The art of “framing” is a critical skill in the toolbox of the self-defense oriented martial artist. Framing allows for space. Space allows for freedom of movement. Freedom of movement allows for options: escape or counterattack.

There are difficult moments when we are being compressed, smothered, and crushed (or we see the potential for that coming on quickly). The instinct, like someone who is drowning, is to thrash in an attempt to free ourselves from the intense pressure. However, like a person who is drowning, these unskilled frantic actions only fatigue us while inducing even more panic. For those who are training for self-defense, the inability to gain freedom isn’t the loss of a match but potentially our physical well being. It is also important to consider that the crushing compression one feels will likely be from an adversary of superior size and strength. They are purposely using their mass against you.

Although the art of Jukido Jujitsu often (but not always) encourages close physical connection between you and your adversary, it encourages this contact when the contact is on your terms! When it is not on your terms and you can’t, for whatever reason, immediately convert the attacker’s physical connection against him you must create and then control space. Framing is one way to do exactly that. Framing is strength through structure. Structural strength over muscle power.