During framing, what is the correct answer about arm angle?

• A. Arm angle is not important
• B. Arms inside 90 degrees
• C. Arms outside 90 degrees
• D. Arms at 45 degrees

Answer: (C)

In framing, you want a broad, stable barrier that lets you manage the attacker’s upper body while keeping your own balance and space. Keeping the arms flared so the elbows are outside a 90-degree angle from your torso creates that wider frame. This gives more contact area on the attacker’s chest or shoulders, making it harder for them to close distance or slip inside your frame. It also provides better leverage to redirect their momentum and step offline to create space. If the arms are inside 90 degrees or brought too close (like around 45 degrees), the frame becomes narrower and weaker—contact is reduced, and it’s easier for the attacker to get inside the guard or disrupt your balance. So, arms outside 90 degrees is the most effective framing posture.