct, non classical and straightforward movements. Due to the way his style works they believe in minimal movement with maximum effect and extreme speed. The system works on the use of...
. The trapping range falls between the punching and grappling ranges. It differs from the punching range in that the strikes all travel a shorter distance than a full punch. Strikes are usually performed rapidly and with increased frequency. These strikes are usually difficult to counter as they travel shorter distances than punches and kicks and thus leaves less time to react. The trapping range differs from the grappling range in that the grappling range usually does not employ strikes as a means of subduing an opponent. Grappling weapons in that range typically consist of chokes, arm-bars, leg locks, and ankle holds. The grappling range usually employs techniques that attempts to subdue an opponent rather than incapacitate them through strikes designed to render them unconscious.
Techniques
There are various hand trapping and immobilizing techniques that can be utilized in the trapping range. An opponent's attempt at blocking a strike can be turned into a devastating trap. Traps can cross an opponents hands, in a manner where they cannot continue to block. These types of traps can be seen especially in Wing ChunWing Chun
Wing Chun , also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, ; ; is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also...
and Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do
Jeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial arts system and life philosophy founded by martial artist Bruce Lee with direct, non classical and straightforward movements. Due to the way his style works they believe in minimal movement with maximum effect and extreme speed. The system works on the use of...
Hand trapping can be followed by some type of muscle or nerve destruction. This can be done by attacking inherent vulnerabilities in the construction of human hands and arms. Hand trapping skills can be important to offset an opponents blocks. An opponents block is sometimes referred to as an obstruction. Fighters well versed in the trapping range learn techniques that will remove these obstructions, or go around them. This training enables a fighter to strike their opponent while immobilizing their arms. Effective traps are ones that tie up an opponent's two arms while utilizing just one of your own.
See also
- Wing ChunWing ChunWing Chun , also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, ; ; is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilizing both striking and grappling while specializing in close-range combat.The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also...
- Jeet Kune DoJeet Kune DoJeet Kune Do is a hybrid martial arts system and life philosophy founded by martial artist Bruce Lee with direct, non classical and straightforward movements. Due to the way his style works they believe in minimal movement with maximum effect and extreme speed. The system works on the use of...
- Elbow strikeElbow (strike)An elbow strike is a strike with the point of the elbow, the part of the forearm nearest to the elbow, or the part of the upper arm nearest to the elbow...
- KickKickIn combat sports and hand-to-hand combat, a kick is a physical strike using the foot, leg, or knee . This type of attack is used frequently, especially in stand-up fighting...
- Martial artsMartial artsMartial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....