There is no first attack. Meaning our attacks are in response to anothers attack. I see no where in the quote that correlates when it should be, you can still start a fight and not attack first. I feel its more a method, not a code of life. He had other quotes about life.

Sounds like something you would hear a boxing coach say to teach counter fighting. Wait for their jab, pick it off and counter... dont attack first.

Karate Ni Sente Nashi

There is no first attack in karate, understand the idea mentally and as well technically. You must do everything possible so the attacker mentally understands that it is better for him not to attack. This is the true meaning of the above saying, that the adversary does not begin attacking and so there is no fight.

I found this translation interesting and copied it from some place I can't remember?????

Bossman, for what it's worth I visit your website regularly and enjoy listening to your MA philosophy and video clips..keep up the great work!

Hello Midnightcrawler:

Faced with a huge, belligerant (lets make this simple) drunken moron with all kinds of inappropriate anger, corners you, or confronts you, and you believe they will atrike you... they indicate they will strike you...

You will NOT take a physical action first, because of your governing philosophy ???

Jeff

Hello Schanne:

Well said....

We can take ALL kinds of physical actions to neutralize or minimize the potential of a physical attack doing damage.

Move to the side rather than face to face...
Stay to the outside of their "strength"
Casually placing our arms, groin, body into positions that prevent vulnerability to "direct attack"

If attacked physically are we COMPELLED to respond physically or, or is smothering it sufficent and disengage?


Jeff

I'll go with Isshinryu's "strike when the opportunity presents itself". Obviously, that doesn't mean any time you FEEL like it - just anytime when it's necessary.