Position Zero

• LMA Curriculum

Now that we've laid down the rails for the fighting stance and many other concepts, we can go more in-depth on defensive hand positioning and position zero. This is a companion to the unit on the rear hand position.

From your defensive stance, your position zero, without having to do anything extra, you already have a solid defense. For your opponent to get to you, they first have to get past:

1. Your front foot

2. Lead hand

3. Lead hip

4. Lead elbow

5. Lead shoulder

6. Rear hand

7. Rear elbow

Your head and centerline are all behind your natural barriers. Standing square, you expose all your targets. Standing bladed, you only expose half your targets. Since you're slightly sitting and leaning back, as if you're sitting on a high stool, and your stance is longer, there is greater distance between your lead foot and your head. That means they'll have to step past your lead foot to be close enough to hit you. Your lead foot acts as your first sensor and barrier. Not only will you know how close they've gotten, but they'll have to get into your strike zone for them to get close enough to hit you.

Your hands, in particular, create natural obstacles to your chin. Your first concern is always their longest attacks. This defensive hand position also affords you the most versatility.