The following is a revised version of a blog I posted back in 2011. ADAPT LIKE A SHADOW… Combat, as we have all read before, has no rules, regulations, or boundaries, and is alive, fluid, unpredictable and constantly changing. It is not something limited to such things as our perspective or conditioning as a particular type of martial artist, our personal inclinations, or our physical makeup. In real life, confrontations are often sudden and unexpected and one rarely has the option of choosing the opponent, let alone the time and place. In addition, when it comes any combative situation, there are numerous variables that we do not get to dictate. These include such things as: • The size, weight, and body-type of the opponent – (tall and long-limbed, short and stocky, heavy, skinny, etc.) • The opponent’s mental or emotional state – (cool and calm, angry, nervous and agitated, etc.) • The relative speed, power and agility of the opponent • What lead (if any) the opponent chooses to from – (right lead, left lead) • What type of on-guard position the opponent is in – (open, closed, tight and compact, crouching, etc.) • What method or style of fighting the opponent will use – (martial arts, boxing, grappling, street-fighting, etc.) • The type(s) of attacks the opponent may try to use – (punching, kicking, elbows/knees, throwing, grappling, locking, etc.) • The type of fighter the opponent is – (runner, blocker, counter-fighter, crasher, etc.) • The number of opponents you have to face – (one, several, etc.) • The environment the situation takes place in – (city street, beach, woods, etc.) • Whether the opponent is unarmed or has a weapon While we may be in a position to influence one or more of the above variables, we do not get to dictate them. This being the case, it goes without saying that one of, if not the highest quality that any martial artist can possess is adaptability. By adaptability I am referring to the ability to adapt to any opponent and any situation. Adaptability is “the process of making specific adjustments in your attitude, approach, and strategies when dealing with the fluidity and unpredictability of a challenging situation or problem.” If we enter a combative situation with a rigid, fixed approach, or a pre-formulated, ‘set’ method of dealing with it, we are, in effect, handicapping themselves, because we will lack the flexibility necessary to adapt to the unpredictability of the situation. An intelligent opponent is not going to play to our strong suit. Things we can do to help develop our adaptability include: • Develop and maintain complete command of your tools, skills, etc. -- Know how and when to use each to its fullest advantage. • Maintain flexibility of both thought and action. Respond to any circumstance without artificial and “wooden” prearrangement. No set patterns – no, “Well, when he does this then I do this – just a total freedom to react to what the other person does. • Be aware, of yourself as well as the opponent -- Cultivate your awareness in order to see clearly what is taking place. • Learn to relate effectively -- Understand that anytime you are dealing with another person or group of people, you are involved in an active, dynamic, “alive” relationship. Lack of adaptability is like wearing a set of blinders which limit your vision to only one direction. If you are anchored down by rigidity of thought or action, you will be unable to handle whatever situation or circumstance confronts you with the greatest degree of freedom, immediacy and spontaneity. The ability to adapt to unpredictable changes, unforeseen circumstances, etc., is essential to optimal performance. Adaptability does not necessarily mean using something different or needing a “new” technique or action. Oftentimes it means having a deeper understanding of what you have and how to adapt it to a new situation. The goal of training in JKD is to know what you can do. Not what techniques you can do if you are attacked, but what you can do. Adaptability is the key. So develop your ability to adapt and fit in with an opponent and express yourself to the highest degree at any given moment and in any given position. Learn to “adapt like a shadow and respond like an echo.” Keep Training Well
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 17:09:43 +0000