Largo / Medio / Corto
Largo, medio, and corto are the three primary fighting distances recognized in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), including systems such as Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali. Understanding and controlling these distances is central to FMA strategy, whether the practitioner is armed or fighting empty-handed.
Largo (long range) refers to the distance at which only the tip of a weapon, an extended kick, or a thrown object can reach the opponent. At this range, movement and footwork are used to control engagement and avoid being drawn into a closer exchange.
Medio (mid range) is the distance at which a weapon held in a standard grip, or a full punching or striking technique, can make solid contact. This is often the primary fighting range in FMA, where most striking and deflecting techniques are applied.
Corto (close range) is the distance at which the practitioner is in close contact with the opponent: elbow and knee strikes, joint locks, takedowns, and grappling become the tools of choice. In weapons contexts, this is where the pommel of a stick or the handle of a blade is used offensively.
What distinguishes FMA's approach to distance is the emphasis on transitioning fluidly between all three ranges, rather than specializing in one. Practitioners are trained to recognize which range they are in and respond with the appropriate technique, regardless of whether they are holding a weapon or empty-handed. This adaptability is part of why FMA principles translate naturally to found weapon use with any object at hand.
Related article: Found Weapons: How Martial Arts Training Unlocks the Self-Defense Potential of Everyday Objects