Offense and Defense as One

There are several types of defense. The best defense is one that does not give the opponent the opportunity to attack, thereby avoiding any chance of being hit. The second best defense is one that can block, evade or cut any attack the opponent launches while incurring little or no damage.

The first case is the ideal goal of your training. In the best type of defense, defense and offense become one. There is no thought about which movements are defensive and which are offensive. Every movement is so well executed that the opponent has no chance to launch an effective attack. You give him neither a vulnerable target nor a chance to attack.

This is an underlying principle of Junsado. Every movement is executed to attack perfectly without providing opportunities to the opponent. For example, imagine an assailant attempts to punch you in the face. The conventional strategy of offense and defense dictates that you first block his punch and then counter attack. While you are blocking, you leave yourself vulnerable to attack.

Punches and Hand Strikes

Hand skills are used most frequently in self-protection because human hands have highly developed capabilities. With the capacity to grab, the hand is superior to any other anatomical weapon for self-protection. Without the ability to grasp the opponent, throwing, choking and locking skills would be virtually impossible.

The hands provide the quickest, shortest route to the opponent’s vital areas, especially those on the head. Hand attacks are used in short and medium range combat. Obviously, the opponent should be located slightly beyond arm’s length when you launch a hand attack. Practice speed and deception in hand skills.

In addition to offense, the hand provides a natural defense due to its position at the end of the arm. If you drop or raise your arms naturally, you will find that they easily extend to cover all your vital points including your groin, internal  organs, throat and head. Easy mobility, maneuverability and natural proportions make the hands and arms unique weapons.

Fighting Stance

The stance is the foundation from which every technique is launched. It creates the firm ground for strong attacks and the agility for speedy attacks. But it is not a fixed foundation.

In free combat, the stances of the combatants are in constant flux. To identify a specific stance in the flurry of action is almost impossible. There appears to be a ceaseless combination of transitional movements as the fighters struggle for the advantage.

Junsado training recognizes both the need for transition and the need for a strong foundation by categorizing stances by type rather than fixed positions. At the most basic level there are two types of stance: half stance and full stance.

Range Fighting: Using Relative Distance

Real distance is determined by the absolute measure of distance from one point to another. However, this objective measure works only in a world where all people are physical and mental equals. Since this is untrue, you cannot rely on real distance alone to determine your combat strategy.

Relative distance is used to account for the many mitigating factors. In addition to considering the actual physical distance consider these elements in terms of both you and your opponent:
1. Skill level
2. Mental toughness
3. Speed
4. Size
5. Types of available weapons (bodily and other)
6. Vulnerability of targets exposed
7. Type of techniques available

Components of Combat Skills

The outcome of any physical confrontation is determined by several interconnected factors. The most important and controllable factors are those qualities that make up your combat skills:

1. Ability
2. Instinct
3. Strategy
4. Determination
5. Physical condition
6. Efficiency
7. Adaptability
8. Experience

Each of these elements can be cultivated through consistent and effective training.

Rhythm vs. Timing in Fighting

Rhythm and timing are often used interchangeably by novice fighters. Timing is a specific action that takes place at a specific point in time. Rhythm, on the other hand, is a sustained pattern of actions over a period of time.

Rhythm is established by creating a pattern of regular and irregular movements through a combination of strong and weak pulses. Normally, the rhythm of attacking is strong and the rhythm of withdrawing is weak. By checking the attacking and withdrawing pattern of your opponent, you can determine his rhythm. He will use a similar method to find your rhythm.

To confuse his perception of your rhythm, practice attacking very aggressively, like a hurricane. Before he realizes your intention to attack, initiate without hesitation. Then withdraw like a squirrel, swiftly with only the goal of retreating in mind. This will prevent him from finding a pattern of weak and strong beats. When you have established a strong/strong pattern, occasionally use a strong/weak sequence to create an irregular pattern in your attacks.

Sensing the opponent’s ability to make or break the weak/strong pattern is very important in establishing the rhythm of the confrontation. When you disrupt your opponent’s weak/strong pattern and make your rhythm the rhythm of the fight, you will dominate. This is sometimes called “ring generalship” in boxing. When you have the dominating rhythm, speed becomes secondary and you can attack at will without hesitation.

Offensive Strategies: Direct Attack

The best method of attacking is to use a direct attack from the beginning of the confrontation. When you see an opening, attack. This is the most basic principle of combat. It is also the most bold and risky type of offense.

A direct attack prevents your opponent from studying you and preparing an attack. Once you initiate a direct attack, do not allow any chance for recovery. Continue attacking until you finish the fight. The direct attack is used to stun the opponent into inaction and create openings to finish him.

The best time for a direct attack is before the opponent has a chance to launch his preferred offense. When he is planning to attack, hesitating, or trying to figure out your style, take action immediately to prevent him from getting the initiative.

Best time for a direct attack
When the opponent is:

1. Hesitating
2. Planning his attack
3. Studying