Right Mind

Having the right mind permits the usage of proper timing and techniques. Learn not to wait and not to rush. When the opponent pushes, you give way. When opponent pulls, you, push. Dance with the opponent but always stay one step ahead. Give direction, not order, to your technique. Giving order means being fixated on a technique. Do not look at opponent’s technique or body; look at his or her heart. Do not look at the eyes, look between the eyes, that place called the third eye or eye of intuition. Use sound to react. The sound of breathing telegraphs movement.

Do not be ready to execute a technique; be ready to kiai. Look at a dominant dog. It uses sound to energize itself and to show power. On the other hand, look at submissive dog, its barks show more fear than anything. Do not wait for the opponent to attack, be dominant and control the situation.

Dictate the rhythm for your opponent and do not move without purpose. The jumpier you are, the more excited and jumpy your mind gets. Watch a hunting cat. The cat approaches within rushing range, but then waits. When the prey shows weakness, the cat attacks. If the cat rushed immediately, the prey would escape. Instead of rushing, give mental pressure to your opponent. Make opponent uncomfortable so he or she will show his or her intention or physically move or attack or hesitate.

With enough training, you will become sensitive enough to know when your opponent wants to move. You will become confident enough to allow the opponent to attack, knowing that you can respond and use the attack to your favor. There are many martial arts stories about swordsmen who, when facing each other, one senses the superiority of the other and bows out before the fight.