Mike Tyson said it best: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” People operate under the illusion that words don’t carry consequences, that respect is optional. But in reality, violence is always on the table. Not because you seek it, but because the world demands it when lines are crossed.
The Price of Recklessness: Personal Lessons
The Goofy Twink Incident
A company event. Some wired-up dude, high off his own ego, definitely on some kind of substance, meth or cocaine based on his eyes and his jaw, standing over me running his mouth—reckless. The kind of talk you’d never try back in the States, but he felt bold in Vietnam. I was blazed, relaxed, letting his words bounce off. But then he kept going, louder, trying to show out in front of a group.
So I checked him. Two quick lefts—never even left my seat. He folded instantly, clutching his stomach. Silence. Sometimes, a lesson has to be taught in real-time.
The Doctor Who Talked Too Much
Fast forward to a friend’s wedding. A prominent doctor, running his mouth like he was invincible. Disrespect in its purest form. I gave him a fair warning: “You have much more to lose than I do.” His response? “People disappear every day.”
I didn’t say another word—just a quick blade chop to his clavicle. Nothing lethal, just a message. The moment it landed, I leaned in and said: “That’s how quickly I could hit you in your throat.” The thump was solid. He shut up. Never mistake someone’s peace for weakness. Some of us just keep our savagery on reserve.
History Repeats: The Art of Tactical Violence
Miyamoto Musashi’s One-Strike Mastery
Musashi, the undefeated samurai, knew the power of striking first and decisively. In duels, he’d let his opponent run their mouth, overthink, and then he’d end them with a single cut. No wasted movement, no hesitation. He once fought Sasaki Kojiro, a master swordsman with a longer blade. Instead of matching strength, Musashi showed up late, got in his head, and killed him in one strike with a wooden sword. Mind games and precise violence.
Lesson? People who talk too much are rarely prepared for real consequences.
The Romans and the Art of Immediate Force
The Romans had a simple philosophy: Strike fast, strike hard, and don’t wait. When a barbarian tribe threatened Rome, Julius Caesar didn’t negotiate. He crossed the Rubicon, moved with intent, and crushed resistance before it could build momentum. The enemy expected debate; Caesar gave them war.
Same principle applies today—hesitation gets you conquered.
The FAFO Principles: How to Move Correctly
- Read the Room. Most conflicts are won before a single move is made. Look for signs of false confidence, nervous energy, or people who are just testing boundaries. Some people talk for sport; others talk because they think you won’t respond.
- Set Boundaries Early. A sharp “You sure you wanna keep talking?” or a deadpan “Say that again.” can put them on notice. A warning is a courtesy.
- Control the Environment. Never let someone get too close without consequence. If they’re posturing, standing over you, or creating an audience—address it immediately. Power is established before the first blow lands.
- Strike First, If Necessary. Violence is a tool, not a hobby. But when it’s required, don’t half-step. A fast, decisive strike shifts all momentum. Speed and surprise win fights.
- Stay Unpredictable. The strongest move is the one they never see coming. Whether it’s a left-handed two-piece or a quick pressure-point strike, never fight fair—fight smart.
- Walk Away Like Nothing Happened. The goal isn’t to escalate; it’s to end. Once the lesson is learned, move on. The loudest man in the room is usually the weakest. You don’t need to broadcast—your actions already spoke for you.
Final Thought: Why FAFO is a Life Philosophy
People assume peace means weakness. It doesn’t. It means you have options. Some choose to test boundaries, thinking there are no repercussions. But every now and then, they meet someone who was built differently.
So let them talk. Let them believe they’re untouchable. And if they decide to fuck around—make sure they find out.
