Kambiz Mostofizadeh - 25 Principles of Martial Arts: Book of strategies

The 2nd Principle of Yielding teaches us not to force an issue, to not attempt to meet force with force, and to not use force in the place of finesse. The technical application of a Juji-Gatame or an Armbar in individual combat, applies the whole of the body weight of an individual, against the weight of the opponents arm. The 2nd Principle of Yielding states that the opponents force should not be met head on with force, but to use the blending of forces so you can control the opponent. In relationships, often it is the yielding of one partner, that creates counterforce for receiving the advantage. The individual that yields on the mat or in real life gains the advantage because, the inevitable opportunity will arise that will allow the individual that has previously yielded to derive greater power.

Yielding is the opposite of standing your ground , although yielding is not permanently retreating. Yielding is not permanent, but rather a temporary action that uses strategy to seemingly put the opponent in the advantage for a short period of time. Martial arts principles subscribe to the duality of forces as witnessed in strikes and defenses, throws and counter-throws, and holds and escapes. The opponents advantage quickly disappears because your yielding creates the opportunity for you to focus the bulk of your strength against the weakest parts of your opponent. (For ex. joints & throat) Yielding is being pliable and flexible. Each situation demands its own answer and approach. In many situations, it is normal to be rigid however, by yielding you are gaining the advantage.

When you are yielding, your opponent gains a false sense of confidence which ruins their defensive thought processes. This results in the opponent attacking without gauging the consequences of their actions. In individual combat, the action of pivoting and stepping out of the way of an attack is yielding. When an opponent pushes you and you pull the opponent while turning, this is yielding. When an opponent pulls you and you push while turning, this is yielding. The average opponent, not trained in martial arts that use yielding including Aikido, Jujitsu, Judo and others, will attempt to use strength to strike you , throw you, lock your joints, or choke you. The reliance of pure yielding will defeat the mixed use of strength and yielding. Yielding in its essence, makes the applier of its principle an elusive opponent because, your opponents cannot strike or control what has no base to be attacked. If I move forward and you move in to me, it is easier to yield. You cannot yield against that which you cannot touch. In group combat, yielding would be similar to the 10th Principle of Retreating, with the key difference being that the 2nd Principle of Yielding does not create permanent retreat, but temporarily creates time and space for using leverage to concentrate your force using flanking (angled, unorthodox, unpredictable) movements. The goal is to reverse the weakness that you possess and be able to convert this into a strength that will work in your favor.