The power of defence
We’ve all heard the refrain: “Attack is the best form of defence.” It is so axiomatic that we almost daren’t question it. And yet in this article that is precisely what I propose to do. In fact, I will go further to demonstrate that the true measure of martial skill lies not in one’s skill in attack - but in one’s mastery of defence . First let me dispose of the inevitable: Yes there are cases where “attack is the best form of defence”. Principally, there are two situations in which one can say this is true: If you can pre-empt an attack with your own, you will obviously be in a much stronger position than if you had to negate/avoid an attack launched before yours. This is so obvious it barely warrants a mention. However, as I have most recently discussed , pre-emption isn’t always possible. In fact, when it comes to most civilians facing an unprovoked attack, it is usually improbable - and perhaps inadvisable for ethical/moral, ...