Water vs Wall

In karate, as in all martial arts, there are various ways to respond to an attack.

One way is to MOVE WITH the attack. In other words, you use the energy that’s coming your way and flow with it.  For example, I throw a powerful punch at you, and you step aside and slam me into the wall, using MY energy.

The inimitable Bruce Lee used to advise students to “be like water”. It’s a great metaphor.  Water is flexible in its flow.

A second way is to MOVE AGAINST the attack. In other words, you confront the energy coming your way with direct counter-energy.  I throw a powerful punch at you, and you resist by throwing a powerful block at me.  Force against force.

Rather than being like water, in this second case you’re more like a wall.

Water vs Wall.

In your own lives, there are times to be like water, and flow with the current, and there are other times to be like a wall, and stand firm against it.

Both are effective, in the right circumstances. Both are powerful, when applied in the proper context.

Develop the ability to apply both skillfully and artfully, and you’ll be truly resilient, prepared for what life throws at you.

 

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