The following is the second stratagem from the Chinese classic 'Thirty-Six Stratagems.
Long ago in China the kingdom of Zhao was besieged by an army from Wei. In an effort to distract the forces attacking the kingdom, the forces of Zhao started their own invasion of Wei to attack the exposed and non-fortified areas.
Today is July 1st so I picked today to post this particular stratagem.
Something similar happened during the Civil War.
During the Summer of 1863, Robert E. Lee had a choice to make. Knowing that Vicksburg had been under siege by Union troops for over a month he could send his forces down to Mississippi to aide Vicksburg or he could launch an invasion into the north to possible take the pressure off. He chose the later deciding that it would take too much time to get his whole army down there and the siege could possibly be over by then.
Lee sent his troops north to Gettysburg and the fighting began on July 1, 1863. Vicksburg surrendered on July 4th 3 days later.
So, enough of the history lesson. How can we apply this principle?
Here's a few ways and I'd love to hear how you could or have applied this principle...
If someone bearhugs you, most people immediately think of trying to free themselves by struggling. The problem is that many people run out of strength and energy and still don't get free.
When in a bearhug under the arms from the front, one can poke the eye and pull the hair causing an attacker to fall backwards to the ground.
When in a bearhug from the front or back over the arms, there may be enough space to grab the groin.
Bite if you have to to cause injury.
Find a way to inflict injury if you are in a situation in which your life is in danger.
If one part of you is being forcibly controlled and is unable to move, there are still other parts that can still be used to defend yourself.
Long ago in China the kingdom of Zhao was besieged by an army from Wei. In an effort to distract the forces attacking the kingdom, the forces of Zhao started their own invasion of Wei to attack the exposed and non-fortified areas.
Today is July 1st so I picked today to post this particular stratagem.
Something similar happened during the Civil War.
During the Summer of 1863, Robert E. Lee had a choice to make. Knowing that Vicksburg had been under siege by Union troops for over a month he could send his forces down to Mississippi to aide Vicksburg or he could launch an invasion into the north to possible take the pressure off. He chose the later deciding that it would take too much time to get his whole army down there and the siege could possibly be over by then.
Lee sent his troops north to Gettysburg and the fighting began on July 1, 1863. Vicksburg surrendered on July 4th 3 days later.
So, enough of the history lesson. How can we apply this principle?
Here's a few ways and I'd love to hear how you could or have applied this principle...
If someone bearhugs you, most people immediately think of trying to free themselves by struggling. The problem is that many people run out of strength and energy and still don't get free.
When in a bearhug under the arms from the front, one can poke the eye and pull the hair causing an attacker to fall backwards to the ground.
When in a bearhug from the front or back over the arms, there may be enough space to grab the groin.
Bite if you have to to cause injury.
Find a way to inflict injury if you are in a situation in which your life is in danger.
If one part of you is being forcibly controlled and is unable to move, there are still other parts that can still be used to defend yourself.
RSS Feed
