The Importance of the Long Sword over the Short Sword
Musashi argues for taking the initiative rather than waiting defensively for an opening. He favors understanding a weapon’s uses and controlling an encounter, while also stating that a skilled warrior should be able to use different weapons.
THE IDEA
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LONG SWORD OVER THE SHORT SWORD
Superior warriors have no preference for using a long sword or a short sword. A sword is used to strike down an enemy. Warriors can use any weapon they choose if they understand my strategy. It is also to be understood that using only a short sword means that you are waiting for an unguarded moment in your enemy before attacking. This is not good because it is merely a defensive posture and does not fully realize the true meaning of strategy. You are waiting for the opportunity to be offered to take the initiative. Using a short sword means you are going into the enemy’s defenses too closely and you may not be able to handle multiple attackers. The short sword will also cause you to become entangled with the enemy. To constantly be on the defensive means that you are weak in your resolve and that you do not truly understand the Way of the warrior. The attitude at all times is to go in to the attack. To do this you must be properly prepared both mentally and physically. This includes understanding your weaponry. To continuously fend off an attacker without the resolution to kill him is a great waste of time, effort, and energy. You must remember this. You are not there to play and you are not there to show off. You are there to kill the enemy or as many enemies as is necessary. If you constantly practice with the spirit of killing the enemy, you will never have to be concerned with the methods of other schools.
It is best to understand the proper use of the long sword. To win in fights you must control the enemy and not necessarily rely on your weapons so much as on your intelligence. You must chase the enemy around and strive to confuse him by making him lose his balance. You must stand straight and true with your spine erect. You must understand what it means to suffocate him with a pillow. Then kill him. There is nothing else. Most people trying to learn strategy do not understand this for some reason. They think that countering or evading or running is the Way of strategy. It is not.
Early on in training your teacher must impart this wisdom to you. If he does not, perhaps he is the wrong teacher for you if you truly wish to learn the Way of strategy. The true warrior is unflinching in his devotion to studying his craft.
If you are unfortunate enough to have never had this vital concept drummed into your head, consider yourself lucky for having it done now. It is a terrible thing that many other schools do not understand what the Way of the warrior really is. Many warriors have had to take a hard look at reality when it became evident to them that they were not being “led to the path” but perhaps only being “led down the path.”
When to use it
In competitive sports, taking offensive action rather than relying on counterattacks.
In project management, proactively setting milestones and tackling risks before they become issues.
In personal development, actively seeking new skills and challenges instead of waiting for them to arise.
In conflict resolution, addressing issues head-on rather than avoiding or deflecting.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Martial Application: Outnumbered Fight
Musashi argues that relying only on a short sword can leave a warrior too close to opponents and entangled when facing several attackers. His point is to prepare for the encounter and take the initiative, rather than expect a weapon alone to provide an advantage.
Business Scenario: Market Entry
A startup compares reacting to competitors’ releases with setting its own product priorities. As a business analogy, taking the initiative means choosing which customer problem to address and preparing to act, rather than assuming a proactive launch will guarantee market share.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
In what areas of your life are you waiting for opportunities instead of creating them? How can you adopt a 'long sword' approach there?
What does it mean to 'control the enemy' in a non-physical context, such as a negotiation or competition?
What preparation and practice would turn commitment to a goal into a specific action?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)