I seem to be still logged in, so it appears to have been the checkbox. Boy do I feel stupid now.

Glad to hear about the checkbox; I think that was probably your problem.

(On the login front, I’ve logged in again, and I noticed that the “remember me” checkbox was not checked in the login form. Perhaps this has something to do with it? I checked it, so hopefully I’ll stay logged in. If not, though, at least I can log in again easily.)

That’s a good question. I’ll point out for starters that for either opponent to strike the other, the two fighters have to be within arm’s reach of one another, however briefly.

It’s true that some (generally more “northern”) styles feature “longer-range” techniques – primarily kicking, as in tae kwon do, but also various hand techniques as well. The southern fighter’s wish is to force matters to operate at close range. If, as they say, the “mountain won’t come to Mohammed”, then it’s necessary for the southern stylist to take charge. The simplest approach is to close rapidly with some technique that must be blocked, for example a strike to the head or upper torso. Once the opponent raises his “bridge” to block, the connection is made. An important skill for the southern fighter is to be able then to close the range quickly behind his bridging hand. For example: one throws a strike to the opponent’s head at fairly long range, which is blocked by a raised forearm. One then brings one’s stance and lower body forward, closing the arms inward to maintain the sticking contact as the range narrows — after which one uses one’s “short power” to control and attack the opponent inside his preferred range. One needs to be both mobile and rooted in one’s stance.

It would be much easier to show you this than convey it with words, but I hope you get the idea.