Lead Fighters vs. Counter Fighters
Is it better to be a lead fighter or a counter fighter? Some say that the best defense is a good offense. Do I agree? Keep reading and make a decision for yourself. I will give my opinion at the end of this article.
A person can be either a lead fighter or a counter fighter in combat. Of course, these roles can change instantaneously and sometimes are simultaneous. We will discuss them individually for this brief writing and because it is brief we can only scratch the surface of the vast amount of information available.
The Lead Fighter
When you are a lead fighter, you do not want to attack a strong position. Therefore, you must first weaken your opponent's position with a fake or deceptive action to make him pause. An opening will be created with the pause, allowing you to score. Remember, when you attack you must make your opponent hesitate.
There are many examples of this is sports. The running back in football fakes one direction and then takes off in another. The basketball pro fakes a jump shot which makes his opponent go up and as the opponent is coming down, the pro actually does the jump shot.
The Counter Fighter
When you are a counter fighter, you want your opponent to attack you. By seeming vulnerable in a certain target area, you can cause your opponent to attack that area. This weakens his position since you know where he is going to strike. A skilled counter fighter has the ability to cause an opponent to use a specific weapon, at a specific time, against a specific target. Remember, when you are attacked, you must make your opponent miss.
A good example of a counter fighter is the quarterback who invites the blitz, fades back drawing in the attackers and then throws a screen pass. Can you think of any other examples of a counter fighter?
Summing It Up
In my mind, the statement that the best defense is a good offense really misses the point and is usually made by inexperienced people. The best defense is a good defense and the best offense is a good offense.
Most of the best fighters I have observed or known were great counter fighters because they had great defenses. Miyamoto Musashi was the greatest sword fighter of all time. He would patiently wait for his opponent to attack and then kill the opponent with a counter strike. He did this about sixty times. He was able to do this because he had a great defense and an attacker is inherently vulnerable because he is always open somewhere when he attacks.
So, I think the defensive or counter fighter has a slight advantage in combat. I am sure this will be debated by some, which is what it should be to stimulate our thinking and increase our understanding of combat.
I've cherished the times Mr. Nackord has shared his concepts with me over the years. His teaching methods are deeply profound, analytical & direct to the point. All of his mastery is pleasantly masked as a genuine gentleman teacher that projects a far more valuable in essence than the typical alpha male fear factor projected by "masters & tuff guys". Arguably among the very best real martial arts masters alive in the world today in my humble opinion.
Sincerely, respectfully submitted,
Rusty Ferguson
Mr. Nackord is one of the best in the world. I train here and am constantly impressed by the knowledge and skills of the many black belts Mr. Nackord has promoted in his career.
Mr. Nackord's more than 5 decades of experience and amazing connections to many great martial artist has given him the wisdom that is unmatched.
I loved training with him when his school was located in King of Prussia. He has given me many opportunities to be inspired as he taught his classes with great passion for the martial arts.
The principles that he and his assistant, Mr. Jon VanCleve have stayed with me to this day. I look forward to resuming my training in the near future
Dr. Dennis M. Mariano - Mariano Holistic Life Center, Inc.