Offensive Focus with Defensive Considerations

When students come to me to learn martial arts, they usually have one prime goal: they want to learn how to defend themselves. They’re concerned with what the other guy is trying to do to them and how they can stop that. Unfortunately, this thought pattern actually puts them at a disadvantage when trying to use “defensive” techniques. By focusing on stopping their opponent’s actions, they allow him to set the pace and choose timing that’s comfortable for him.