Receive

In Ninjutsu training we learn the skill of Uke (受, meaning 'to accept' or 'to receive') which occupies the wide band of spectrum between 'block' and 'avoid'. We practice to receive attacks coming our way instead of blocking or avoiding, the two naive strategies. Why don't we block or avoid?

Imagine yourself unarmed in front of a sword wielding killer. Attempting to block a sword with your body will leave U injured and bleeding and dead shortly after. Your opponent expends little energy to stab or cut, as the sword amplifies his power. Meanwhile to avoid U must move your entire body out of danger. Avoiding does little to change the situation as your attacker presses on and corrals U.

Only by receiving can U execute Muto Dori​ (無刀捕), moving with the attack in such a way that he thinks he will kill U and while disarm him.

To receive means to accept the situation and immerse yourself in it in such a way that allows U to change the situation. It means staying with the trouble. It means putting your heart on the line.