10/14/2018
If you are forced into a position in which you must either hurt or be hurt, be sure to make your move before someone else does. Francesco Guicciardini
In the event of a physical threat or an attack, you cannot afford to wait to make your move. Many times it only takes one punch, one kick, or one slash with a knife to end an attack. If you wait until that punch, kick or slash has occurred, it is could be too late for you to come out of the encounter victoriously. This is where the skill of personal awareness is crucial for the warrior. You have to be able to foresee the attack or threat before it actually materializes.
There should be no “first attack” in karate or in the warrior lifestyle for that matter, but the “first attack” is not necessarily physical. The first attack happens when you realize that someone means you harm. Once you know that someone means you harm, it is time for you to act, whatever that action may be. Your action does not necessarily have to be physical, but you do have to take some kind of action.
Your move will depend on the situation. Whether or not you make the first move will depend on your awareness and willingness to take action when action is required. Don’t take the chance that your enemy will not follow through on his threat or his “first attack.”
Don’t wait until it is too late to make your move. When you sense that first attack, respond with the appropriate response, whatever that may be. Different attacks require different responses, but all attacks or threats require some response, and it is always best to make your move first. Bohdi Sanders ~ excerpt from BUSHIDO: The Way of the Warrior, available from Amazon at: or from The Wisdom Warrior website. Also, check out my #1 Bestsellers, MODERN BUSHIDO and MEN of the CODE!