Thursday, August 27, 2009

All warfare is based on deception



"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him."

- Sun Tzu, the Art of War


Besides being a martial artist, I am also a passionate magician. This quote makes me think of the mind bending power misdirection has, even in the martial arts. I can think of two examples using wrist turns, kote gaeshi



1. Your opponent is trying to put on a wrist turn technique (kote gaeshi) Usually all their energy and attention is focused on that one point, the lock. That one point becomes the misdirection. Let them have that battle. Flank them with your body attacking another point destabilizing them. This causes the wrist lock to become ineffective.

2. Your are attempting to do a kote gaeshi. Conditions are not perfect and the technique is not perfect. Your opponent feels the strain and battle and is trying to wiggle out and escape. All of his attention (ki) is in his wristand trying to escape. Continue to employ it, but use your other hand to begin establishing a connection somewhere else. Establish the battle line (wrist) use it as the deception. Flank the battle line and attack somewhere else while all his attention is on the wrist.

No comments:

Post a Comment