The Art of Deception

Let’s recruit some quotes from Sun Tzu to help sum up today’s class:

“All warfare is based on deception.”
In sparring, if your partner knows what you’re trying to do, you’re much less likely to succeed.  Therefore, you have to mask your intentions.

“…when able to attack, we must seem unable;”
Feign weakness or fear to give your partner an overblown sense of confidence.  When they get too brazen, take the opening.

“Hold out baits to entice the enemy.”
Leave an opening for your partner.  When they move to take it, counter punch.

“If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him.”
Be patient.  Retreat.  Dance just outside of your partner’s striking distance.  Wait for your partner to get frustrated and make a mistake… then exploit it.

“If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.”
If your partner has a certain distance that they are comfortable with, don’t let them have it.  Keep encroaching into their space, make them uncomfortable and unable to play the game they want to.

“Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.”
Throw several backfists to the head, causing your partner to focus their defenses high, then kick to the groin.

Successful deception in sparring means setting your partner up properly so that you can score the point.