Factors of Combat

Understanding the following ten interconnecting factors may mean the difference between victory and defeat in combat. The factors may be available to you, but remember, they may also be available to your attacker. You may be strong in some of the factors while simultaneously being weak in other factors. You must concentrate on weaknesses, both yours and those of your attacker, to achieve victory.

Weapons. Weapons are any attacks and defenses that are available to you or your opponent. These include internal weapons, such as kicks, punches, blocks, parries, etc. and external weapons, such as guns, knives, sticks, etc.

Power. Power is the amount of force that may be brought to bear on a target by a weapon. Power may be estimated based on physical size and muscle mass. As a rule, larger and/or more muscular persons generate more power than smaller ones.

Speed. Speed is the ability of a person to move a weapon. The speed depends on the weight of the weapon used and the strength available to propel the weapon. Be careful of a large person with a high muscle to weight ratio. You may expect large people to be slow, but they may be very quick.

Agility. Agility is the ability to move the entire body by dodging, evading attacks, or switching from one stance or body position to another. The less mass to move, the more agile the person may be, so smaller, lighter people tend to be more agile than larger, heavier ones.

Timing. Timing is the knowledge of when to perform a specific technique so it has maximum effect. A mistimed technique may miss its intended target, be blocked, or its power may be ineffectual.