Reading the works of great teachers such as Gichin Funakoshi , we should not strike first.
I am not sure if I believe that, IMO most of the great teachers that say we should not strike first were not soldiers.
I don't remember my GM ever saying don't strike first.
He once said when fighting multiple attackers it sometimes best to let them strike first so you know who to attack first.
My GM was highly decorated from fighting behind enemy lines during the Korean War.
Maybe if you are extremely good like Gichin Funakoshi you can give the advantage to your opponent.
The fights I have seen and have been in, the one who strikes first wins most of the time.
Of coarse we would not have been fighting at a masters level.
Maybe if two Martial Arts fight they let the opponent attach first to figure out his tactics for winning.
Maybe in a tournament, but in real life there is no referee to stop them once you are down.
Boxers and MMA fighters strike first if they see an opening.
Maybe the idea of not striking first is not martial, but more of a philosophy, a way of life.
I have no answers , only questions.
I am not sure if I believe that, IMO most of the great teachers that say we should not strike first were not soldiers.
I don't remember my GM ever saying don't strike first.
He once said when fighting multiple attackers it sometimes best to let them strike first so you know who to attack first.
My GM was highly decorated from fighting behind enemy lines during the Korean War.
Maybe if you are extremely good like Gichin Funakoshi you can give the advantage to your opponent.
The fights I have seen and have been in, the one who strikes first wins most of the time.
Of coarse we would not have been fighting at a masters level.
Maybe if two Martial Arts fight they let the opponent attach first to figure out his tactics for winning.
Maybe in a tournament, but in real life there is no referee to stop them once you are down.
Boxers and MMA fighters strike first if they see an opening.
Maybe the idea of not striking first is not martial, but more of a philosophy, a way of life.
I have no answers , only questions.