Another response to the question in karate-jutsu-do "Why does karate require that we do not strike first?" The short answer, "timing." Remember that timing as it is explained in the fundamental principles of the martial systems is, "To evoke commitment of the threat and then wait until the last possible moment before executing a defensive technique."
By our waiting, not striking first, we cause the threat to "commit" to an action. Once they commit to that action it is very difficult to do anything else so we wait and then once that commitment is set we act. If out timing is spot on, i.e. our response to the threat's "first strike" is fast then we put into effect our technique to not get hit first.
Read chapter fifty-seven in the book of martial power to help clarify what I am trying to convey. If we react to an intent at the earliest possible sign of an attack then we have the advantage, the superior position to respond accordingly.
If we strike first then the other person has the advantage. This particular principle, of course, does not stand along yet when properly integrated with the fundamental principles of martial systems it lengthens our line to that of the threat so they can strike first and we will not get hit.
In other words, to not strike first is simply adhering to the fundamental principles of martial systems, yes?
"It is not how you move, it is when you move." - Kosho-ryu Kempo phrase.
Hi Charles, accepting what you say, where do you stand with the use of pre-emptive striking in karate?
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue (Yu-dan-sha :-):
ReplyDeleteIn real life protection a preemptive strike is considered "aggression" and leaves you no room to use "defense" in a defense strategy when taken to court for breaking the law.
Then again, in another context of say hand-to-hand fighting one "moves" the moment the threat moves.
The ability to see and know what to look for when under attack, if your lucky enough to have a moment, gives you the ability to counter an attack that makes it seem like a preemptive attack on your part.
It also means if on the street that a video on a phone will not truly show that your defending but actually attacking simply because it will not show up in a film.
Regardless, a preemptive strike is what we use in combat for war - legally declared by our country and accepted by the world. It should not be in your vocabulary at all; call it something else and be ready to "explain" it for the jury.
- Charles ;-)