The five attitudes are: Upper, Middle, Lower, Right Side, and Left Side. These are the five. Although attitude has these five dimensions, the one purpose of all of them is to cut the enemy. There are none but these five attitudes. Whatever attitude you are in, do not be conscious of making the attitude; think only of cutting.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Focus on the goal of cutting rather than the stance itself.
- In plain terms
- Do not worry about posture, just focus on the action.
- What can you take from it?
- Purpose outweighs form in execution.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you overthinking your technique?
- What is your main goal right now?
Another view
Proper form can be important for safety and efficiency.
More from Miyamoto Musashi
Generally, I dislike fixedness in both long swords and hands. Fixedness means a dead hand. Pliability is a living hand. You must bear this in mind.
Permalink to quote #32 Knowing the Way of the long sword means we can wield with two fingers the sword that we usually carry. If we know the path of the sword well, we can wield it e…
Permalink to quote #34 Grip the long sword with a rather floating feeling in your thumb and forefinger, with the middle finger neither tight nor slack, and with the last two fingers …
Permalink to quote #31
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