Losing is one of the most difficult things to deal with. A loss implies that you are wrong- your methods are wrong, your thinking is wrong. It suggests that- if I am wrong about this, what else am I wrong about? It can be a crippling, destabilizing event that damages your ego into disrepair.
But what about when you’re ready to change? What happens when you accept your loss for what it is, and you’re ready to begin to fight earnestly? You must throw away guilt and honor and social regard for others. As it turns out, the path to glory is only fit for the ruthless.
When you sit down to play, you are putting yourself in a situation where you must make decisions. These decisions determine your success or failure, and only the correct ones will lead to victory. What exactly those decisions are- no one knows. But for every one that is made there is a price to pay. Behind every move is a question- will you stay the course, or will you gamble with fate? Your life is a heavy bet to place- but the power that is promised surpasses all that you know.
When you know your opponent is stronger than you- maybe he is more skilled, or naturally talented. Perhaps he has more experience- maybe much more than you do… There doesn’t seem like there’s too much hope for your success. But- there is a chance for you.
Your opponent is human. They have their own life outside of the game, and they may not obsess over it- they may not know all of its secrets. You can capitalize on this! You must take every advantage you can… and that includes exploiting your opponent’s ignorance!
Free damage. Everybody likes free damage, right? You can get it from punishing your opponent’s mistakes, and you can get it from kicking him in the legs if he never wants to block low. But what if I told you that wasn’t all? What if I told you there was a way to get damage that doesn’t involve safety or mixups?
Everybody likes free damage- and when you can catch your opponent’s rhythm, you can hit him with any move in the game- for absolutely nothing!
This is it! You’ve broken through your opponent’s defense and landed a powerful strike, sending him reeling. Now, while the time is right- don’t back off! He is weakened on the ground- you can end this, right here and now! Step forward and deliver the coup de grâce!
So your time has finally come. The veritable God of Calibur stands before you. Spacing unparalleled, punishment razor-sharp. Rushdown like a tornado, defense an impenetrable fortress. You have no chance of winning against this opponent.
… but you do. You possess a gift- a small glimmer of hope in the face of this adversity. A weapon powerful enough to combat even the most invincible opponent. You, my friend, must never forget that you have the power of mixups.
If you’ve ever been playing the game, and you’re just having… just a lot of trouble. Nothing seems to be working, you can’t penetrate your opponent’s defense, you lose and lose and you don’t know why.
If it’s ever happened to you, well, the million-dollar question is: Are you punishing?
If you are not punishing, you are going to lose! Besides, you want your revenge, don’t you? Don’t let your opponent get away!
