The Five Positions of Attack
The text classifies sword attacks by upper, middle, lower, right and left targets. It emphasizes committed practice and an attack directed toward the opponent’s center, with movement adapted to the situation.
THE IDEA
THE FIVE POSITIONS OF ATTACK
If we consider the possibilities for attacking the enemy we can clearly see that there are only five ways to do so. You attack the upper, middle, lower, right, and left sides only. This does not exclude attacking from behind the enemy’s back. I am talking about attacking. You should understand the reason for this. You can only attack the upper, middle, lower, right, or left side of the body. Front or rear goes without saying—it is still upper, middle, lower, right, or left side. Even though this may seem ridiculous to mention, there are those who will seek to attack in a completely disjointed fashion when coming from the rear, and thereby fail to beat an enemy. Nothing fancy is involved. You go straight to the heart of the matter and defeat the enemy. There is nothing else involved. You either do it or you don’t. There is only one purpose in attacking the enemy—to cut him down with finality.
Go straight into the heart of the enemy. Your main purpose as a warrior is to defeat the enemy. Do not be side-tracked by the appearances of the enemy or yourself. Do not be conscious of the particular technique you will use. This causes hesitation. If you understand this mentality, you will never be beaten. Your attitude will be recognized by potential enemies and they will prefer to fight someone else. The ultimate aim of the martial arts is not having to use them.
It is always best to attack straight ahead. Your attack must be filled with conviction and purpose. In this way you defeat the enemy regardless of his abilities. Straight-ahead attacks are decisive. This does not mean that straight-in attacks have no circular movements. Research this well. Depending upon where you are fighting, you must understand when to use a front attack and when to use a side attack. It should not be a conscious decision in combat. This is why you must constantly practice from all sides. Going to the side means that you are encountering some sort of obstruction, perhaps another weapon, a strong attacking force, or something else.
Everything emanates from a central core. This is true of all things regardless of their appearance. That is why it is said that you emphasize everything you do from the middle of your heart. An attack of any kind must originate from the center of the warrior and go directly to the center of the enemy. It is important to understand the need for concentrating your attack on the middle and letting it take its own course by going up, down, left or right according to the needs of the “spirit of the thing itself.” If we observe a large battle arena, we generally see the commander in the middle of the troops. All the other positions surround him. He can therefore direct things accordingly, see clearly, and defeat the enemy with the appropriate strategy.
When to use it
In a physical confrontation, identifying the five positions (upper, middle, lower, right, left) helps in targeting vulnerable areas and choosing a direct attack path.
In business strategy, attacking the center of the market directly (e.g., with a core product) can be more effective than diversifying too early.
In debate or argument, focusing on the central point of contention rather than side issues can lead to a quicker resolution.
In personal development, overcoming a bad habit by directly addressing its root cause (the 'center') rather than its symptoms.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Practicing a direct sword attack
A practitioner rehearses attacks toward the upper, middle, lower and side targets described in the text. The aim is to coordinate direction, movement and commitment so that choosing a familiar action does not introduce hesitation.
Commander in the Center of Battle
The text uses the analogy of a commander positioned in the middle of troops, able to direct forces to all sides. In a business context, a leader who focuses on the core mission (the 'center') can better decide when to attack market segments (upper, lower, etc.) without losing sight of the overall goal.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a current challenge you are facing. What would it mean to 'attack straight to the center' of that challenge, rather than getting distracted by peripheral issues?
Identify the 'five positions' in a negotiation scenario—what are the different angles or arguments you could use? How can focusing on the core issue lead to a decisive outcome?
How can you train yourself to act without hesitation in high-pressure situations, as described in the concept of attacking with conviction?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)