The Book of Water – Timing and Rhythm

The book of Water – Timing and Rhythm. Overheard at a karate tournament. Instructor to his student moments before his fight. “I watched this guy’s earlier match; he bounced up and down. When he is in the air, he can’t move. Time you attack when he is in the air.”

Accept the Gift

This is an example of exploiting timing. Using timing is a form of exploitation. In the West, we have a negative perspective regarding exploitation. Exploitation is considered morally questionable or unethical. However, for our purposes, using our timing and the opponent’s timing against them is all fair game. When your opponent gives you a pattern or timing, it is a gift; accept the gift.

Timing, at its core, is pattern recognition and pattern exploitation. Human beings run on patterns for the majority of our lives. When we find something that is successful, we integrate it and use it to make life simple. How many times have you left home and said to yourself, “Did I turn off the coffee pot?” The reason you are asking this question is that you used a pattern to turn it off. After pouring the last cup of coffee, you reflexively turn off the coffee pot before leaving the kitchen. The pattern is so deep that we don’t recognize it, and as a result, question the act.  We are pattern machines; we create them and use them and lose our minds when they are disturbed. The same applies to martial arts, and let’s say, sparring.

Watch for Patterns

Sparring is a wonderful place to watch for patterns. People are hyped, and when they are hyped, they go to what they know, their pattern. They may double-pump their fists before delivering a front kick. They may paw at you with their right hand while retreating.

Your job is to break their rhythm by adapting your rhythm.

Sun Tzu

The great general Sun Tzu states, “Never let your enemy march at their given rhythm.” Matching is the most basic of military movements. Sun Tzu says, “Don’t let them have even the most rudimentary form of movement. Break it, twist it, turn it, harass, strike.”

You may enjoy this past posting: https://www.martialjournal.com/the-ground-seeing/

You can reach Kris Wilder here: https://linktr.ee/KrisWilder

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Kris Wilder

Kris Wilder is a martial artist, author, and life coach. He holds multiple black belts in various martial arts disciplines, including Goju-Ryu Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo. Kris is known for his deep understanding of martial arts and his ability to connect with students on a personal level.
He has authored several books on martial arts and self-defense, such as "The Way of Kata" and "The Little Black Book of Violence". Kris also runs the Wilder Karate Academy, where he teaches classes and conducts seminars.

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