Direct Line of AttacK

In combat, planning to attack along the most direct and economical line is key. Be quick and concise without hesitation. However, do not mistake the most direct route for the shortest physical distance between your weapon and the target. The shortest route to accomplishing your goal may appear circuitous to the eye. But once put into action, it will be the most effective.

Imagine yourself traveling in a boat on the ocean, charting a straight course to your destination. Unexpectedly, lying directly ahead of you in your path is an island. You have two choices if you wish to reach your destination. You can go around the island by way of the boat or you can sail up to island, carry your boat across the island then get back in the boat and sail on your way.

The second choice is the shortest distance from one side of the island to the other. It is not, however, the most efficient. The most efficient route is to sail around the island. Although it appears to be a longer, digressive route in terms of distance, it is the more pragmatic in terms of energy expended. A boat is not meant to be carried over land, it is meant to travel in water.

Carrying a boat over land just to take the shortest route from point A to point B is to ignore the purpose of the boat. When traveling by boat, make the most efficient possible use of the boat. Though it does not readily appear to be the most direct line, it has its other advantages.

Be flexible. If your original plan of traveling straight ahead is not feasible by boat, you must adapt your course to what you have available.

Combat is the same. Travel the route of least resistance with the tools you have. Don’t be attached to appearances or plans. Sometimes the obviously direct route will be best and sometimes the less obvious direct route will be best. The best direct route is the one that maximizes the function of the techniques being used.