A fight is a fight, and the principles of fighting are the same no matter what weapons you use. Even when sparring with words, Mr. Miyagi’s advice can give you the edge.

Ability matters

“Someone always know more.”

Attacking a black belt when you’re just getting started is pretty stupid. Attempting to match wits with experienced debators without practice is much the same thing; they will take you down fast and hard. Practice: make your skills second nature when facing the situation. However, always remember there’s someone better or more knowledgeable than you.

Stay calm

“The sun is warm, the grass is green.”

A calm mind is a clear mind. Thinking clearly will allow you to analyze your opponent and your opponent’s argument. It will also let you strongly build your own argument (or come up with cleverer taunts). Additionally, an aura of calm will often confuse and anger your opponent, giving you an even better advantage.

Avoid swinging wildly

“Never put passion before principle. Even if win, you lose.”

A wild and powerful swing could do damage if it connects, but no experienced fighter will let it hit him. If anything, it will leave you open to attack instead. in arguments, this means avoiding fallacies. People with aptitude in arguing will easily identify and destroy your fallacious arguments, putting you in a much weaker position.

Create openings

“Learn how punch, after you learn how keep dry”

Make your opponent fail first. Identify and destroy his fallacies. Make him focus on his weakest points. When your opponent is having trouble keeping his argument together, he won’t be able to attack yours effectively when you choose to make it.

If you are able, turn his attacks back at him. If the reverse of his statements could be true, mention it. If this makes other parts of his arguments fall apart, point this out.

Attack those openings

“Punch! Drive a punch! Not just arm, whole body! Hip, leg, drive a punch!”

Once your opponent is focused on salvaging his own argument, attack. Build your points from examples and logic. Make your argument strong where his is weak. If you’ve reversed one of his points, add to your side of it. Make his faulty points work for you.

In a real fight, there are no winners

“Fighting not good.”

Fighting causes pain. Emotions can be hurt easily on both sides. This is especially true if you care about the person you’re fighting with. The other person will likely say mean things to you in the course of a real argument, so even if you win, there will be bad feelings. Even if you don’t really care, that person is still a person, and hurting a person isn’t fun. Don’t start fights just to fight, but, as Mr. Miyagi said: “if you must fight… win.”