Principles of War: Offensive

The Principles of War can be used to understand the relationship between a battle in 253 B.C. and one in 1992 A.D. They can also be used to analyze martial arts training and optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist.

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The third letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Offensive”. On page 4-13 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0 “Offensive” is defined.

“Offensive

"Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.

"4-38. Offensive action is key to achieving decisive results. It is the essence of successful operations. Offensive actions are those taken to dictate the nature, scope, and tempo of an operation. They force the enemy to react. Commanders use offensive actions to impose their will on an enemy, adversary, or situation. Offensive operations are essential to maintain the freedom of action necessary for success, exploit vulnerabilities, and react to rapidly changing situations and unexpected developments.”

In any violent confrontation it’s extremely difficult and rare to “win” while staying on defense.

Robert E. Lee “won” the Civil War battle of Fredericksburg on defense. While his Army of Northern Virginia defended a fortified mountain ridge Union General Ambrose E. Burnside’s Army of the Potomac charged Lee’s positions in what, a hundred years later, would be called human wave attacks.

Burnside failed to dislodge Lee and finally gave up leaving Lee in command of the field. Lee won the battle. But because nothing was decided that day Lee followed the Union Army setting up the battle of Chancellorsville.

Even when a “win” seems to come from the defensive it’s rarely true. In American football it’s commonly said that the defense wins championships. Clearly, a powerful defensive squad is a strategic advantage. But except for the unusual event of a 2-point safety where the defense tackles the opposing ball carrier in his own team’s end zone or a fumble recovery in the opposing team’s end zone – points are scored on offense.

When the ball is kicked through the uprights or a ball carrier is found in the opposing end zone with both feet having touched the ground and in control of the football - the team on offense has scored - even when the ball carrier is a member of his team’s defensive squad.

In self-defense you can get a “win” by getting away, but in most cases escape will be possible only after you have taken aggressive action to create an escape opportunity.

If you shoot someone in self defense you draw a weapon, aim, and pull the trigger – you’ve taken offensive action. In nearly all cases winning requires offensive action.

A martial art must be built around a rapid conversion from defense to offense. Aikido is supposed to be defensive only. However, as Professor Ernie Cates has often said – “Hit him with the biggest weapon you’ve got – that’s usually the parking lot.” An Aikido throw - like a Judo throw – starts as a defense against an opponent’s assault. It quickly turns into an offense ending with the opponent crashing into the macadam parking lot or in a painful and potentially damaging joint lock.

“Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.”

“Offensive action is key to achieving decisive results.”

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Martial Arts Library

Return to "Martial Arts Training Self Defense Training - Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu"

A Selection of Books from my Martial Arts Training Library:

Karate-Do: My Way of Life - Book Review

Mind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder of Judo - Book Review

Kodokan Judo: The Essential Guide to Judo by Its Founder Jigoro Kano

Small-Circle Jujitsu

Bruce Tegner's Complete Book of Jujitsu

Aikido: The Way of Harmony

Tang Soo Do: The Ultimate Guide to the Korean Martial Art

Hapkido the Integrated Fighting Art

Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to Over 230 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques

Tao of Jeet Kune Do

Tae Kwon Do

Mastering Jujitsu (Mastering Martial Arts Series)

Principles of War: Objective

The Principles of War provide a flexible structure for understanding how a battle in 253 B.C. is related to one in 1992 A.D. They can also be used to analyze martial arts at the individual level; to optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist.

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“O”; the second letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Objective”. U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, on page 4-13, defines the Principle of War “Objective”:

“Direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective.”

An objective must be defined, decisive, and attainable.

DEFINED - You, and all others involved, must understand the expected outcome of the intended action.

DECISIVE - Attaining the expected outcome must result in an anticipated strategic advantage or improvement or be perceived by you and all others as achieving the improvement.

ATTAINABLE – The expected outcome must be possible and perceived by you and all others as possible.

In a military operation the commander issues orders that make the objective understood by the entire command. Knowing the objective sub-units can adapt to conditions on the ground and to the actions of the enemy. Sub-units and the overall command can improvise changes in tactics and maneuver that achieve the clearly understood objective even though the commander’s original plan doesn’t survive contact with the enemy.

In self-defense situations the strategic purpose is typically survival and escape without injury to self or loved ones. The objective chosen should create an opportunity to achieve the strategic purpose; for example disabling the attacker’s knee to permit escape.

The next principle in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic is “Offensive”.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Self-Defense Articles on the Web

Links to Self-Defense Articles:

"On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs"
by LTC (RET) Dave Grossman
March, 2 2010
Human Events

Special Report: The Principles of War

Links to Other Topics in the Special Report: The Principles of War

Principles of War: How They Relate to the Martial Arts
Principles of War: Mass
Principles of War: Objective

Principles of War: Offensive
Principles of War: Economy of Force

Principles of War: Maneuver

Principles of War: Unity of Command

Principles of War: Security

Principles of War: Simplicity

Analyzing Myself As A Martial Artist Using the Principles of War
Principles of War: Self Analysis - Striking Techniques
Principles of War: Self Analysis - Throwing Techniques

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Chokes & Joint Locks

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Weapons

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Mass

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Objective

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Offensive

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Surprise

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Economy of Force

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Maneuver

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Unity of Command

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Security

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Simplicity

Principles of War: Self Analysis Results

Principles of War: Mass

The Principles of War are used at West Point to analyze the major battles and campaigns of history. They provide a flexible structure for understanding how a battle in 253 B.C. is related to one in 1992 A.D. I believe the Principles of War can also be used to analyze martial arts at the individual level; to optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist.

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The “M” in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Mass”. On page 4-13 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0 the Principle of War “Mass” is defined.

Mass: “Concentrate the effects of combat power at the decisive place and time.”

This simple definition contains three key words; concentrate, place, & time. Confederate cavalry general Bedford Forest summed up his tactics in these words, “Get there firstest with the mostest.” General Forest relied on the Principle of War “Mass”. He concentrated his cavalry at the decisive point before his enemy could assemble a significant opposing force.

In similar vein French Marshall Henri Turenne (1611-1675) is famous for saying, “'God is always on the side of the big battalions.” And, American combat doctrine since General Colin Powell’s term as Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been to engage the enemy with “overwhelming force”.

But “Mass” is not just about big battalions. It’s concentration at the decisive place and time.

So, how does “Mass” apply to the martial arts at the individual level?

CONCENTRATION of combat power for an individual martial artist means fully committing to deliver a powerful technique or combination of techniques.

The DECISIVE PLACE is a vital point target or in the case of Judo the entry into a decisive throw.

The DECISIVE TIME is when the vital point target or throw entry is momentarily unguarded and open to attack.

To apply the Principle of Mass the martial artist will deliver a powerful attack directed at a vital target when the target is open.

Mass is not flailing about bouncing kicks and punches off an opponent’s forearms and shoulders. It’s not jabbing and moving. It’s delivering the knockout punch; the throw for ippon; the submission arm bar; the disabling kick to the knee.

Mass is just one of the nine Principles of War. The next principle in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic is “Objective”.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Principles of War: How They Relate to the Martial Arts

The “Principles of War” are taught in some form by all Western armies. The American version that I learned as a West Point cadet consists of the following elements:

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

I still remember the principles by the acronym “MOOSEMUSS” taught to cadets as a memory aide.

The Principles of War are used at West Point in the analysis of the major battles and campaigns of history. With the “Treads of Continuity” they provide a flexible structure for understanding how a battle in 253 B.C. is related to one in 1992.

Technologies change the means of shooting, moving, and communicating but people and principles remain constant.

I suggest that the Principles of War are also useful in analyzing martial arts at the individual level and for developing doctrines that optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist.

To that end, I will review the “Principles” and apply them to myself in an effort to develop a personal martial arts doctrine.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Karate-Do: My Way of Life – Humility

Gichin Funakoshi’s spirit of humility comes through in his autobiography, “Karate-Do: My Way of Life”.

After receiving permission and encouragement from his two karate teachers in Okinawa, Master Funakoshi determined to bring Karate-Do to Tokyo. Of that immediate period he wrote:

“I moved into the Meisei Juku, a dormitory for students from Okinawa … where I was permitted to use the lecture hall … as my temporary dojo… However, money was a critical problem.

“To pay for the tiny room where I slept, I took on all sorts of odd jobs at the dormitory: watchman, caretaker, gardener, even room sweeper. … I had very few students, so of course the fees I was paid were not enough to make ends meet. … It was a difficult life, but when I think back about it after all these years, I realize it was also a good one.”

Gichin Funakoshi was on a mission to popularize Karate-Do in mainland Japan, starting in Tokyo. He was not too proud to pull weeds and sweep floors to pay his way while he started teaching karate in a borrowed room.

“… one day a newspaper reporter appeared at the dormitory. As he approached, I happened to be sweeping the garden path, and he obviously took me for a servant.

“’Where can I find Mr Funakoshi, the karate teacher?’ he inquired.

“’One moment, sir,’ I replied and scurried away. I … changed into my formal kimono, and then descended to the entranceway where the reporter was waiting. ‘How do you do?’ I said. ‘I’m Funakoshi.’ I shall never forget the expression of astonishment on the reporter’s face when he realized that the gardener and the karate teacher were one and the same!”

Even as his school gained recognition Funakoshi the man was humble but he honored his Karate-Do by meeting the reporter in his formal clothes.

“… I was called upon by one of the upper servants from the house of Baron Yasuo Matsudaira, … a family of importance, …

“ ‘I have come,’ said the servant, ‘to thank the elderly man in the dormitory who sweeps the ground in front of our gate every morning. My master sends this small token of gratitude.’ With that, he handed me a box of sweets.”

Funakoshi had no reason to sweep in front of the neighbor’s gate. He wasn’t being paid to sweep there and they had no idea who he was. But while he was sweeping he simply made a good job of it.

“One day, … a sharp-tongued little devil called me karasu-uri (snake gourd), and then the rest of the boys took up the chorus. …I could not understand why I was being likened to a snake gourd until that evening, when I looked in the mirror and burst out laughing as I saw the resemblance. Although I do not drink alcohol, my complexion is quite ruddy, and my skin is also extremely smooth, I could understand how in that little boy’s mind, I looked like a melon that becomes bright orange when ripe.

“So to my students I was the karate expert, but to the Matsudaira household I was just an elderly sweeper, while to the gang of children who played in the garden I was a snake gourd. I found all this greatly diverting…”

Karate-Do was Funakoshi’s life. His wife remained in Okinawa, the children called him names, and the neighbor’s thought he was just another manual laborer – though a good one. And Funakoshi found it diverting. As long as he had students to teach his beloved Karate-Do he was fulfilled.

“Even today I live in a rented house, and what is more I insist upon an upstairs room. …I believe climbing stairs is excellent training for leg muscles.

“… the moment I rise I roll up my quilt and tuck it away in the cupboard.

“Upon rising, I brush off any dust that may have settled upon the portrait of Emperor Meiji … or upon that of Takamori Saigo… This done I sweep my room, practice some kata, wash my hands and face, and then eat my simple breakfast.”

I will remember Gichin Funakoshi’s example of humility and his dedication to his purpose; though I don’t care to emulate his great humility, I do admire it.

Link to the Special Report: "Karate-Do: My Way of Life - What All Martial Artists Can Learn From Gichin Funakoshi"

Karate-Do: My Way of Life – Gratitude

In his autobiography, “Karate-Do: My Way of Life”, Gichin Funakoshi exhibits two endearing qualities – gratitude and humility - universally recognized virtues that are especially connected to the martial arts. His spirit of gratitude is expressed throughout his book.

Gichin Funakoshi had two primary teachers on Okinawa, Master Itosu and Master Azato; of them he wrote,

“I have always been conscious of the compliment paid me by these two masters. In return I performed a rite … I burned incense at the Buddhist alter of each instructor and pledged myself never to make use of my trained body for any illicit purpose.”

“Now that I look back I realize that I and my children, the two generations of us, have all benefited enormously from the teachings of these two masters. Where shall I find words to express my gratitude?”

Master Funakoshi arguably surpassed his teachers in accomplishment, if not in karate skills. Yet, he seems very sincere in expressing his gratitude to his teachers.

In his early days of teaching karate in Tokyo, Master Funakoshi often just scraped by financially. Occasionally, he was reduced to using the services of a local pawn shop.

“I was ashamed even to show the two objects to the clerk in the pawn shop, for both were old and worn… After a few moments the clerk reappeared and handed me an astonishingly large sum of money.

“I was mystified until I learned later that the clerk’s younger brother was one of my karate students. Indeed, now that I think upon those years, I recall a number of kind benefactors … and to all of them I feel an abiding sense of gratitude.”

Eventually, Karate-Do became popular in Japan and his financial stress was relieved except during the general distress resulting from Japan’s defeat in World War II. But even after his fortunes were restored his gratitude never wavered.

“… the numbers of my former students run into the tens of thousands. So frequently I do not know what to call them, and am forced to fall back on that standard phrase, ‘How tall you have grown!

“But whether I remember them clearly or not, I am always happy to receive visits from my former students, and I am most grateful to them for helping to popularize Karate-Do.”

Gichin Funakoshi is an exemplary martial artist. And his example of gratitude is worthy of emulation.

Link to the Special Report: "Karate-Do: My Way of Life - What All Martial Artists Can Learn From Gichin Funakoshi"

Karate-Do: My Way of Life – Rules

In his autobiography, “Karate-Do: My Way of Life”, Gichin Funakoshi lists six rules – he actually lists them as 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 skipping over the number 3. My reading of rule 2, however, reveals a natural division where, in my opinion, rule number three starts - but is simply not labeled. Perhaps it was a printing error, or, perhaps I’m completely wrong.

Nevertheless, I’ll show you what I think is rule number 3. Just understand that the label isn’t in the text.

Rule #1
“You must be deadly serious in training.”
Synopsis: Mentally visualize a realistic opponent and practice as if you’re in combat.

Rule #2.
“Train with both heart and soul without worrying about theory.”
Synopsis: Mastering kata takes a long time and much practice; “a thousand times” as the saying goes.

Rule #3.
True practice is not done with words but with the entire body.”
Synopsis: Training is a physical thing not merely mental. Another phrase commonly heard in American martial arts schools is “muscle memory”. The notion is that when you have repeated a motion enough times (a thousand?) your body “remembers” how to do it; you don’t need to think about it. That is a necessary condition in hand to hand combat because the little time available for thought must be allocated to strategy and tactics – not how to perform a technique.

Rule #4.
“Avoid self-conceit and dogmatism.”
Synopsis: Bragging is a sign of immaturity regardless of skill level. It brings dishonor to the braggart, to his dojo, to his art, and to the entire martial arts community.

Rule #5.
“Try to see yourself as you really are and try to adopt what is meritorious in the work of others.”
Synopsis: Watch other practitioners. Learn from what they do well and from their mistakes.

Rule #6.
“Abide by the rules of ethics in your daily life, weather in public or private.”
Synopsis: Perfecting your martial art is done with the help of others; instructors, fellow students, and eventually the students you teach. We’re all fellow travelers in the martial arts way and we all, regardless of rank or skill, deserve respect.

Master Funakoshi taught these rules and lived by them. He also sometimes fell short. And so, when – not if, but when – you fall short of them too, you can forgive yourself for your failure and recommit to following them – until the next time you fall short. This cycle will repeat for as long as you live. Master Funakoshi’s last example of his own falling short of these ideals occurred when he was 80 years old.

Link to the Special Report: "Karate-Do: My Way of Life - What All Martial Artists Can Learn From Gichin Funakoshi"