Balance of Powers

The Balance of Powers is an old rule that keeps fights fair. Students are generally expected to comply with it in any circumstance of conflict.

The Balance of Powers

The golden rule of any combat is the BOP, or balance of powers. The balance of powers essentially means that you cannot be overly powerful, or dictate your opponent's actions. For example:

INCORRECT: *Throws spear at you* slices spear in half with sword throws 10 spears back at you

Cannot be overly powerful

CORRECT: *Throws spear at you* ducks picks up spear and throws it back at you

Did not do an impossible move, and stayed within limits for retaliation.

The same rule goes for dictation. Although you might think "I never dictate other people's actions!" The definition for dictate is broader than it may seem.

INCORRECT: Throws spear at you Dodges spear shoots arrow at your head, and arrow hits

Cannot dictate that your arrow has hit and killed your opponent.

CORRECT: *Throws spear at you* dodges spear Shoots arrow at your head

You did not dictate the fate of the other player. He or she is free to say if the arrow hit or not.

"Now wait a minute," you might say. "According to these rules, a fight could go on forever with no victor!" Yes, this is true. There is that possibility, and in many fights that is how it ends up. Students, however, are expected to know what's fair and what's not, and accurately determine whether something got them or not. Responsibility is Key!

*tells all you kids to go outside and get some exercise in.... then go be sweet and help your mom with something*