The Art of War

In the term “martial arts” the meaning of “martial” is “warlike,” so what better place to gain some top-notch war strategies than Sun Tzu’s timeless classic “The Art of War.” In my opinion, probably one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written on the subject. Anyway, I decided to bring out my trusty Ouiji board, summon the spirit of Sun Tzu and pick his brains for a while, y’know… ask him to highlight the most important lessons from his book and shit. So for all you warmongers out there who are too damn lazy to read the entire thing, here it is in a nutshell. Enjoy!

Force is the control of the balance of power, in accordance with advantages.

Warfare is the Way of deception.

Attack where they are not prepared, go out to where they do not expect.

When doing battle, seek a quick victory.

One who knows when he can fight, and when he cannot fight, will be victorious.

One who knows the enemy and knows himself will not be in danger in a hundred battles.

One who does not know the enemy but knows himself will sometimes win, sometimes lose.

One who does not know the enemy and does not know himself will be in danger in every battle.

Being invincible depends on oneself, but the enemy becoming vulnerable depends on himself.

Those skilled in warfare establish positions that make them invincible and do not miss opportunities to attack the enemy.

Those skilled at uncommon manoeuvres are as endless as the heavens and earth, and as inexhaustible as the rivers and seas.

In battle, there are no more than two types of attacks: Uncommon and common, yet the variations of the uncommon and common cannot all be comprehended. The common and the uncommon produce each other, like an endless circle.

The force of those skilled in warfare is overwhelming, and their timing precise. Their force is like a drawn crossbow and their timing is like the release of the trigger. Even in the midst of the turbulence of battle, the fighting seemingly chaotic, they are not confused.

Those skilled in moving the enemy use formation that which the enemy must respond. They offer bait that which the enemy must take, manipulating the enemy to move while they wait in ambush.

Those skilled in warfare move the enemy, and are not moved by the enemy.

Getting the enemy to approach on his own accord is a matter of showing him advantage.

Stopping him from approaching is a matter of showing him harm.

Appear at places where he must rush to defend, and rush to places where he least expects.

Be subtle, become formless, become the master of your enemy’s fate.

To achieve an advance that cannot be hampered, rush to his weak points.

To achieve a withdrawal that cannot be pursued, depart with superior speed.

If we can make the enemy show his position while we are formless, we will be at full force while the enemy is divided.

Know the enemy’s strengths and weaknesses. Probe him, to know where he is strong and where he is weak.

Provoke him, to know his patterns of movement.

The ultimate skill is to take up a position where you are formless.

Your strategy for victories in battle is not repetitious, and your formations in response to the enemy are endless.

Do not press an enemy that is cornered.

Do not depend on the enemy not coming, but depend on our readiness against him.

Do not depend on the enemy not attacking, but depend on our position that cannot be attacked.

Five Dangerous traits
1)    He who is reckless can be killed.
2)    He who is cowardly can be captured.
3)    He who is quick tempered can be insulted.
4)    He who is moral can be shamed.
5)    He who is fond of the people can be worried.

For stalemated ground, though the enemy offers you advantage, do not advance

To calculate the enemy, create conditions leading to victory, calculating the dangers and distances.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, the victory is not at risk.

Move when advantageous, stop when not advantageous.

The essential factor in warfare is speed.

If you take care of your health, avoid fatigue, you will be united, and will build strength.

If the enemy presents an opportunity, take advantage of it. Once the enemy opens the door, be like a scurrying hare.

There you have it… The art of war in a nutshell. This is just the stuff I personally found useful. I recommend you grab a copy of this wonderful book and go through it with a highlighter pen by your side. Feel free to hit up the comments section and let me know what lessons YOU think you’ve learnt from good old Mr. Sun Tzu.

Anyways, I’m off to wage war with North Korea, and if I’ve got time… maybe start up another East coast – West coast rivalry. In the words of American rapper and scholar Ice cube: “If you live on the Westside of your town, make those other fools bow down."