3 Things About Fighting On Different Types Of Terrains You Should
Know
by Ahmad Mutammim
By knowing how to take advantage of the terrain, you gain an
additional weapon. You may be indoors or out o a hill or flat land,
on stairs or in a tight and cramped place, on slippery or wet
ground, etc. You need to give special consideration to every
different terrain. Some will give an advantage while some will cause
you difficulty. Assaults can occur any time, anywhere. Training in a
cushioned, spacious training hall will not prepare for fighting in a
car or on an icy street. There are basically three types of terrain –
Open space, confined space and inclined space.

1. Open space

Open space - Most of the assaults do not occur in the open space.
But nevertheless, you still need to prepare yourself against any
assaults on such a terrain. A lot of attackers would be deterred to
assault their victims in such open space for the fear of being
noticed. In such open spaces, there is a smaller chance to tie up
and confine the victim. However, this depends on whether there are
people around to notice them.
If you find yourself in an open space, aim for escape. If escape is
not possible, keep your distance and avoid the opponent. Open spaces
have the highest possibility for escape without a great deal of
damage.



2. Confined space

Confined space – Confined spaces cam be indoors or outdoors,
including vehicles. They can be confined on all sides or only a few.
Basically, it limits the movements. Confined spaces favors would-be
rapists because they are able to control and limit the movements of
their victims as well as covering themselves from the outside world.
That is why most rapes and assaults occur in confined space as most
victims have difficulty in escaping and calling for help.
In a confined space, try to keep your back to the most confining
barrier such as the wall. Keep your back to an opening. Strive to
avoid being pinned against any barrier. Instead, use those barriers
around you to inflict damage to your attacker by driving him into
them if possible. If there is any chance to escape, grab that chance
instantly.



3. Inclined space

Inclined space – Inclined spaces can be either confined such as the
stairs or open such as the hillside. For both cases, the strategy is
the same; always try for the higher ground. Make the assailant
attack upwards and retreat downwards. This will make him expend more
energy and consequently his movements will be slower. His retreating
will be treacherous and always at the risk of tumbling backwards
down the incline.


In any type of terrain, aim for the most advantageous position. If
the assailant has a better position, do not fight him for it.
Chances are the assailant is a much stronger person. Remember:
Escape is your main priority! Do not attempt to exchange blows with
him. Hit when you are required to and run when you have the chance
to. When you get your opponent, do not allow him to look around and
assess his location. You should try to distract him to make him
confused.