Approximately 300 years ago, either towards the end of the Ming or the beginning of the Qing Dynasties, an unknown scholar compiled 36 military stratagems. Titled the Secret art of war (not to be confused with Sun Tzu's "Art of War". It is divided into six sections with six stratagems in each section. One of the things that makes this classic unique is its use of deception throughout.
Six multiplied by six equals thirty-six. Calculations produce tactics which in turn produce calculations. Each side depends upon the other. Based on this correlative relationship, ploys against the enemy are devised. Rigid application of Military theory will only result in defeat on the battlefield.
1. Stratagems when in a superior position
1. Sneak across the ocean in broad daylight (Cross the sea under camouflage)
This means to create a front that eventually becomes imbued with an atmosphere or impression of familiarity, within which the strategist may maneuver unseen while all eyes are trained to see obvious familiarities.
Combat application: Hiding your motion in motion. Example; light hopping in sparring can hide your attack.
2. Surround one state to save another. (Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao)
When a strong group is about to take over a weaker group, a third part can "have its cake and eat it too," gaining a good reputation by attacking the aggressor in apparent behalf of the defender, and also eventually absorb the weakened defender to boot, without incurring the same opprobrium that would be leveled at outright aggression.
Combat application: Protecting a loved one or friend.
References:
- http://www.warrior-scholar.com/articles/36stratagems.htm
- Stratagems when in a superior position. (TODO Japanese kanji for "Superior Position")
- Stratagems for Confrontation (TODO Japanese kanji for "Confrontation")
- Stratagems for attack (TODO Japanese kanji for "Attack")
- Stratagems for confused situations (TODO Japanese kanji for "Confused Situations")
- Stratagems for gaining ground (TODO Japanese kanji for "Gaining Ground")
- Stratagems Desperate situations (TODO Japanese kanji for "Desperate Situations")
Six multiplied by six equals thirty-six. Calculations produce tactics which in turn produce calculations. Each side depends upon the other. Based on this correlative relationship, ploys against the enemy are devised. Rigid application of Military theory will only result in defeat on the battlefield.
1. Stratagems when in a superior position
1. Sneak across the ocean in broad daylight (Cross the sea under camouflage)
This means to create a front that eventually becomes imbued with an atmosphere or impression of familiarity, within which the strategist may maneuver unseen while all eyes are trained to see obvious familiarities.
Combat application: Hiding your motion in motion. Example; light hopping in sparring can hide your attack.
2. Surround one state to save another. (Besiege Wei to rescue Zhao)
When a strong group is about to take over a weaker group, a third part can "have its cake and eat it too," gaining a good reputation by attacking the aggressor in apparent behalf of the defender, and also eventually absorb the weakened defender to boot, without incurring the same opprobrium that would be leveled at outright aggression.
Combat application: Protecting a loved one or friend.
References:
- http://www.warrior-scholar.com/articles/36stratagems.htm
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