Holding the Long Sword
A heuristic from martial arts emphasizing the balance between firmness and flexibility in grip and mindset, applicable to both sword fighting and unarmed combat, as well as other domains requiring controlled adaptability.
THE IDEA
HOLDING THE LONG SWORD
It is important for you to understand the proper manner in which to hold the long sword. The grip should be both loose and tight at the same time. What I mean by this is that you should hold the sword firmly and resolutely, yet at the same time your hand and wrist must be pliable. Hold the sword as you would a fishing rod and strike with it as if you were casting a fishing line. Hold the sword tightly with the bottom two fingers to give yourself the added support you need to wield the long sword correctly. Direct the sword with your thumb and forefinger.
These principles apply to the unarmed martialist as well. Having some play in your hands is essential in your structured physical attitude, whatever you are trying to accomplish. If you do not hold the sword correctly, you stand a chance of losing control of the weapon when in combat. If you strike a hard object and your grip is not strong, you can drop the sword as a result. In unarmed styles of fighting, the fist must be held tightly and the wrist must be straight. The problems that will occur if you do not do this include breaking your wrist on contact and the inability to focus with all your heart and soul with a weakened wrist. In knife-hand techniques, the fingers must be drawn tightly together to prevent the breaking of the fingers if your strike is not focused correctly. If your fingers are drawn tightly together, you will have no problems with focusing.
When a warrior draws his sword the main intention must be to cut the enemy down. There is no reason to change your grip when you strike the enemy. When you have forced the enemy to lose control of his sword because of your parrying thrust, do not change your hand position. Do not show your enemy false bravado because it is certain to get you killed, especially if the enemy is well trained. Likewise, when you put aside the enemy’s sword, or block the enemy’s strike, you must be intent on following up with a powerful attack to win the fight. The martial arts are not a game to see who is stronger and who is faster. You must mean it when you strike at the enemy. If you do not, you will certainly get hurt. The only reason to draw your sword is to cut the enemy down.
It is essential that you understand there is no difference between using the sword in combat and in practice. There is no such thing as a grip for striking and a grip for practice. Even in practice you must strike with all your heart and with all your soul. To do otherwise will result in your being unable to strike with full force and conviction should the need arise. Every strike must be done with full authority and full intensity. A bullet from a gun does not make a distinction between practice and combat. You are training to be one and the same way in your entire life. I do not like the idea of stubbornness in the grip. Stubbornness means non-flexibility. Your hands must be both pliable and firm. This means that you must practice all techniques in the same manner, regardless of which way you hold your sword in swordfighting or your hand in unarmed methods.
When to use it
When learning a physical skill, consciously adjust your grip or posture to find the optimal balance of tension and relaxation.
In a high-stakes negotiation, maintain a firm end goal while staying flexible in the tactics you use to achieve it.
During a creative project, alternate between focused execution (firm) and open brainstorming (loose) to produce better results.
In leadership, communicate a clear vision (firm) while encouraging input and adaptation from your team (pliable).
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Applying the grip principle to daily life
Consider how you hold a pen while writing. If you grip it too tightly, your hand cramps and writing becomes strained. If too loosely, you lose control. The optimal grip is firm but relaxed, allowing fluid movement—mirroring the long sword heuristic.
Training mindset in sports
A basketball player rehearses free throws with the same routine and concentration used in a game. Consistent practice makes that routine more familiar under pressure, illustrating the sword fighter’s emphasis on practicing the intended technique seriously.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
In what area of your life are you gripping too tightly (rigid) or too loosely (unfocused), and how can you find a balance?
How does the principle of 'no difference between practice and combat' apply to a skill you are currently learning?
Can you identify a situation where you need to be both firm (in your intention) and pliable (in your method)?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)