Strategy

STRATEGY

Mental Strategies:

Blending with the motion of another human being during combat is the most basic and purest form of communication. This blending creates a very special harmony, where the minds and bodies of those interacting become one. This is due to their singular desire to dominate. On the levels of the subconscious, ones mortality is somehow realized bringing the spirit into play through ones will to survive.

The union of mind, body, and spirit is accomplished not as the result of superior physical strength, stronger wills, or even greater intellect. It is the result of relaxing and letting go (Mushin.) This allows the individual to respond naturally. More importantly is the desire, a needing to join with another human being that a warrior projects. This needing or longing for that union gives one a feeling of elation. The elation and longing that your opponent sees and feels quite often unnerves them throwing them completely off balance. During this off balance the warrior, by remaining relaxed and calm can choose from any number of strategies. One such strategy is to suddenly retract your ki, this gives one the appearance of being either weak or frightened. Your opponent now feels that they have the upper hand. They are lulled into a false sense of security. You have now eliminated any edge they may have felt they had.

Another strategy is to display an attitude of nonchalance, almost an air of unawareness. This can also cause your adversary to lower their defenses. They become momentarily confused due to the fact that on a subconscious level they perceive no ki again (Mushin.) Now the conscious mind begins to analyze the situation. At this point, they are unable to react as quickly, because the process of reasoning over rides their emotions. The human mind is capable of only one complete action at a time. The time afforded may only be momentary, but the warrior can use this to achieve victory.

Displaying this same attitude with total conviction at the onset of a conflict can be so disarming that it completely intimidates your adversaries. This would result in a submission on their part. At all times your awareness must be high enough to perceive and feel their ki. If your awareness is there then you can determine whether you should close and defeat, or withdraw and conquer!

Physical Strategies:

These three strategies are offered as a basic introduction.

Option #1: Move in using the same linear line your opponent is using. This results in force meeting force. The victory here is realized by maintaining your focus on mass and velocity. If your mass is not substantially greater than your velocity, then your velocity must be substantially greater than your mass.

Option #2: Move in using an oblique angle. This allows their force to be sidestepped. When attacking from an oblique, velocity and timing become your main focus. This is due to the catch up involved.

Option #3: Move in using a circular motion. Attaching yourself to them using the force they provide. When attaching you use their mass and their velocity. This results in them working against themselves. With this strategy, you control and redirect their attack. In this way, the attacker becomes the attacked. They are trapped and attacked by their own force. Your focus here is timing.

Timing is often misunderstood. Timing is not the result of finely tuned reflexes. Timing is achieved by remaining relaxed and calm in any situation. Allowing the subconscious, or if you rather, instincts to do the work. Humans have a tendency to waste time, by rationalizing on a conscious level. This impedes their ability to react from a natural state. Rationalizing can occupy up to 90% of ones mental facility! Relaxing (Mushin) is the key. Breathe...