Reggie wrote:I am referring to the idea that MA should only be used in self defense.
sorry if it seemed to put down anyone's position or opinion.
Martial arts internet discussions for many years have the same message -
Now that I am black belt I have to obey a code and never use my skills except when life is threatened
Now that I am black belt I am a lethal weapon and I must never show aggression
It is silly when most Tai Chi practitioners have no hope even in self defense.
As John Wang tried to show the real skill is in the setup. 90% of those doing drills and forms
have no idea how to setup the posture or technique that they have practiced and perfected.
Unless the attacker throws a straight punch that ends 4 inches from your face and holds it there
they have no idea how to grasp the birds tail.
What if you are carjacked with an eight yr old in the back seat?
Or what if you see your eight year old being kidnapped in front of your house?
What if someone grabs your woman as you walk from the car to the restauramt?
What if someone demands your wallet?
Or something petty like someone steals your spare tire - you know they did it so you confront them
and they laugh at you and deny it.
Because you are a martial artist you know that aggression is wrong and you can get another tire. another wallet. another child?
If they stand behind me, I fight to protect them. If they stand beside me, I fight to support them. If they stand against me, I fight to defeat them, quickly and decisively.
That said, always lead with love and compassion, but still master the throat strike, just in case they don't respond in kind.