COMBAT

Strike through the target, not at it.

Keep your guard up and chin tucked.  Even when fatigue sets in, simply keeping your guard up will give you a good defense.

When you see the blow coming without fear, you can defend yourself in a rational, reasonable way.

Finish the technique.  When a jabber jabs, he returns his punch in case he has to execute it again.  Don’t leave it out there for show or praise.  Return it to the starting position.

Being surprised by an attack prevents quick action.  You must never hesitate.

“See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body.”  Master Swordsman Yagyu Munenori (1571-1646) (Mentally rehearse the fight in your mind, see it unfold, as the body is executing the techniques.)

Never underestimate your opponent.  (This was the first lesson I was taught in LOTUS under Ajarn Mack Petry)

In a crisis, we do not rise to the occasion, but default back to our training.