The Five Approaches to Strategy

THE FIVE APPROACHES

I must insist that you understand the need for constant training with the correct attitudes in order to wield a sword properly. The Way of the warrior is an exacting Way and the “spirit of the thing itself ” will not be trifled with. You must understand my five approaches to strategy.

The best way to attack is to the center of the enemy. Always go to the middle of the enemy’s face. It is easier to veer off in another direction from the center than it is to cover excessive ground in getting from the right side to the left side or the left side to the right side. When you attack you generally have to ward off an attack at the same time. This is called deflection. It is not the same as striking at the enemy’s weapon. This is an entirely different matter. In blocking you are trying to ward off an attack. Striking at the enemy’s weapon misdirects the enemy’s attack in order to open a target for yourself. Riding the enemy’s weapon means the same thing.

Your attack must be based on both parts of this maneuver. Neither one nor the other but both. If it is not, then it is not an attack done with conviction and will not be effective. Being directly in the enemy’s face is the same thing as pointing your sword into the enemy’s face. Your directness is what will enable you to succeed.

The upper attack is the second of my attacking strategies. An attack must be made with the idea of repeating it. It is not always possible to cut the enemy or hit the enemy with only one attack. You must not permit confusion to get in the way of your work. Do your work well and do it effectively. When you have come to see that technique is the basis for allowing the spirit to express itself then you can beat the enemy. Always be aware of the possibility of changing timing and rhythm.

The lower attack is done as if arising from the earth. Hit the enemy’s hand from underneath his sword position. It is the same as kicking an unarmed fighter in the groin while he is in an attacking position. If your attack is acted upon by the enemy, change direction and come in from the side. The main idea is to move on the enemy instantly upon perceiving his own approaching attack. Superlative speed is essential to be able to move on the enemy at the instant of his attack. Speed does not necessarily mean being faster than the enemy. It means being smarter than the enemy. Think in terms of “quickness.” An enemy will attack only if he feels sure of himself. This is why it is important to develop perception. Knowing the enemy will attack does not give you the license to only fight with a counter-attacking attitude. You must have the courage to go into the attack without thinking in terms of anything but “cutting” or “striking” the enemy. Always maintain the attitude of defeating your enemy with one strike. Practice your attacks with the attitude of “going in.” The long sword means that you use your primary weapon, yourself.

Attacking from the left side is the fourth approach. Parry from the outside and attack from the left side. You may also attack from the right side. The left side attitude is a method of combat and not a specific technique. Deflect the advancing sword by going into the attack and the instant you touch his sword swing your sword up and across and down.

The fifth approach is to attack from the right side of the enemy. Use the same manner as with the left side attitude, for this is neither more nor less important than any of the other approaches. A methodology is employed, not a specific technique.

Words are not adequate to fully explain what I mean with regard to my five approaches to strategy. The concepts are intuitive. You must constantly practice all of your techniques until they become second nature. Once they are part of your nature you can cease to think about them. You must understand yourself and you must understand the enemy. You would also do well to remember that what I say and how you perceive what I say can be completely different depending upon your awareness of yourself and the level of skill you have attained. The need for constant study and thought is essential for understanding the Way of the warrior.