Theme: Move Toward the Void

We’ve all heard the old physics rule: for every action there is an equal or opposite reaction.  Now it’s time for the martial rule: for every attack there is an opening.

To give a specific example: when you throw a jab, it takes your elbow off your ribs, leaving your body exposed.  This means if your partner is perceptive enough and has pegged your timing, they can slip the jab and throw a body hook.

To give a general example: most attacks involve moving one side of the body more forward than the other and presenting an inside (where the other hand is) and the outside (where there is no other hand).  Supposing your partner is sharp enough, if they can angle to your outside and counterstrike, they’ve just gotten superior position.

Both of the above counters are examples of moving to the void: finding the opening that is presented by an attack.  This week we’ll be staring into the void and seeing if it stares back.