YOU FIGHT EXACTLY AS YOU TRAIN!

By Phillip Starr

The most renowned Japanese swordsman of all time, Musashi Miyamoto uttered those words and wrote them down for future generations, And even today, our modern combat instructors from Seals to basic infantry training drill sergeants and instructorss at police academies reiterate those very words; “You can only fight the same way you train.”

When beginners practice to defend themselves, their partners should not attack with much force; emphasis must be on correct technique, body shifting, and other fundamental concepts. When they reach the mid-levels, more power is poured into the attacks; I tell their partners to attack and do their best to just touch them or give them a bit of a thump. The counter-strikes must be performed correctly as well, with some measure of power and complete control.

However, advanced-level students (starting at the brown belt level), the attacker's instructions are to knock their partners down. And the counters must carry some measure of power without actually making contact. The attack becomes real...or as real as we can allow it. The counter-strike must be delivered with full destructive force and absolute control.

Errors that are often seen include:

• Failure to deliver the attack with speed and yi (intention). This usually occurs when the participants know each other; they are afraid they might actually strike their friend.

• Failure to direct the attack or counter-attack to a vital point.

• Catching and/or easing your partner to the ground when a takedown or throwing technique is applied. This is a very bad practice; it becomes a habit very quickly and that means that his is EXACTLY what you'll do in a real fight! Consider: Your partner has been trained to breakfall and he should be capable of taking the fall without injury...without your assistance!

Additionally, easing him to the ground negates your ability to strike him immediately following the throw. And in a real skirmish, that's what you MUST do.

Of course, there are many others. The point is that you must train exactly how you will fight, although you must ensure that your blows are well-controlled. Remember, you can only fight the same way that you train!