Factors of Combat

 

Assessment is the key that unlocks the mystery of these factors. It is important to be honest with yourself when assessing these factors. You should not sell yourself short and yet you must not over estimate your own abilities. Your own factors may be assessed before a confrontation occurs, but you must see your opponent in action before his or her factors may be assessed. Once you see which areas your opponent prefers to attack and which weapons he or she prefers to use, you will be able to predict his or her most likely actions.

You should be familiar with many different fighting styles and theories so you may quickly evaluate your opponent's possible actions. If you understand your opponent’s tactics and motivations you will not let them lead you into a position of weakness, instead you will be able lead the opponent into defeat. A way to achieve an understanding of the intricacies of tactical combat is to study all the martial philosophies and fighting arts, not just Taekwondo. With a greater martial knowledge base to draw from, it is less likely that you will be surprised by an opponent.

Of the ten factors, intuition and luck are virtually impossible to determine in your opponent. However, it is very important to determine how strong these factors are within yourself. While luck, good or bad, is a factor that you must be prepared to contend with, never ever rely on it to win a fight.