Strategy as Applied to Warrior-citizens

After years of study, I have come to a small understanding of the way of strategy. I will here explain some strategy as it applies to warrior-citizens. Seek whatever truth you may find here, then continue on your search for enlightenment.

In the broad view, a warrior must uphold the values of his or her society to be of any honorable use. We all depend on one another. The warrior must quell disorder, promote peace, and cultivate character. In practicing the ways of war, one has an obligation to not use them in an illegal or immoral fashion.

Let us now consider fighting tactics. First, we must understand self defense. It goes without saying that one should exercise caution in the use of force. Awareness must have the highest priority.

In self defense, one must be able to read the situation and potential adversary. Pay attention to the neighborhood, your own mental and physical state, as well as the mental state of potential attackers. One can never be too careful. When visiting a new area, stay in well lit areas that seem safe. Also try to find good information on the right places to stay if you are going to be in town for a while.

There are many magazine and internet articles on the uses of makeshift weapons, and endless articles on disarming a mugger. It is important to note that while such magazines are easy to come across, not all of them are realistic, nor are any of them a substitute for actual hands-on defense training. At best, they may be a supplement to such training from a true instructor. The broken rhythm of fighting, the form without form, and the warrior's mindset are difficult to learn without guidance.

However, remember that there is never enough thought given to proper timings. Blend with or break the opponent's energy, rhythm, or attitude. Read the timing and habit of the opponent. This is applied to hand to hand combat, large scale combat, and overall strategy. Study timing and movement well.

In life, stay truthful to yourself and loved ones. Take the most honorable course of action in every situation; your enemy today may become your ally tomorrow. Your best friend can be your worst enemy because he or she knows the most about you. It is in this case you must treat them as honorably as possible. Also remember that what protects and upholds you today may hinder you tomorrow. Watch carefully, ask questions, and do not ever stop learning. This will be your lifelong progress, and contribution.

The author lives in Lake City, South Carolina, where he teaches Wado ryu Karate. Please see http://www.johnstonkarate.net for more information.

---

John Styers

Most people have only been exposed to John Styers work... Read More

Okinawan Karate

So you are thinking of starting to train in okinawan... Read More

Real Life Self-Defense Starts From...

"Nicky Bats" was an "old school" kinda guy. He was... Read More

I Know Karate and Kung Fu and Lots of Other Foreign Words!

Martial arts have become incredibly popular in the US. Drive... Read More

Eight Simple Rules for Saving Your Life

Let's put the non-lethal fantasy to rest.1. Never trust your... Read More

Fairbairn on the Fairbairn Method

Something for our shooting "enthusiasts" -PRELIMINARY STATEMENTBackground:"Prior to my association... Read More

Its Not a Matter of Who is Right

"People here may belittle sports arts...."Who?Almost EVERY "combatives" man of... Read More

Content, Are We?

I asked a simple question at the last seminar:"How much... Read More

Safety Awareness & Self Defense: Circle of Safety

Safety Awareness & Self Defense is the responsibility of each... Read More

Regular or De-escalated

We always stress that NOTHING occurs in a vacuum. There... Read More

Samurai Swords ? Choosing a Sword to Buy

It's undeniable that a well placed and mounted samurai sword... Read More

Fight Simulator Theory for Reality Based Street Defense

This is such a powerful tool that it should leave... Read More

Are You Frustrated Yet?

I was talking to a parent recently and they told... Read More

Are You Still Standing Toe to Toe?

How many times do you practice techniques with your training... Read More

So You Think You Train Hard

"Tokio Hirano (1922-1993) 8th Dan The Man Who Revolutionized Judo"... Read More

Learning the Modern Dynamics of Judo

You may have the erroneous idea that force is not... Read More

Aikido Philosophy: An Oriental Concept of Energy, Self, and Mind

PrefaceThere are many different ways to understand Aikido philosophy and... Read More

COMBATIVES? ...... Don?t Tell Me. I Know What That Is! (Part 1)

"Combatives" from the root word COMBAT ? "to fight in... Read More

By-Rote Combinations

Do not believe that practicing "by rote" 1-2-3,etc. type "responses"... Read More

Break the Bones

"HONE O ORERU" is a Japanese term that translates literally... Read More

The Test

"Will this work so that I can use it instinctively... Read More

The Fallacy and the Myth

It's always amusing when "know it alls" dismiss certain methods... Read More

How to Relax During a Fight

I received a returned video from a well meaning, but... Read More

Expect the Unexpected Grass Hopper

The Myth perpetuated by Self Defense Oriented Martial ArtsI just... Read More

Tae Kwon Do As A Means To Stay In Shape

Becoming a martial artist is a fanatastic method of fitness.... Read More

Martial Arts and The Bible

As a Christian and a martial arts student, I have... Read More

Samurai Sword Basics, A Brief History

Capturing the spirit of old Japan and recognised by its... Read More

The Economics of Self Defense

The following is a recent email I received; I thought... Read More

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Martial Art for You

One of the questions I get asked most frequently, in... Read More

Judo Nagewaza (Throwing Technique) In The Street

How practical are throwing techniques (nagewaza) for self-defense or street-fighting?... Read More

The Shocking Truth About Stun Guns

If you are outside the world of law enforcement, chances... Read More

Samurai Armor Part 1

The first prototype for Japanese samurai armor came about in... Read More

Samurai Swords and The Swordsmiths

Back in the early times of sword manufacture, the production... Read More