Sympathy and Empathy

What is the most important aspect of martial culture?  If you had to pick one concept that would hold sway over everything we did on the training floor, what would it be?

For me, it’s connection.  How well are you able to perceive what is going on with your partner?  Are you able to offer them an appropriate level of challenge?  Are you able to tell when they are being overwhelmed?  Can you sense when they are confused about the drill?  Do you know when they’ve understood a technique you’re teaching them?

Connect early.  See someone coming your way who is angry at you, perhaps ready to start a fight?  Leave.  Diffuse the situation.  Figure out a solution before the fight begins.  If the fight does begin, connect with their style of fighting so you can counter it.  Connect.

Which brings me to my confusion around the terms sympathy and empathy.  Someone go figure it out and report back.  Until then, I’ll stick to using the term “connection” instead.