What is the best long range fighting system in your opinion and why?

Question

If I wanted to know about rifles and nukes I would have posted the question in military not martial arts.

Thanks to the people that answered the question properly.

Answer 1

Since nobody uses spears, swords, polearms, axes, etc. to fight anymore (and they're illegal in most states/countries), I'll assume you do not want weapons answers. which would put us into more of "what's the best artform that keeps your opponent at a distance?" I'd say there is no pure artform which does this, which is why mixed martial arts tournaments have stopped showcasing the purists and only the true mixed martial artists compete now. As for a system that does it using martial arts, Muay Thai, no-gi grappling, wrestling would be the best combination.

To keep the opponent at a distance requires them to not only fear your kicks, but to fear them less than they fear your inside abilities. the best outside boxers got that way not because they have outstanding long range punches, but because people couldn't step in on them in the first place and they had to adjust their game. If you throw elbows and knees into someone long enough, they'll stop sitting in close range. Then you can kick away to your heart's content. Which is why Muay Thai is needed. And if they shoot in to take you down, wrestling will train you how to a) not go down, b) get back up should they actually bring you down, and c) make them wish they'd never shot in at all. And should they actually get you down onto the ground, you'll need BJJ to get position, sweeps, reversals, etc. and then get back to standing and delivering kick after kick. (I know, BJJ isn't long range in and of itself, but why train only one aspect? The military doesn't simply roll long range weapons into combat, they also move in support, close range, and troops at the same time, so you should do the same)

But I digress, the best long range system would be one that makes your opponent think it's better to stay at a distance and hope you make a mistake, which would be a combination of superb skills. But if you want a single art, Muay Thai, since Thai fighting trains your roundhouse kicks into the realm of "deadly", should you choose to kick an attacker's kneecap (shattering it, if you've trained like you should) then kick them in the head when they slump onto the ground. How much more long range can you get?

Answer 2

For personal combat, it would be rifle marksmanship. An individual armed with a straight-shooting rifle and some good match-grade ammo is as long-ranged as you can get without using some high-tech military whizbangery.

If we're talking relative to close-quarters combat, however, I'd say the use of spears and other polearms would be more long-range than any punch or kick.

If we're going bare-knuckle style, then it's probably some form of kickboxing. Use some long kicks to keep those buggers offa ya.

Answer 3

Armed: Spear fighting
Unarmed: Like they say, Kicks. TKD is well and good if your opponent stays in that range, but in terms of practical long range fighting that can handle any close range attacks as well, I'd have to say Muay Thai and Savate, these two utilize long range kicks coupled with short range punches better than most since full contact sparring with a partner is a part of their training.

Answer 4

The ones that use the legs. It has the longest range of the bodys striking tools.
Northern Chinese arts and Korean arts both use alot of legs. French Savate, and Japanese Kubuto are also a few to name.
Psychological warfare can also be called a long range system, but not the same category.

Answer 5

Northern Shaolin Long Fist I heard is considered pretty well rounded for long rage. Just take a look at some pictures - long stance etc. plus these guys had a lot of geographical space to stretch out and fight the manchus or whoever in the field.

Answer 6

I think taekwondo is because it focuses on kicks. since our legs are the longest limbs on our bodies it would be best to use a style that is primarily on keeping your opponent at bay with kicks. Also a person who is really quick and adept at manipulating their legs are really great fighters. one element i like about taekwondo are techniques in which you do several kicks with one leg switch stances quickly then more kicks, or just quickly switching stances back and forth or spinning to confuse an opponent,etc. Not to mention the kicks themselves can have multiple purposes and advantages on their own.

But this is only my opinion in long range fighting. I use taekwondo to keep the fight at a distance like if i was to fight someone who was 6'2 and 200lbs then i wouldnt use wing tsun or even capoeira against him. in fact i wouldnt even want to get to close since chances are he would have a longer reach than me so i would match him by using my powerful agile legs to get the job done. but then again the circumstances could vary and id use any of my knowledge of fighting to be the victor.

Answer 7

just my opinion but id say american kenpo it is very brutal and effective as a long range art plus it has defense in close incase they manage to get in on you

Answer 8

Long range, I think for purely stand up, with no grappling and very little clinching, kyokushin karate.

Answer 9

Probably the F-15 with it's Sparrow missiles, you can't get any longer range than that.

Answer 10

I'd say tae-kwon do, because it emphasizes on kicks, and knowing to kick from afar will give you an edge long range.