Steve James wrote:The problem is that soft and hard are completely relative. It might be better to say that less (X) can be more (X). I.e., the problem is either how to beat opponents who have more force/power by using less force. Alternatively, it's always possible to train to be stronger or use more force than the opponent. But, the latter is easier.
I am not a big guy. If you are even a little bit weaker or shorter than the average fighter, you have no else choice but trying to fight smarter. Using speed, better timing, better use of leverage etc. Trying to use more strength and power than him won't help if he is stronger and heavier. The issue is not a matter of using philosophical theories trying to use as little force as possible. It's a matter of trying to survive, period. I myself have never felt comfortable with, or been very successful, using common sparring and fighting methods. In common sparring type of matches, I've never been particularly good. But using Tai Chi / IMA principles and strategies I found that size and weight didn't matter as much. And also, and maybe more important, I found that I had a psychological advantage that could help me a lot.
However, I couldn't care less if I beat someone with the use of a lot of physical strength or by using a minimum amount of strength. The important thing is your own softness and relaxation compared to your own hardness and tension. Being able to calm the mind, breath fully and deeply, and being able to regulate the tension in your own body, is what will make your reactions and movements faster, your timing better, and help you find liveliness when you fight. How you win the fight doesn't matter.
wayne hansen wrote:Tall poppie means the tallest poppie always gets picked
They say here in Australia
That we build people up then tear them down
That's always a good strategy. Sunzi would concur.