In conflict it is better to be receptive than aggressive,
better to retreat a foot than advance an inch.

(Lao Tzu) 

Pointless stepping

Many new starters are flighty. They skip around and have no centre. By moving too much they lose their root.
A common fault is what we call the 'purposeless step'. It is an anticipatory action.

The purposeless step is where somebody is defending themselves and chooses to step for no obvious reason.

The step does not strengthen their posture, open up new possibilities or compromise the attacker in any way.
It actually takes away the defenders root, stability and composure. It renders the applications ineffective.
The step has no effect upon the opponent and fails to meet the criteria of advance, withdraw, see the left, see the right or central equilibrium.

If you look at the tai chi form, each posture features one or no steps.
We take this principle into our self defence work and seek to take one or no steps.
The step (if taken) must do something adverse to the opponent. Otherwise, why step?

Many beginners take lots of steps in response to a single attack. This is pointless. It suggests fear.
It comes from thinking too much and not being in the moment.


Self-fulfilling prophecy

The very act of seeking to avoid something can actually precipitate the event.
Your actions are in response to an imagined threat. They may suggest a pattern to your attacker.
They may highlight an opportunity.

In seeking to avoid something that may not even occur, you draw attention to a possibility.
You indicate its existence and demonstrate its potential.

Your adversary may wonder what you are doing, and why. They may extrapolate the reason.

Composure

If you are present, you will be like a frog. Silent, calm, receptive, spontaneous.
If you are not calm, you will be jittering about inside, flighty and uncertain.

People seek to compensate for their fear by being forceful and aggressive. This is not tai chi.
You need to compose yourself and become quiet in mind and body.
Settle and wait.
Do not anticipate.

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Page created 2 October 2003