Once you come to grips with an opponent you can feel their intentions. This gives an advances warning of an impending attack and facilitates all your defensive reactions. When you don't have any hands on an opponent you have to figure out their intentions with your eyes, which usually takes longer and is more subject to deception. So when you come face to face with your opponent, make a habit of getting hands on him early and learn to read intention through then as accurately as a blind man reads braille through his hands – you'll be defensively stronger and well positioned to get into counter offense
