The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Techniques may be placed into three categories, quick (the good), powerful (the bad), and deadly (the ugly).

Quick. Quick techniques are used in an attempt to convince the attacker that his or her present course of action is not in his or her best interests. These techniques do little damage or cause little pain to the attacker, but they are so quick that the attacker either does not see them or is unable to prevent them from impacting. Since there is little danger of serious harm to the attacker, he or she is not likely to seek retribution either by later attacks upon you or by pursuing you criminally or civilly.

Powerful. Powerful techniques are used terminate an attack by rendering the attacker unable to continue the attack. These techniques may cause serious damage and much pain to the attacker. Since the attacker is damaged and in pain, he or she may seek retribution, either by later attacks upon you or by pursuing you criminally or civilly.

Deadly. Deadly techniques are used to terminate an attacker who is intent on killing you. These techniques are likely to kill. Although the law may seek to punish you for your actions, or a friend or relative of the deceased may seek retribution, either by later attacks or by pursuing you criminally or civilly, the attacker will no longer be a threat to you—ever.

Primary and Auxiliary Techniques

Each primary technique should have an auxiliary "back-up" technique. The primary technique will cause the most damage if it connects. If not, the auxiliary may connect. If the primary connects, the auxiliary may also connect, and may then be considered a primary technique. The auxiliary technique may also be used first to manipulate the opponent by opening the torso centerline, shifting or disrupting balance, interrupting footwork, locking, twisting, or jamming joints, or inflecting pain. Attacking a skilled opponent without first (or simultaneously) neutralizing him by applying one of these manipulations is dangerous and useless. Actually, the act of initiating the simple direct attack itself opens you to counterattack.

Sun Zi, in the "Art of War" (see Art of War topic) says to not attack a prepared and ready opponent.

"If the opponent has no gap or slack to take advantage of, how can you overcome him, even if you are well equipped? The time to go out for the attack is when the opponent is in a vulnerable position or state of being."

The secret to combat success is to coax the opponent into a vulnerable position by using auxiliary techniques.

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