Mohammad Ali’s famous for the saying “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!” and in his early years he did just that. However, facing 25 year old George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974, Ali came in as a 4-1 underdog against the younger more powerful heavy weight champ.
It was then that Ali introduced the now legendary Rope-a Dope. His strategy was to BLOCK, bob and weave supported by the ring ropes while his younger, stronger opponent “punched himself out.”
In the now legendary fight, Foreman swung away wildly, as Ali BLOCKED, Foreman over extended his arms, missing Ali, or landing punches on Ali’s powerful forearms harmlessly. The tactic worked, and in the 8th round Ali knocked Foreman out, standing defiantly over his younger opponent regaining the title to once again become the heavy weight champ.
This event was watched by millions of boxing enthusiasts around the world, grossing $100 million in revenues, and the BLOCKING, bobbing and weaving “Rope-a Dope” became history.
Ali was not stronger, or faster. However the aging boxer was smarter. In self-defense we BLOCK, bob and weave to evade, allowing a stronger, faster opponent to effectively, “punch themselves out” until the opening is right for a counter punch.
In life, when we believe we are overmatched, and out gunned, we can choose to BLOCK, bob and weave until the time is right to make our move. Remember, a smart defense isn’t always going “toe to toe”in battle, in business, or team projects. Sometimes we BLOCK and wait for the right opening to strike.
Champions know how to win, and when appropriate, when to BLOCK, bob and weave…
Allen Hughes Life Defense Coach
#lifedefense #block #allenhughes
