Disrupting the Pattern: More Than Just a Martial Tactic

In the dojo much of what we learn can be used in day-to-day life; outside of just “fighting” and martial arts. Disrupting the Pattern is a tactic used to throw off the attacker’s flow or rhythm, disrupt their movement or attack, and create a kind of “counter window” for ourselves. When we break their rhythm, we create opportunities. What you do with the opportunity is up to you and your training.

A good example of disrupting the pattern can come from timing. Take Choku-Tsuki (straight punch) and Oi-Tsuki (lunge punch) for example. Oi-Tsuki (lunge punch) is when you step and punch simultaneously. This seems more natural and is probably more expected by a typical aggressor. With Choku-Tsuki (straight punch) you step first, then fire a punch once your stance is rooted. This has a much more unnatural feel and could really throw off an aggressor. Especially if you move off-line and then fire unexpectedly. Thus, a new window of opportunity was created.

How could this be used in day-to-day living you might ask? I will tell you how. With toddlers… or any distracted individual really. Just like an “aggressor,” a toddler gets hooked on a thing you want them to move on from. Instead of arguing and fussing back and forth you can re-direct them, thus disrupting the pattern. They want something, you say no, they throw a tantrum. You can let them, argue back, give in, OR disrupt their pattern through distraction!

I have been doing this time and time again over the past couple of years without even knowing. My wife told me I was good at getting them to calm down or move on to something else when they get worked up. Once she said this, I started noticing. I was throwing them off, disrupting their pattern, so they didn’t know how to argue with us anymore. They didn’t know how to react or what was going on. Whether it was through noise, another toy, a silly motion, or something unexpected, I was creating new windows of opportunity. 

Once I noticed this, I realized it can truly be applied to anyone and used quite frequently in many day-to-day antics. Disrupting the pattern works well inside the dojo, in a scrap, and the everyday. Learn it well my friends! 😊

Check out Valerie’s other post: Finding the Why’s In Life.