Preparing for the Unexpected Blow

Friday Knight News

“The most efficient of movements is the one that is unexpected; the best of plans is the one that is unknown.” Sun Tsu

A lot of  what we do in the martial arts is about preparing for the unexpected blow. Most of which is also true in other aspects of life.  In fact our whole world system is geared to seek some measure of preparation for hard times.  Much of what is identified as mastery is nothing more than proper preparation.  From ancient times mankind has learned how to preserve and store food and preparation of winter, drought, blight as well as other natural calamities.  I believe it is part of our genetic makeup to stave off undue hardships through proper preparation.

While some might argue the merits of seat-belts, helmets for your motorcycle and not smoking at the gas pump these measures are just part of the collective conscious working to protect the species.  Having health, life, homeowner and other insurances are nothing more than another expression of this ingrained trait.  Having a savings account and a retirement fund are also manifestations of this instinct.

"A penny saved is a penny earned," Benjamin Franklin.

But what does this have to do with preparation for the unexpected blow, after all we can't store up invulnerability to unexpected attacks.  Still there are many ways in which we can prepare ourselves for this event.  First of all and most importantly awareness is our greatest tool to avoid being struck unexpectedly.  The key factor in maintaining awareness is to be conscious of the moment by paying attention to what's going on around you.  This being in the now, or being in the moment is very Zen like in its essence.

Secondly training and refining our martial arts skills and learning how to handle and deal with stress is also fundamental.  This includes breath awareness which serves as a bridge between relaxation and conscious awareness.  So in a sense the first and second steps can be seen as two sides of the same coin.  The funny thing is either of the two sides can be seen as focusing on the positive or negative features of the coin.

 The opening line about a lot of what we do in the martial arts is about preparing for the unexpected blow is a good example of what I'm talking about.  A lot of people will read that line and focus on either learning how to asorb a blow or equate it to learning how to roll with the punches. I would equate that with focusing on the negative aspect of the statement.

This is still a necessary phase in development, just as chipping away the unnecessary pieces of wood in a relief wood carving is needed to reveal the image.  I look upon the development of delivering the unexpected blow as a positive side of development for this trait.  This does not just mean learning how to execute a sucker punch or any other type of a punch or kick. As the unexpected blow can be made by other types of impact, such as striking the ground after a throw or receiving a unforeseen joint dislocation, choke, etc.

Much of your ability to deliver such a blow depends heavily on your concentration on the second category list I had mentioned earlier.  This again being the time that you spend practicing your martial art and concentrating on your breathing to control relaxation and stress reduction.  These methods together enhance your ability to move fluidly, and with less telegraphing.  You do not have to develop a rare or specialized technique to engage the strategy; suck as a specialized thumb strike. I'mm referring to a strike with the thumb as the weapon and not the target.

One time during a charity fundraising event where I was breaking numerous concrete blocks, I decided (on a whim), to break one of the blocks with a thumb strike.  I had broken several boards in the past with a thumb strike and I decided to make my first attempt on a concrete block that day.  While this was a specialized blow and very unexpected it was nonetheless unsuccessful.  My training and preparation had allowed me to perform this task without damage but the preparation was not thorough enough to ensure success.  So my advice is to stick with a pet technique (tokui waza), that you regularly practice and one that you can use in every situation as it will enhance your chances of success.

My stories are about martial arts adventures that are intertwined with paranormal or supernatural events. The following links are to the Kindle version books from the "Dream Walker” series. Our adventurers find themselves on a quest where they are confronted with both conspiracy and mystery. Their challenge is to unite their mind and body skills together utilizing what they have learned in the martial arts with the transcendental power of dream mediation. They attempt to do this while they are trying to make a life for themselves and elude those that seek to use and control them.

Conversations with a Sage (Book 1 of the Dream-Walker)

Conversations with a Sage: This explores Xander Davidson's early encounters with the mysterious fog like Dream Walking martial art sages. He ponders if they are real or if they are only remnants of his dreams. He mainly keeps this secret world to himself as he tries to copes with abuse, growing up without support or guidance and the mystery of his family's past. 

Xander and the Assassins Gift (Book 2 of the Dream-Walker)

The Assassins Gift: Xander Davidson struggles with the conspiracy of his family and the group that is actively trying to manipulate him to join them or die. The young Dream Walkers learns an early lesson to be careful about whom they let into their circle.


Warriors of Perception (Book 3 of the Dream-Walker)

Warriors of Perception: Xander Davidson and his band of friends embark on a mission to free themselves from their oppressors. They bravely face the challenge all the while vying for the right moment to turn the tables.

Jace Lee The Shift (Book 4 of the Dream-Walker)

Jace Lee The Shift: We find a new apprentice, Adam, that is fighting for his life. He is struggling to understand the amazing skills of his mentor, Jace Lee; a younger man that has trained under Xander Davidson. All the while his mentor attempts to reconcile the fact that his skills do not match up with the other Dream Walkers.


Jace Lee No Agenda (Dream Walker Book 5)

Jace Lee No Agenda: Jace Lee attempts to find himself on a self-imposed vision quest of sorts. Instead he finds himself being stalked by the same group that had previously sought after his teacher, (Xander Davidson). Instead of mastering his odd Dream Walking skills he finds love and the potential loss of his powers.

Jace Lee and the Tutelage of Ming Wu: Dream Walker 6 

Jace Lee The Tutelage of Ming Wu: Jace Lee rejoins his teacher Xander Davidson as they cope with a possible combined threat (the mysterious), Ming Wu and the Council that has continuously monitored the Dream Walkers.