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Through
the practice of San Soo we develop a strong respect for other
people. The discipline requires students to literally place
their lives in the hands of another regularly. During the
training we become well acquainted with our own vulnerability
and human frailties. "Know yourself and you will know your
enemy, and in one hundred battles you will not be defeated".
Sun Tzu
The San
Soo fighter, once he has decided to fight, uses offensive
tactics, never warning the opponent. The element of surprise
is a very important aspect of the art we practice; we cannot
allow the opponent the opportunity to demonstrate the skills
he may possess.
Realizing
that the character of any individual cannot be completely
known, we cannot determine who is a fighter and who is not
by their appearance. For this reason we believe in treating
every man as potentially our equal or superior as a fighter.
Becoming
involved in a fight is easy, avoiding them in this day and
age is the more difficult and less trodden path. A trained
fighter must consider what there is to both gain and lose
from any such involvement. The trained fighter is a person
who moves decisively, eliminating the problem as quickly and
effectively as possible. In this response it is very easy
to severely injure or even kill a person. Therefore the trained
fighter must determine if the offense justifies the response.
In other words, does the opponent merely insult you, or does
he represent possible injury or death? Remember, avoidance
is always a preferred alternative to violence. The belief
that human life is of value should weigh heavily on each student's
mind, teaching him to be at peace with all who will allow
it.
To think
through a problem the trained fighter must keep a cool head.
We must not allow the heat of passion to dictate what course
of action will be taken. A fighter that succumbs to anger
acts rashly, and lacks organization, technique, concentration
and common sense in his actions. He becomes a man who will
make many enemies, if he lives long enough!
The trained
fighter should consider each situation, summing up the opponent,
the reason for the confrontation, and the appropriate action
to take. Ideally expecting the unexpected, and being prepared
for it. A trained fighter is a professional who knows himself
well. He knows his talents and capabilities. Because of this
knowledge he has no need to prove himself.
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