Distancing is the appropriate selection of distance between oneself and a combatant throughout an encounter. Distancing is significant in an altercation as it determines both attack and defence options for all parties involved. Timing and tactics are also important elements of combat which are often used in conjunction with distancing by experienced martial artists. Distancing is the appropriate selection of distance between oneself and a combatant throughout an encounter. Distancing is significant in an altercation as it determines both attack and defence options for all parties involved. Timing and tactics are also important elements of combat which are often used in conjunction with distancing by experienced martial artists.