There are 5 ranges of fighting you need to get good at.

These 5 ranges take you from outside to kicking to punching to clinch/wrestling to grappling.

Each of the ranges is its own discipline. You’ll have to get good at them all to be a complete fighter. But you NOT only need to be able to fight in each range, you also need to flawlessly transition from one range into another.

Video Breakdown

Breaking Down 5 Ranges of Fighting

There are many fighters who are good at one or two ranges. They dominate boxing or kickboxing or wrestling or grappling. But they have difficulties transitioning from one range into another.

Take a look at Fedor Emelianenko. He was one of the best who could flawlessly transition from striking to wrestling to grappling in fluid motion without separating one discipline from another.

Fedor was one of the best who could flawlessly transition from striking to wrestling to grappling in fluid motion without separating one discipline from another. Many train ranges in isolation. But you need to train them as one. Best ways is to allow takedowns while striking. pic.twitter.com/x7fb6N4mr9

— Alexandrovich Unleashed (@ImAlexandrovich) January 9, 2024

The problem is many train ranges in isolation. But you need to train them as one. Learning to flow from outside to boxing to kickboxing to clinch/tie-up to wrestling to grappling and back out.

Fight Range #1: Outside

First range is the outside range.

In this range nothing happens other than you have to cover distance (bridge the gap) and step into one of the ranges to initiate contact. It is the safest range and where all fights start.

In order for you or someone else to land something - one of you have to step into a striking range.

Fight Range #2: Kicking

The second range is the kicking range. Your kicks are the longest weapon you have.

In this range you can reach and connect with kicks. You have front kicks, side kicks and roundhouse kicks.

No punches can reach your target unless you step into the third range.

Fight Range #3: Punching

Third range is your punching range.

In punching range you have straight shots (jabs, crosses, overhands) as well as extended hooks and uppercuts.

In this range you can still throw and land with kicks but punches become your primary weapon.

From punching range you are a small step away from the fourth range.

Fight Range #4: InClose/Tie-up/Clinch

Forth range is in-close/clinch/tie-up/wrestling range.

In this range you multiple things happening:

• You can punch, elbow and knee
• You can clinch and tie-up
• You can wrestle and go for takedowns, throws and trips

Essentially you can take the fight in any direction you want. In this range it becomes even more important to be able fluently transition back to striking range or take the fight to the fifth range.

Fight Range #5: Grappling

Fifth range is grappling utilizing wrestling and BJJ to maintain top position and going for submission.

Train the Transitions

You have to train each range and become the best you can in each. But also don’t ever ignore training the transitions from one range into another.

When sparring, introducing takedowns, trip and throws. When grappling, introduce takedowns and ability to get back up to your feet. When working the bag, start in the outside range and get yourself into kicking, punching, in-close range to strike.