# Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2021/01/11/blog-strike-first-strike-hard-no-mercy/
- Published: 2021-01-11T11:30:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

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](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7221388/).
We both loved it and can’t wait till [Season 4](https://brianejohns.com/2022/01/19/blog-two-themes-cobra-kai-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](https://brianejohns.com/2022/09/21/blog-the-different-cobra-kai-dojos/).

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](https://brianejohns.com//2020/11/17/blog-killer-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](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/07/my-favorite-boxing-movies/) 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!

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> [A post shared by SheLeads (@sheleads_otu)](https://www.instagram.com/tv/CITOOmVJGH7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading)

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](https://brianejohns.com/2023/09/20/altering-a-script/)
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.

## Additional Reading

 * [Lock Me Up!](https://brianejohns.com/2022/01/12/lock-me-up/)
 * [Two Themes of Cobra Kai – Season 4](https://brianejohns.com/2022/01/19/blog-two-themes-cobra-kai-season-4/)
 * [Digging Deep into Single Sinawali](https://brianejohns.com/2021/12/06/blog-digging-deep-into-single-sinawali/)
 * [My Favorite Boxing Movies](https://brianejohns.com/2024/02/07/my-favorite-boxing-movies/)
 * [The Downside of “Going With The Flow”](https://brianejohns.com/2023/01/17/blog-the-downside-of-going-with-the-flow/)

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