Timing
Timing in martial arts denotes the onset of a technique relative to an opponent's actions. On the AKBAN wiki, timing is categorized as a meta-perspective—an ongoing study of the temporal attributes that define successful execution.
Contents
The Seven Timings in Fighting
While combat timing is often reduced to three basic modes—before, during, or after—the AKBAN perspective identifies seven distinct levels of engagement.
1st Timing: Preventive
Initiating before the opponent attacks. While effective in multiple-attacker scenarios, its use in self-defense is legally complex, as it can be interpreted as unprovoked aggression.
2nd Timing: Responsive
Initiating after the opponent's technique has begun. This is the standard in many self-defense systems. It is legally sound but leaves the practitioner reacting to a potentially lethal move.
3rd Timing: Simultaneous
Initiating at the exact moment of the opponent's attack to disrupt their rhythm and tempo. Combining 2nd and 3rd timing is a hallmark of an expert.
4th Timing: Breath Detection
Coordinating an attack with the opponent's respiratory cycle. Execution occurs at the precise moment of inhalation, when the opponent is most vulnerable.
5th Timing: Deception
An off-beat timing based on rhythm disruption. By detecting and then breaking the opponent’s established movement patterns, the practitioner creates a psychological opening.
6th Timing: Manipulation
Predicting and actively guiding the opponent's awareness, ushering them toward specific moves or lapses in attention.
7th Timing: Okuden
The seventh timing in Ninjutsu is Okuden (Hidden teachings).
Lists of Techniques by Timing
1st Timing (Preventive)
| Technique | Timing |
|---|---|
| Ago kin geri - heel kick to chin | 1st / 3rd |
| Jumonji no kamae | 1st / 2nd |
| Kasumigake no kata | 1st / 2nd |
| Kikaku ken, headbutt | 1st / 3rd |
| Tsuki, back punch | 1st / 3rd |
2nd Timing (Responsive)
| Technique | Timing |
|---|---|
| Kata | 2nd |
| Yama arashi no kata | 2nd |
3rd Timing (Simultaneous)
| Technique | Timing |
|---|---|
| Ka no kata, Gyokko Ryu | 3rd |
| Hicho no kamae | 3rd / 6th |
4th, 5th, and 6th Timing
| Technique | Timing |
|---|---|
| Sokugyaku geri | 4th |
| Ku no kata, Gyokko Ryu | 5th |
| Hicho no kamae | 6th |