Maai is the combative distance between two people during a fight. This space determines if a strike can reach the intended target. Understanding this gap is essential for both offense and defense in karate. A fighter moves slightly back to make an opponent miss a punch. This small adjustment creates a safe zone for the defending person. Finding the perfect range allows for a successful and powerful counter-attack. The distance changes constantly as both participants move around the floor. One must learn to judge the reach of their own limbs. Taller opponents require a different approach than shorter ones in a match. Mastering the distance prevents a person from being hit by surprise attacks. It is often described as the engagement zone for the two fighters. This skill takes many years of sparring practice to develop fully.