Offensive vs Defensive Mindset
ByJ-November 26, 2008
It's interesting how the martial arts of a culture reflects it's philosophy and values. Although there are notable exceptions (Muay Thai), Western martial arts tend to have an offensive mindset while Eastern martial arts tend to have a defensive mindset.
The offensive mindset is this: The best defense is a good offense.
In the Western mindset, it is about meeting force with force. You cannot predict what others do, nor should you care. You only know what you can do, and you do it. You exert your force and will to dominate others. Action is always better than inaction. The offensive mindset operates on constant forward drive.
The defensive mindset is this: The best offense is a good defense.
In the Eastern mindset, it's about going with the flow. You cannot always meet force with force and expect to win. You choose your battles wisely. Every attack on you provides you with an opportunity to launch a counterattack. The defensive mindset operates on patience, skill and quickly taking advantage of opportunities.
A prime example of the defensive mindset is mixed martial artist Lyoto Machida. Here's a short descrip on his unorthodox fighting style from Wikipedia:
"Machida’s fight style has been described as 'deliberate' and 'methodical'—both as a compliment and out of disapproval. Following his victory over Tito Ortiz at UFC 84, he has received admiration and criticism for his unconventional ways, widening the so-called 'Machida Divide' among MMA fans. Supporters defend his 'elusive' ways as the genius of a sound technical fighter: “I think when Machida fights you really get to see which fans appreciate MMA as a sport, and which just like to watch for random violence.”
"Detractors view his defensive approach as boring, diminishing the entertaining aspect of the sport: Machida’s 'get-in-get-out' style is seen by critics as a marketing liability for the UFC, which could hamper his career because fight fans keen on excitement might not pay to see him compete for a championship. Others contend that Machida would fail as a champion, because of a language barrier and his defensive approach would alienate fans."
Lyoto Machidamartial arts
Comments
J said…
LOL, 150% disagree?! That's the most reaction I've ever gotten from you, B.
You bring up some good examples. You make it seem like the offensive mindset is good while the defensive mindset is negative.
They really are 2 sides of a coin. When it comes down to it, every martial arts evolves to be the whole coin or devolved to be one side.
The other thing is you can have a Western mindset and be Asian or have an Eastern mindset and not be Asian.
It's the same way with regards to race: you can have an Asian white supremacist (an Asian who worships white culture and hates his Asian background) or a Sinophile.
November 27, 2008 at 3:17 PM
J said…
yeah i prefer the offensive mindset most of the time. there's a saying in business: ready, fire, aim.
if you suffer from analysis paralysis, then you will never get your product or service out, and another company would have brought their product to the market.
sometimes, however, the defensive mindset is better. if you can wait and watch what others do and then learn from their mistakes, then you have an advantage.
November 27, 2008 at 7:57 PM
A said…
You have some interesting posts, James. Good job on bringing up different issues to think about.
@B: The claim that wrestling and boxing are the only western martial arts is incorrect.
There are: Greek Pankration, French Savate , Spanish Juego del Paro, Russian Systema and Sambo, British Singlestick and many others. Also, the western people have developed many fencing and swordfighting schools which were the norm of fighting in their past.
Furthermore, if we dig deeper to the definition of "martial" in martial arts, then we should take account of gun fighting and military-style combat training.
Anyway, making long story short: There are tons of martial arts the western people have developed.
February 4, 2011 at 2:37 AM
J said…
Thanks A.
Yeah Westerners have certainly developed a lot of martial arts. You can't wage wars without developing them.
I'm rather fond of Russian Systema, but I think it's too formless for most people who need the strict discipline and structure of Eastern martial arts that rely on rote memorization of numerous moves.
February 16, 2011 at 10:35 AM
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