Elements of An Attach

(Please note: the author would welcome any criticism, discussion or suggestion to the following article)

As an attack starts, the attacker is making all of the decisions, and is in possession of all of the “elements of an attack” that give him the advantage. If the defender knows how, he can take possession of most of these elements, and possess them for himself.

Listed below are the “elements of an attack” that are always common denominators in a conflict.

    1.    Setting The place and time of the incident

    2.    Approach When the attack is actually made, the aggressor will move energetically toward the target moving straight for it.

    3.    Distance The calculated range of the target area.

    4.    Power The force available as a result of the execution of the technique chosen to apply against the target.

    5.    Speed The increasing velocity of the technique as it develops in it’s approach to the target.

    6.    Duration The total time elapsed from the beginning of the technique until it’s termination.

    7.    Inertia The law of physics for a body in motion to remain in motion.

    8.    Balance The coordination of weight mixed with motion which gives the performer control over his body.

    9.    Target The area which is under attempted assault.

    10.    Leverage The combination of stability, and position resulting in the ability to apply force.

    11.    Breath

Commentary:

1.    Setting:

As the situation is developing the attacker is in possession of all of the elements.If an essential element is unavailable to the attacker then he will delay his attack until that element is within his capability. Example: If an attacker would like to assault a certain person, but has a sprained ankle, he will possibly wait until later, unless, by evaluation, he thinks that he can be successful in spite of his injury. The defender on the other hand has no such luxury. He must defend himself whenever the assault comes, no matter what his circumstances. If it were up to him, he would probably choose better circumstances, but he is not at liberty to do so. The attacker gets to choose the time and place and environment of the attack. If these elements are not to his liking, he may abort his assault.

This element always remains in the possession of the attacker.

2.    Approach:

The attacker will evaluate the situation, distance, timing, target,technique, and after calculating these elements, will move his body mass inclose enough proximity to the victim to execute his technique. No matter what form of training is his background, no matter what weapon he is using  he must move close enough to the target to execute his plan with enough force or advantage to be effective. When all things are right, he will make a direct approach in the direction of the target, clearing the remaining distance with proper coordination to be effective at the moment of execution. Until this moment of advantage, and decision, he will remain outside of the perceived,effective defensive, or perceptive perimeter of the victim.

3.    Distance:

The attacker will gauge his effective range (ma-ai) for the selected attacking sequence, and position himself within this distance; then execute the technique selected, clearing the distance to the target. (Ma)

4.    Power:

The force available as a result of the execution of the technique calculated from the combination of mass and velocity, plus muscular strength, against the chosen target.

5.    Speed:

The increasing velocity of the technique as it develops in it’s approach to the target.

6.    Duration:

The total time elapsed from the beginning of the technique until it’s termination.

7.    Inertia:

The fact of physics according to Newton’s first law, a body in motion tendst o remain in motion.

8.    Balance:

 The coordination of weight mixed with motion which gives the performer control over his body.

9.    Target:

 The area which is under attempted assault.

10.    Leverage

The combination of stability, and position result in the ability to apply force.

11.    Breath:

The attacker will make his approach when he has a breath to crush to stabilize his abdomen. He will not attack when he is on the inhale.