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| Void |
| The Fifth Element |
| "No Art - No Name" |
The ultimate goal of every martial artist should be to master the tactics of each element so well, that they are able to switch between them at will. The aim is to become free, fluid and unpredictable. The Void fighter lets the situation dictate their response, rather than their own preferences. The Void fighter is willing to let go of unsuccessful strategies, and try something else. Ultimately, the Void fighter attempts to achieve No-Mind, or attention without thought or planning. The best way to practice the Void state is to spar according to specific strategy directives such as "Stand Firm" (Earth), "Stun & Run" (Water), "Consume" (Fire), and "Set Up" (Wind). By attempting to maintain a strategy directive throughout a practice bout, the martial artist exercises their ability to switch on and switch off tactics as needed.
The Void fighter is also a master at countering the strategies of the Four Fundamental Elements. They let their opponent's choice of tactics determine their response, "adapting like a shadow, responding like an echo," (Bruce Lee 1975). Following is some suggestions about how you might go about countering the tactics of each type of opponent.
The Earth Opponent
The Earth fighter appears rooted to the spot. They like to block or shield, and grab their opponent's limbs, in order to apply their usually great strength. They can be defeated by Stun & Run tactics that take advantage of their limited mobility, or by Feinting that forces them to commit to a defence which opens their guard, making previously impervious targets available.
The Water Opponent
The Water fighter is defensive by nature. They tend to retreat whenever their opponent approaches. They can be defeated by developing a pattern of attack, then breaking it, taking advantage of their predictable defences. This can be done by attacking in Broken Rhythm; by taking two short steps followed by a long step to penetrate their guard; or by attacking with two straight strikes followed by an angular strike to catch them as they angle away. Alternatively, you can stick to them as you strike and kick (preventing them from getting away).
The Fire Opponent
The Fire fighter is aggressive by nature. They keep the pressure on, attacking constantly. They often rush in, knife flailing wildly. You can defeat them by breaking the line of their attack at the last moment, while stop-thrusting them; or by blitzing them during their preparation for attack, initiation of attack, or recovery between attacks. This will catch them off guard and break their confidence, making them hesitate before attacking again.
The Wind Opponent
The Wind fighter is an intellectual tactician. They gather information about your offensive and defensive strategies through the use of FEINTS and FAKES, then use this knowledge about your habitual responses to SET YOU UP. You can defeat them by altering your offensive and defensive tactics frequently; by blitzing them before they have a chance to gather information; or by intercepting them as they feint, disrupting their information gathering strategy.
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