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The first Karate Kid movie introduced us to Cobra Kai’s “Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy” slogan. While seeming over the top, upon reflection, there is depth to this slogan.

Recently, my wife and I binge-watched Season 3 of Cobra Kai. We both loved it and can’t wait till Season 4! This hugely entertaining series appeals to those who grew up in the 1980s. It’s delightful to see that slogan again in Johnny Lawrence’s dojo.

And 30-some-odd years later.

Present day.

I discussed this slogan with one of my private clients just before the current lockdown. I casually mentioned that while this slogan seems Hollywoodish and hilarious, there is something to it. We then discussed it.

Let’s start with “Strike First.”

Recall the famous quote by Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of modern-day Karate: “There is no first attack in karate.”

I believe that the two quotes are related. From a self-defence perspective, one should never attack first but should strike first. The moment a mugger attacks you, it is incumbent on you to avoid that attack and strike first. You’re in trouble if you avoid an attack AND allow the attacker to strike first.

A month ago, I announced that I had expanded the list of Bamboo Spirit Concepts. One of the concepts is essentially an expansion of “Strike First” in my language. Specifically, Concept #4 states: “Never defend passively. Attack the attacker.”

It’s one thing to sit at the computer and understand this intellectually. But it’s another thing to comprehend after sparring, whether in Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Muay Thai, Boxing or Filipino Martial Arts free stick play.

You must have an active defence. Evade, avoid, counter, and strike. You may not always strike first, but you should do so as much as possible. On the other hand, if you say to yourself, “I’ll just move around and counter him after his 10th move“, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

What’s next?

Strike hard! This should be self-evident, especially in a self-defence situation. Fast-forward to 2:05 of this video, and see my wife strike hard! Hoo boy! She almost drove me into the cabinet behind me.

Folks, that is STRIKING HARD!

Striking hard increases the odds that a self-defence situation will end quickly. If one hard palm strike to the face sends a mugger to the ground, great! On the other hand, a weak strike may only enrage an attacker. The more you fuck around self-defence-wise, the more likely it will end badly for you.

No Mercy!

The Cobra Kai version of this is to act cruelly and heartlessly. Sensei John Kreese is the embodiment of “No Mercy.” Remember, though, this is entirely in the context of tournament fighting and life philosophy.

“No Mercy” in the context of self-defence means something else altogether. When defending yourself, you should do so with ruthlessness and with all your emotional energy until you have created an opening for an exit or escape.

That said, “No Mercy” is NOT an endorsement of crossing the line from self-defence to assault and battery. Further, it does not mean using force that is disproportionate to the situation. Your self-defence techniques can not be half-assed. You must fully commit until you have succeeded and remove yourself from the situation.

Ultimately, “Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy” summarizes a self-defence philosophy. However, my interpretation of this slogan differs from Sensei Kreese’s take.

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