An idiom describing the positioning of a weapon for the purpose of creating distance between a weapon and (a) potential target(s).

Inflected Form(s):

Cocking (adjective), Cocks (plural), Cocked (past tense)

Comments:

Cocking typically refers to an intentional act, but can also refer to an unintentional result of moving (a) weapon(s) for other purposes.

By definition, a weapon must travel some distance in order to strike a target. Each practitioner has a minimum distance that their strike must travel, in order to obtain maximum power . This distance is dependent upon a number of elements, but the primarily elements are the experience and ability of the practitioner and the type of strike being executed. Due to this fact, repositioning of weapons is not only common practice, but in some instances necessary.

During a combat situation, one should typically not cock a weapon without some other form of offensive move against the opponent(s). Doing this would create a gap in timing and thus allow time for the opponent(s) to retaliate.

Cocking can detract from the principle of Economy of Motion and should be used intelligently.

The benefits of cocking a weapon:

a.The potential for generating more power and speed is achieved

b.The cocked weapon can be more easily altered, adjusted, and/or redirected

c.The cocked weapon can be moved into an Obscure Zone

The negative to cocking a weapon:

a.The distance the weapon needs to travel to the target is effectively doubled

b.The weapon can potentially more easily be seen and read by the opponent

c.There is a potential for creating a break in timing

Example(s):

Withdrawing one's hand away from the intended target, before delivering a punch, demonstrates cocking.

Opposite(s):

Point of Origin, Stick

Related Definition(s):

Accelerate, Adjust, Aim, Align, Alter, Amplify, And, Contact, Depth, Distance, Force, Gap, Gauge, Hammer, Intent, Maneuver, Move, Offense, Position, Power, Range, Read, Recoil, Redirect, Retract, Reverse, Ricochet, Space, Spontaneous, Stick, Strike, Target, Telegraph, Thrust, Timing, Travel, Weapon

Related Term(s):

Availability of Target, Availability of Weapon, Cocking Check, Collapsible Deflection, Economy of Motion, False Travel, Fluid Movement, Line of Travel, Method of Execution, Object Obscurity, Obscure Zone, Open the Gap, Path of Execution, Path of Travel, Physical Speed, Point of Origin, Reverse Motion, Set-up