Assessing an Opponent or Assailant

When you face an opponent, ask yourself these questions:

1. Ability
What is his level of physical ability? How much has he trained? What are his favorite skills? How is his skill level compared to mine?

2. Instinct
Is he prepared with many set combinations or does he go with the flow of the fight? Is he able to make quick decisions when confused or surprised? Are his movements loose and fluid, without hesitation?

3. Strategy
What style fighter is he: in-fighter/out-fighter, tall/short, strength/finesse, left handed/right handed/ambidextrous, aggressive/defensive, etc.? Is an initiative attacker or a counterattacker? Does he use conventional tactics or unconventional skills? What are his primary and secondary vital openings?

4. Determination/Stamina
Is he mentally determined to win? Is he focused or distracted? Is he emotional or calm? Does he tire quickly or is he able to respond to your strongest attacks with equal strength?

5. Physical Condition
What is his physical condition like? Does he appear fit, strong, quick, agile? What are his strong and weak areas of conditioning? How can you exploit his weaknesses?

6. Efficiency
Is he making many unnecessary movements? Does he conserve energy by flowing with you or does he expend energy for resisting? Are his movements focused or underdeveloped?

7. Adaptability
Can he easily adapt to your changes in tactics and strategy? Is he locked into one style? Is he vulnerable to counterattacks because his style is one dimensional? Is he psychologically sensitive to your changes in tactics?

8. Experience
How experienced is he? How does he approach? Is he calm or nervous? Is he evaluating you or busy with himself?

You may or may not be able to answer all or any of these questions, but they will give you some guidelines for assessing your opponents. After studying this book and practicing with a variety of opponents, the ability to analyze opponents with a minimum of conscious thought will develop.

Fighting a Stronger Opponent

By nature, an opponent will rarely be both extremely strong or extremely quick. Assess which characteristic is predominant in your opponent. If he relies primarily on his strength, counter him with speed and smarts. Avoid his full power attacks by evasion, deflection and intelligence. Frustrate his attack by striking in sudden unexpected ways to soft, weak targets like the eyes, groin, or throat. Make him doubt the effectiveness of his power by avoiding his blows and hurting him with quick, sharp strikes. When he is surprised or confused, use
your best attack and commit to finishing the fight immediately.

Key points against a stronger opponent:
1. Use speed and smarts to avoid power blows
2. Frustrate with sharp, surprise attacks