The aspects of combat are broken down into the constants (Ranges, Energies, Attributes, Lines, and Modes) what we call the REALM formula. The REALM formula is:
A. Ranges- the six ranges and their subsequent three sub-ranges. There are those that say that "ranges' are an illusion, but I disagree. If you don't prioritize what best works at different distances and situations then you will be missing targets or crowding yourself. At the least, the playing of ranges will define the nuances, subtlties, and complexities that are inherent in each range. At the best, range familiarization will open up options to you and experiences that can be useful to you that otherwise would be unavailable without playing the ranges.
1. Psychological Range (the internal dynamics of thought, feelings, emotions, etc.).
a. Pre-contact-before any physical contact.
b. Contact-physical contact.
c. Post-contact-after the altercation.
2. Kicking Range (starts where you can kick him, he can kick you, but neither can make hand contact).
a. Distal-using the full extension of the leg (ex. side kick).
b. Medial-using a slight bend in leg (ex. oblique kick).
c. Proximal-using a full bend in leg, or a stomp.(ex. knee thrust).
3. Boxing Range (starts where he can touch you on the face with outstretched arm).
a. Distal-using the full extension of the arm (ex. finger jab or jab).
b. Medial-using a slight bend in the arm (ex. slapping or chin thrust with palm).
c. Proximal- using a full bend in arm (ex. hook or uppercut).
4. Trapping Range (where you can place your lead palm fully over his ear).
a. Distal- you can place your palm upon his ear (ex. jao sau hit).
b. Medial- where you can hook your hand behind his head (ex. man geng sau).
c. Proximal- where you can put you can hit his face with your lead elbow.
5. Grappling Range (where you can place your arm around his head).
a. Standing- where you hook up against him while standing (ex. clinch).
b. Kneeling- where you hook up against him while kneeling on one or two knees (ex. ankle pick or silat arm lock).
c. Ground- where you are in a horizontal position relative to the ground (ex. the guard or a pinned position).
6. Weapons Range (this is any weapon)
a. Weilded- any weapon that you hold in your hand of any length (ex. staff, knife, or whip).
b. Thrown- any weapon thrown from your hand under your own human power (ex. knife, rock, or tomahawk).
c. Projectile- any weapon that uses humna force plus another component to hurl it at the enemy (ex.blowgun, crossbow, or pistol).
B. Energies (we mean the Newtonian forces produced through movement, direction, pressure, and our sensitivity to the energy of the opponent.)
*Note: We also define as flowing, redirecting, marrying, penetetrating, etc...
1. Extending Energy (energy coming toward you)
a. Straight- energy taking a direct line and straight in nature.
b. Bent- energy that is bending or elastic in nature.
c. Curved- energy that is arcing or circular in nature.
2. Contracting Energy (energy that is moving away from you)
a. Retracting on line-uses same path of delivery for retraction.
b. Retracting off line-uses different path of delivery for retraction.
c. Dissolving- a quick fade or dissapation with no resistive quality.
3. Potential Energy (energy that is implied due to positioning)
a. High state- extreme potential due to lack of resistance.
b. Moderate state- some resistance to potential energy.
c. Low state- extreme resistance to potential energy.
C. Attributes (the physical, mental, and emotional qualities of a fighter).
1. Mental Attributes (the thought processes prior to, during, after a fight).
a. Understanding principles, theories, etc. (ex. centerline theory).
b. Understanding strategy (ex. using conditions to your advantage such as using a light source to obscure attacker's vision).
c. Understanding tactics (ex. the five ways of attack).
d. Creativity (ex. outwitting the opponent through impromptu means).
e. Relaxation (ex. Instant Calming Sequence)
f. Awareness (ex. assessing avenues of escape).
g. Attitute (the state of mind and impression that you project inwardly and outwardly).
h. Instincts (trusting, relying, and processing your inner voice and natural inclinations-'may I add with discernment')
2. Emotional Attributes (your feelings, drive, and will-power).
a. Fear Management (ex. controlling and channeling fear to be productive to your survival)
b. Intensity (ex. how much 'juice' you give to something).
c. Desire (ex. how much drive do you have to succeed)
d. Confidence (ex. how well do you trust your capabilities).
e. Heart/Courage/Tolerance (ex. how much are you willing to endure).
e. Compassion (ex. do you have empathy for your enemy, the one you are protecting, and for yourself).
3. Physical Attributes (what you need to make it all work)
a. Timing
b. Distancing
c.Spatial relationships
d. Strength
e. Speed
f. Power
g. Sensitivity
h. Conditioning / Wind / Proper Breathing
i. Footwork
j. Form
k. Body Mechanics
l. Balance
m. Coordination
n. Visual acuity
o. Agility
D. Lines (From point A to point B to point C, etc. The path of movement.)
1. The Centerline
2. The Motherline
3. The Central Line
4. Four or Six Gates
5. Horizontal Elbow/Knee Line
6. Kali Numbered Lines 1-12
7. Silat Footwork Diagram (Pantjar)
8. Atomic Template
9. Fractal Template
10. Segno Fencing Patterns
E. Modes (the context of combat)
1. Unarmed
2. Armed
3. Single Attacker
4. Multiple Attackers
5. Fighting Space, Boundaries, Obstacles
6. Environmental Considerations
7. Personal Condition
8. Attacker(s) Condition
9. Bystander/Witness Consideration
10. Hostage Situation
