“Suffering Fools Gladly”, by Fred King with Mike Replogle, Karate Illustrated May 1982 Vol 13 No 5
SUFFERING FOOLS GLADLY- Fred King discusses what to do and how to drill so that you master-just in case-the knack of falling, being pushed, tripped, and retaliating. There’s a big difference between serious injury and mere indignity.
featuring Mike Replogle.
Excerpt:
“To fall or not to fall—that is not the question. The question is how to fall so you go down, if not fighting, then at least to your own advantage.
There are many ways of falling. Take a look at any judo or aikido book on the subject and you will come into contact with many of the basic falling techniques. Here I’m assuming that you have at least a working knowledge of these. If not, then I suggest that without reading any further you begin to familiarize with this neglected aspect of your martial education. With respect to falling, consider this something of an intermediate course. As a relatively advanced student of the arts, you will recognize the possibility of being prone and will want to do all you can to fall in such a way as to immediately strengthen your position.
The viewpoint here is that you are already off balance in one way or another and must now deal with the situation. In most street encounters, your attacker will try to get you when you’re off guard. Therefore, unless you’re sure you’ve already mastered the “Way of Total Perception” or unless you can see into the future, you might be caught unaware and and find yourself headed for the deck.”
