An old story

 

This may be an old zen parable, but it comes from something I read 20 or 30 year ago. I’m sure I still have the book but I haven’t been able to locate it, so I’m going to do my best to relate it.

It has a lot to do with striking technique and the purpose of karate IMO.

Long, long ago there was a famous sword instructor who had three sons, each of with was training with him. One day another sword instructor and friend were visiting and inquired about his son’s training progress.

The father decided to call each son and test them at the same time. He suspended a pillow over the doorway.

First he called the youngest son by name. When the young man entered the room, his father caused the pillow to dislodge and fall striking him in the head. The father sadly told his friend, this is my son but he’s still learning.

Next he called the middle son by name. When that young man entered the room, his father caused the pillow to dislodge and fall towards his head. In one movement his son drew his sword, split the pillow evenly and returned the sword to it’s case.  Again the father told his friend, this is my son and he’s beginning to make some progress but he has a long way still to go.

Finally he called the eldest son by name. When that young man entered the room, again his father caused another pillow to dislodge and fall towards his head. The son quietly side stepped, caught the pillow and softly placed it on the floor, then looked to his father and asked “Father what can I do for you.”.

The other instructor looked at the father and proclaimed, I see you have developed a true master.

In our studies we have many tools and principles to use, if misfortune falls our way, we will use whatever method makes sense to protect ourselves. Block and Punch, blocking strikes and or striking first are some of the options.

Of course, presenting an appearance that causes the opponent to reconsider and withdraw has merit, and being more aware and being someplace else even higher skill.

If your attacker is using their fist, striking options make sense.

If they’re using a gun more sensible options would be hoped for.

True serendipity calls the shots in the end.

But is it the strongest strike, or the least strike that still accomplishes the job, which is best?

Or if truly pressed, perhaps destroying their strike before it arrives is even better.