How do you know you created enough distance to escape?

• A. Your breathing has slowed.
• B. The opponent has stopped moving.
• C. You have a clear path to retreat to a safer area with room to maneuver.
• D. You can pivot and circle counterclockwise.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that you’ve created enough distance when you actually have a clear exit route to a safer area with space to move. Distance isn’t just about being far from the other person; it’s about having a viable path you can take to retreat, plus room to adjust your position or angles as you move toward safety. If you can step back and move toward safety without being blocked, you’ve established a workable escape.

Slower breathing or an opponent stopping doesn't reliably guarantee you can escape—people can pause briefly or breathe differently for many reasons, and that moment may not hold or translate into a clear exit. Circling or pivoting might help you reposition, but it doesn’t by itself ensure there’s an open path to safety. The decisive factor is a visible, unblocked route to a safer area with room to maneuver.