[2 min read]

👋 Hey Warrior,

Remember the beach scene in Karate Kid?

The one where Johnny takes Ali’s radio and throws it in the sand…

…then Daniel tries to defend Ali's honor by attacking Johnny?

Only to get absolutely destroyed.

Karate Kid is a classic underdog story, but it also highlights a crucial lesson about self-defense…

…Sometimes, the best defense ISN'T a good offense.

The Karate Kid Conundrum

Daniel's heart was in the right place, but his timing and execution were way off.

He struck first, but he didn't strike effectively.

And as a result, he ended up worse off than if he had waited and defended himself strategically.

The First Strike Fallacy

This week, we've been talking about "The First Strike."

And while there are definitely times when striking first is the right move, it's not always the best option.

In fact, sometimes, striking first can actually put you at a disadvantage.

When Striking First Backfires

Here are a few situations where striking first might not be the best idea:

• When you're not sure of the threat: If you're not 100% certain that you're in immediate danger, striking first could escalate the situation unnecessarily.

• When you're outnumbered or outmatched: If you're facing multiple attackers or someone who is significantly larger or stronger than you, striking first could leave you vulnerable to counterattacks.

• When you're not confident in your skills: If you're not well-trained in self-defense, striking first could do more harm than good.

The Importance of Discernment

The decision to strike first is a complex one, and it requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, and you need to be able to assess the situation quickly and make the best decision based on the information you have.

Final Thoughts

Remember, Warrior, self-defense is not just about fighting…

…it's about awareness, knowledge, and making the right choices under pressure.

Train hard, stay informed, and always be prepared to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of self-preservation.

Stay Strong,

Paul Simoes

P.S. Don't forget to check out Thursday's newsletter, where we'll open the floor for a community discussion on the challenges of walking away from conflict.

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