09.03.04
Attack the Attack
Wing Chun is not just a martial art, its a way of life. The foundations of Wing Chun are rooted in daoist philosophy. One of the precepts of Wing Chun is the notion of “Attack the Attack”. So in fighting this means to always stay on the offensive and never think defensively. This doesnt mean that you should trade punches or just take hits. What this means is to think offensively and always look for openings.
I kinda get this, yet I don’t. But now, I’m getting there. I am a teaching assistant for a class at school. I had to sit and listen to a Professor tell me to (1.) Do all the class assignments by myself to have an answer key ready for the class, (2.) That after I finished, he didnt think what I did was correct, and (3) When I explained to him why, he basically told me what I was doing (which was logical) was wrong, and to add a little bit of icing on the cake (4) That I was to grade everything (grading is a bit automated, but that doesnt mean its a walk in the park). So after all of this, I was a bit bummed out.
So before our next meeting (with the other 2 teaching assistants presents), I did my homework. I talked it over with my advisor, and got these issues straightened out. He told me everything I was thinking was right. So I walked into the meeting with my plan.
Prof: So can TA #1 you can help with the grading. Wait you only know Java.
TA #1: And Scheme. but theres only 1 group.
Prof: Ok well thats about half. That might be ok
Me: We really should split the grading evenly. He needs to be familiar with all the different languages because someone might ask him for help. [Attack the Attack!]
…
Me: Well we also need to talk about the datatypes that are in question
Prof: Well we can do that just between the two of us
Me: I think everyone here should know.. just in case there are questions.. (everyone is a teaching assistant) [Attack the attack!]
Prof: Ok, does everyone want to work on it?
Everyone: Ok.
Then while we looked at the stuff, I made my points, and sat back and let the other TAs support my claims.
“Attack the attack” is a very subtle technique. I think it requires:
1. Objectives
2. Preparation
3. Subterfuge
Elisa said,
September 4, 2004 at 5:53 am
I love it when you get aggressive. One thing another important key to this victory was that you didnt fight force with force. Instead of getting all bent out of shape, you followed the contour of the situation. You didnt just knock down the door, you knocked and it opened for you.