Action Beats Reaction

[EclecticFighter]

I've seen so much here I don't know if there is something else I can add. Actually yes.

For those like me who don't want to throw the first strike (because of morals or the law) and are specialized in punching-kicking-blocking: break their first attack. What I mean is you block the punch so hard you break (or almost) the arm. A numb arm gives food for thoughts for those who want to hurt you. It is clear that you must be in control of yourself to achieve this. If you are too stressed, evading will serve you better.

"But your honor, I was just trying to block his punch! I never struck back!"

Of course this is useless against multiple opponents. You can't waste time with any single one because the others will have time to sneak up on you.

[bushido_man96]

We had a female in the other night on disorderly conduct, who claimed she was just defending herself. Her idea of defending herself was evident to the officer, who saw her bent over the other girl, reigning blows down on her. She could have gotten a battery charge, but the officer took it easy on her.

So, about the only way that I have seen so far to avoid getting brought in on charges in a fight is to just take it. If you swing back, and officers see it, they will charge you as well. Then most likely you will have to sort it out at court.

[Jiffy]

I've seen so much here I don't know if there is something else I can add. Actually yes.

For those like me who don't want to throw the first strike (because of morals or the law) and are specialized in punching-kicking-blocking: break their first attack. What I mean is you block the punch so hard you break (or almost) the arm. A numb arm gives food for thoughts for those who want to hurt you. It is clear that you must be in control of yourself to achieve this. If you are too stressed, evading will serve you better.

"But your honor, I was just trying to block his punch! I never struck back!"

Of course this is useless against multiple opponents. You can't waste time with any single one because the others will have time to sneak up on you.

Because you are talking about blocking, this would still fit into the "reaction" category. We too though were originally taught much the same as you were, the motto being "One Hit Kill". Obviously I now don't agree with the whole "Kill" idea, but I do believe still that you should practise so that you KNOW they will not get up after the first one.

[a_ninja]

vilence is the last resort martial arts is about peace. People gets it mixed up and they think that if you punch first then it is alright, but its not. now if someone runs at you it is but besides that no. martial arts should only be used defensivley, but if it comes to a fight stand your ground but dont through the first punch

[bushido_man96]

vilence is the last resort martial arts is about peace. People gets it mixed up and they think that if you punch first then it is alright, but its not. now if someone runs at you it is but besides that no. martial arts should only be used defensivley, but if it comes to a fight stand your ground but dont through the first punch

That's a nice idea, but if you decide to always wait to get hit, one day, you will get hit.

[username8517]

vilence is the last resort martial arts is about peace. People gets it mixed up and they think that if you punch first then it is alright, but its not. now if someone runs at you it is but besides that no. martial arts should only be used defensivley, but if it comes to a fight stand your ground but dont through the first punch

You don't have to wait until the punch comes forward at you to defend against it. As soon as your attacker cocks their arm back for the big hit (as many would assuming a verbal arguement takes place prior), a pre-emptive strike is going to be self defense. It's not your fault your jab is quicker than your opponent winding up and throwing that big haymaker.

[cross]

Self defence situations are all about control and survival. The attacker is agressive and trying to control you to get what they want. This alone already puts you at a disadvantage. IF you wait for them to strike and try to block then counter, or when they strike you try to strike faster, your just putting yourself at more of a disadvantage and giving the other person/people more control over you.

Being pre-emptive is certainly not the only way to deal with a situation, but it gives you the best chance of survival. If all other options have failed, then the safest option is to strike first and strike hard with a well practiced technique. Then run, if you cant run keep hitting until you can.

One person said "if its one on one i will wait for them to attack." Why? Getting attacked is getting attacked, no matter how many people are doing it to you. Sure, you may feel that you can control a situation with one person easily, but what happens if they are better than you? If you wait around and engage in a "fight" and they are more skilled, its 2 late. Being pre-emptive ends the fight before it starts.

Others mentioned the legal implications of hitting first. And i agree that these need to be taken into consideration.... long before the situation ever occurs, read up on the laws of your area and know exactly what you can and cant do. Waiting around to get hit may be legally more 'correct'. But logically, it makes no sense. Before you worry about the legal problems that might arise AFTER a situation, you need to survive whats happening right infront of you.

In regards to the "honor and respect" of not hitting first and only using your training if needed.. If someone wants to attack me, for whatever reason and is becoming aggressive, they are in no way showing me respect. If they act like an adult and want to discuss the problem with me, then i will respect that and talk it through, but if they make the choice to cause me physical harm, they will get no respect from me.

Being pre-emptive is your best chance to regain control of a situation that if you dont act quickly in, is going to spiral far beyond your control.