The Eighteen Principles of Winning
A. Set yourself up to win both mentally and physically through rigorous physical and mental training.
B. Set up your opponent with verbal and nonverbal communictions.
Many battles are won without the firing of a single bullet. So it is with fights. You can beat an opponent before you even lay a fist on him with the principle of setups working for you.
A. Position yourself for mobility.
B. Position yourself for the best defensive capability
C. Position yourself for the best offensive capability.
D. Position yourself with the right psychological attitude.
Superior position is gained through the use of footwork, angles of attack, and broken rhythm. By understanding the theory of positioning you can get inside your opponent's defenses and attack him with impunity. With a thorough grasp of this principle you will fight with maximum effectiveness from a highly protected position.
A. Make all movement independent
B. Do not telegraph your intent.
C. Avoid premeditated combinations
With independent movement, each technique happens as it needs to happen. Independent movement is a reaction to opportunity rather than a prediction of possible opportunities. The theory of independent movement means movning spontaneously without forethought and without telegraphing your intent.
A. Explode into your leading offensive techinque.
B. Explode into your defensive techniques.
C. Push off to gain maximum speed and penetration with your opening techniques.
Howard Jackson applied the principle of initial speed with unparalled effectiveness. From the line he would explode into his opponent with such speed that he frequently got his point before his opponent could make a move to defend.
A. Attack your opponent along his inside line.
B. Attack on his middle line.
C. Attack along his line.
These lines are the pathways to your opponent's vulnerble zones. The principle of attack lines guides and directs every punch you throw and every kick you deliver.
A. Use certain methods to advance into striking range.
B. Advance to the pont at which you are able to kick your opponent.
C. Advance to the point at which you are able to punch your opponent.
The gap is the dead space between you and your opponent. It is the neutral zone in which neither fighter can reach each other. To win you must bridge this distance with footwork, hyperextension, double hyperextension, faking, and other techniques to get within striking distance.
A. Pick three to five techniues and learn them well.
B. Avoid fancy, difficult techniques.
C. Rely on the basics and applay the principles.
In a fight you must cut away all of the flowery stuff you may have learned. Keep you art simple. Learn to apply your favorites in a myriad of ways. Change your angle of attack rather than changing your techniques.
A. Conserve motion by using straight lines.
B. Economize motion by attacking with the closest weapon to the target.
C. Use direct angles for attack and defense.
Don't waste motion. Increase your speed and power by taking the most direct route to your target and by using techniques that waste no time.
A. Relax your body to conserve your energy.
B. Relax to increase speed.
C. Relax to increase power.
Relaxation is a weapon. When your apply relaxation to every technique, your speed will increase by an incredible margin. Relax your mind, and you will gain even more speed from improved reflexes.