For those who haven’t read “The Art Of War”…go get a copy !This book have become a tool for life, business and martial artists around the world. Written by Sun Tzu it describes the methods and tactics needed to secure victory on the battlefield. However its messages transcend into all kinds of other aspects in life. There are many verses which are very coherent to what Jiu-Jitsu tries to achieve and the general philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu. Here are 5 verses from The Art Of War which are useful in creating the Jiu-Jitsu mindset.
Laying Plans-
- All warfare is based on deception.
- Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
- Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
- If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
- If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
- If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
- Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
Attack By Stratagem –
- Hence the saying: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
Tactical Dispositions-
- Sun Tzu said: The good fighters of old first put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, and then waited for an opportunity of defeating the enemy.
- To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
- Thus the good fighter is able to secure himself against defeat, but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.
- Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being able to do it.
Weak And Strong Points-
- The spot where we intend to fight must not be made known; for then the enemy will have to
prepare against a possible attack at several different points; and his forces being thus distributed in many directions, the numbers we shall have to face at any given point will be proportionately few.
- For should the enemy strengthen his van, he will weaken his rear; should he strengthen his rear, he will weaken his van; should he strengthen his left, he will weaken his right; should he strengthen his right, he will weaken his left. If he sends reinforcements everywhere, he will everywhere be weak.
The Army On The March–
- He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.
These are just a handful of the great quotes buried within this great text and I suggest every martial artist give it a few reads !
The Art Of War- Sun Tzu
