Because how human body is configured and how techniques based on that work, you have about 100-120 degrees and some 2-3ft (#atemi - and the fear thereof - counts) in front of you which gets your attention AND effective use of limbs.

That means it applies to ATTACKERS, as well.

Blahblah; effectively, only 3 attackers can "touch" you, at once, and you can exert SOME form of effect onto at most 2 of them.

#rantori #aikido