Theory and the Way of Strategy
One of the most overlooked aspects of martial arts is theory. Many martial arts instructors skimp or omit theory, strategy, and tactics in their curriculum. Oftentimes, technical application of specific fighting techniques is incorrectly conflated with theory. Such omission does a great disservice to countless martial artists. It ignores critical components of fighting. Technical expertise, physical fitness, and mental focus are vital to competent fighting, but it is incomplete without a thorough understanding of theory.
Theory comprises the “book learning” aspect of martial arts. It includes knowledge of anatomy, environment, strategy, and worldliness – AKA street smarts. Together, this knowledge encompasses the final component of a complete martial artist. Given the relative lack of theory in most martial arts instruction, it often marks the distinction of true martial arts expertise. Learning the theory behind fighting involves not physical training, but significant time reading and contemplating.
Anatomy
All martial artists should learn human anatomy. After all, the entire enterprise of fighting is neutralizing the human body. A martial artist should know how the bones and muscles of the body work and the ways in which they can, and cannot, move. They must understand the implications of what happens when certain muscles are attacked. The same holds true for internal organs. An expert martial artist will know what happens when specific body parts are attacked, such as the spleen, trachea, or certain nerve clusters.
Beware the proliferation of pseudoscience in martial arts anatomy. Most traditional fighting systems trace their roots to pre-scientific times. Hence, much of the body of knowledge in martial arts is rife with pseudoscientific concepts like chi, meridian lines, and pressure points. This knowledge is antiquated at best and complete bunk at worst. Not all knowledge is created equal – pursue only that which is based on reality.
Environment
It’s over Anakin! I have the high ground!
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
Canny martial artists train for self-defense scenarios they are most likely to find themselves in. This includes the environments they frequent. Fighting in a public place is far different than in a wooded area. Some environments provide more opportunities for escape than others. Additionally, different locales offer different types of improvised weapons.
Training for self-defense is a preparatory exercise. Prudent martial artists make sure to understand their environment at any time. They know to look for escape routes, potential weapons, and hazards anytime they enter a locale. This also informs their choice of techniques. For instance, grappling is generally ill-advised in any street fight (sorry, but it is), but doubly so in places rife with broken glass or other ground hazards – to say nothing of additional aggressors. By its very nature, kicking brings the risk of losing balance, especially in slippery or uneven environments. Self-defense experts are always weighing the environmental factors when considering their options and choice of tools.
Strategy
To practice strategy is to have a plan ahead of time. Self-defense experts never “wing it”. They know their intentions and objectives long before conflicts begin. This is done by extensive contemplation of the combat situations they are most likely to face. Such strategy begins with the principal objective of an ethical and mature martial artist: survival and escape utilizing as little violence as possible.
Martial arts strategy can be though of as “scripts”. These are invaluable in self-defense situations where there is little time to think in the heat of the moment. Having strategy is the same as having a plan. As much as in mundane life as in street fights, having a clear plan can make all the difference between success and failure. Strategies differ based on the type of attacker and the type of environment. For example, one would apply a very different approach to a fight against a small juvenile or woman than they would a drunk man or someone with a weapon.
Tactics
Tactics is often conflated with strategy but is actually a distinct concept. Tactics constitute the specific methods one uses to achieve strategic objectives. It involves the use of situational positioning, deception, distractions, and the like. Tactics also include the choice of tools used in a fight – punches vs kicks vs grapples, etc.
In martial arts, tactics can be though of the “nitty gritty” component of fighting. It includes considerations such as how one maintains fighting distance and relative positioning in relation to the attacker. Feints, fake-outs, and other deceptions are other tactical tools in fighting.
Strategy and tactics are intrinsic parts of martial arts and every manner of interpersonal conflict. In fact, they are skills that translate to just about any goal-oriented enterprise. They go hand in hand as part of a complete approach to complex situations.
Worldliness and Street Smarts
Everyone faces different types of self-defense threats depending on a myriad of factors. Smaller people are more likely to be singled out by bullies than large people. Women are more likely to be subdued by attackers than outright beaten. People of color must unfortunately contend with increased scrutiny by law enforcement in how they defend themselves against attackers.
Street smarts is a type of situational awareness. It is also a form of emotional intelligence – knowing how to gauge the behavior, attitude, and body language of others. Recognizing potential aggressors and understanding how to best navigate encounters with them is a big part of self-defense. It is the first step in mitigating and de-escalation of potentially violent situations. The best way to survive a fight is to avoid fighting altogether.
Complete Self-Defense
The heart of the ethos behind the martial arts lies in a mature and responsible approach to violence. It is only applicable in defense of oneself or others - the last option when all other methods of mitigation are unavailable. The theory behind the martial arts not only creates a more effective fighter, but also one who is better equipped to limit its usage. It is the mark of a mature and ethical martial artist and is the foundation of the Martial Way.
The Martial Way is a powerful and rewarding way of living derived from the martial arts. To learn more about the history, development, cultivation, and application of the Martial Way, check out my book NOBLE ECHOES: Gifts from the Martial Arts for Modern Life. Available in paperback or Kinde e-book.