The "Spoiling Fight"

[Guest]

As many know, I'm a big Anglophile, and as such I'm always asking questions about "English" methods. Someone once desribed Silver's method as a "spoiling fight" on the old board. I have SOME idea what this means, but a little more of an in-depth description would be most welcome, (as I can be a bit dense).
Thanks <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

B.

[Guest]

Hi Brandon
Not sure if I can help as not read Silver's ways in any great depth, but being English with a small understanding of our collective history, I had an idea that may help. Someone who is 'spoiling for a fight' is an old slang phrase for a person who will not be reasoned with or deterred from attacking or instigating a fight of some sort, physical or verbal. For example, newly trained marines across the world, when given leave, go out for several beers spoiling for the opportunity to show off their new skills. My GUESS re; Someone once describing Silver's method as a "spoiling fight" is that he took on his opponents in a seemingly aggressive style. This could have been used to draw out an attack rather than the obvious bravado.
Hope this helps

Talbot

[Guest]

Hi Brandon,

From my limited understanding of Silver, I would say that it is a reference to Silvers overall style. He basically shows a style which is designed to keep you alive and safe. You can see from Brief Instructions, even as early as "General Instructions" (I think that is what the first section is called) point 3 that he is intending to "break the distance judgement" of the opponent by "slipping a little back" every time he steps to attack. One could think of this as a "spoiling fight" as you have continually in mind the idea of doing this.

He does not really seem bothered if he is going to hit the opponent, as if you follow his advice and the other chap does not, you will hit him eventually anyway. As he says if two combatants follow his advise they can fight all day and go home safe.

Hope that this will help

Col
ARMA Norway