Ma-ai

間合い

Dynamic combative engagement distance and temporal timing between opponents.

Quick Facts

CategoryConcept / Principle

Pronunciation/[mah-eye]/

Alternative NamesCombative distance, Engagement spatial distance

Definition

Ma-ai is more than static physical distance; it represents a dynamic spatial-temporal relationship. Proper Ma-ai allows a fighter to strike while staying safe from counter-attack, adjusting for weapon length and reach.

Related Terms

Zanshin残心

State of relaxed alertness and sustained mental focus before, during, and after a technique.

Mushin無心

State of 'no-mind' where action occurs intuitively without mental hesitation.

Associated Martial Arts

Tomari-te Satojuku Karate Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Shorinji Ryu Renshinkan Enshin Karate Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Yoseikan Aikido Shorinji-ryu Kenkokan Seiwakai Goju-ryu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Iwama Ryu Yoshinkan Aikido Gensei-ryu Tomiki Aikido Chito-ryu Karate Shito-ryu Motobu-ryu Karate Ashihara Karate Byakuren Kaikan Shorei-ryu Uechi-ryu Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Matsubayashi-ryu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Shorin-ryu Shidokan Shorin-ryu Seibukan Isshin-ryu Karate Kendo Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Seidokaikan Karate Shorin-ryu Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Shuri-te Meibukan Goju-ryu Shorin-ryu Kyudokan Jundokan Goju-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Six Harmonies Praying Mantis (Liuhe Tanglangquan)Kyokushin Budokai Real Aikido Naha-te Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu Shorin-ryu Shorinkan