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The energy and effort required to resist a powerful opponent who has the strength and stamina to press an attack for a sustained period of time can be daunting. Many people, who attempt to “hold” their ground, will find out how foolhardy that can be. We are not talking about courageously stalling the aggressor so a loved one or friend can either escape or prepare a defense. We are talking about stubbornly offering static resistance and in the process, expending valuable energy in a wasteful manner. Giving up ground means that one does not try to keep the spot they are standing on. The concept of maintaining a “fixed fortification” instead of remaining mobile is a bad idea. Armies have learned that the hard way. Individuals will too. Ignorance of efficient and effective maneuvering has been the undoing of even good fighters.
Perhaps it’s an ego “thing”. Perhaps they truly believe that their own strength will suffice and “win the day”. Perhaps in the heat of battle, anger or fear, are such powerful emotions, they just forget about everything but brute force. In any case, it is not smart. An opponent who has an age, size, fitness, or skill advantage can present a threat so serious, that even trained individuals can be overwhelmed. Using the military analogy again, guerilla fighters have often been successful against larger more powerful foes. They are very good at “Giving Up Ground”. Ground can be retaken at a later time and by thinking that way, you allow yourself flexibility in your defense.
Let us look at one example. A defender or attacker has closed the distance during the altercation so that they are now in some sort of grappling match. If the defender resists the attacker’s muscling moves, lots of precious energy will be wasted. But, if the defender moves in sync (like a Dance Partner), the attacker, who has obviously taken the lead, will be the only one wasting energy. At the appropriate moment, the tables can be turned on your now weakened opponent.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
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