Condition One: Protection of Self and Others. In either case, a
Martial Artist has to be both tactical and strategic. It’s not
enough to know how to counter a groin kick with a joint lock.
Martial Artists have to understand the ramifications of their
actions and plan ahead accordingly. I have seen several
occasions where a Martial Artist could have easily beaten
someone that was immediately threatening them, but did not, due
to the strategic implications. This could mean that for legal,
social, or really any reason, it was more important and
appropriate to keep the situation non-violent. Some examples
might be that beating up a person would fuel more violence in
the future that could not be contained, or that beating up a
person could mean that they could not provide for their family
afterwards because of the injuries. At other times, a Martial
Artist can decide to beat the other person up. This can be for
many reasons as well. Some examples might be that the other
person left no avenue for a safe retreat, or