Hello Tim -
Could you please explain the proper positioning/stance to keep during a confrontation? I would like to know the positioning to keep during the pre fight (barking phase) and if the fight is on. Hand positioning. Keeping an open stance versus closed stance.

Put your hands on top of your head and curl up into a fetal position.

Thank you, Tom. It was insightful. Must you post something on every Godd--n topic?

Very good question James. Although fights often happen so quickly there is no time to prepare, I do have a few basic guidelines for positioning when confronted by a potentially hostile opponent (which I've used several times to good effect). Let's not get into the total environment (not getting backed into a corner, watching for more than one opponent), but rather what to do one on one, with someone in your face. In my own experience, practically ALL fights start with some kind of verbal exchange. I think it is extremely important to immediately recognize and accept the fact that any heated verbal exchange has the potential to become violent. I've had more than one person tell me, after getting sucker punched, that they didn't think the opponent would really hit them. During the verbal exchange, I would suggest the following: first, never allow the opponent inside your safe distance (the distance at which you can be struck with hand or foot without the opponent taking a step). If the opponent moves inside of this minimum safe distance, you must either attack immediately or move away to reestablish the space. If you are looking at the opponent's face, and can't tell what color his shoes are without looking down at his feet, he is too close. Second, I would put one foot ahead of the other, and make sure the toes of the forward foot always point directly at the opponent. In this type of 'stance' (and it doesn't have to look martial or threatening), you can move laterally with speed and balance, and can push off with your front or back leg to attack or retreat. Third, I recommend raising the hands into one of two "passive on-guard" positions. Hold both hands in front of and close to your shoulders palms facing outward (the backs of your hands close to the fronts of your shoulders). Although this position looks like the universal position of 'surrender,' it generally does not alarm the opponent while effectively putting you in a good defensive position, from which you can strike or defend without preliminary movement. The other passive on-guard position is with the hands extended a little in front of the body at about belly height, palms down. As you talk to and attempt to calm down the opponent, move the hands up and down a little. This movement is recognized as passive and calming, and again leaves you in a good position to attack or defend immediately. If the opponent steps toward you aggressively, I recommend circling outside his lead leg, as it is the shortest route to his rear.

In taking up this kind of defensive position, Tim, should the weight distribution be even over both legs (50-50)? I'm wondering if a back-weighted position like san ti stance trains might be interpreted as an aggressive move by the opponent. It seems like that "safe distance" concept you describe should allow enough room to shift weight and move in whatever direction is necessary.

Tom,
I would recommend a more or less 50-50 weight distribution in the stance. With a balanced stance, movement in any direction is possible without having to shift the weight first.

Thanks, Tim. So the key is balance in the stance. I think I've got a lot of work to do on mobility. I'm kind of leadfooted from deep karate stances and Yang Cheng-fu style taijiquan form training (shift weight, step, shift weight, step, etc.).