Skip to content
quotesby

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 easily. If you try to wield the long sword quickly you will mistake the Way. To wield the long sword well you must wield it calmly. If you try to wield it quickly, like a folding fan or a short sword, you will err by using 'short sword chopping'. You cannot cut a man with a long sword using this method.

Miyamoto Musashi#34

MasteryMartial artsTechniqueDisciplineSkillCalmness

About this quote

What does it mean?
Understanding the true way of the sword allows calm, proper use; rushing leads to mistakes and ineffective techniques.
In plain terms
Know the sword’s path and use it calmly, not hastily.
What can you take from it?
Master fundamentals before attempting speed.

Where it applies

  • combat training
  • skill development
  • performance

Putting it to work

  • practice slow, controlled movements
  • study the sword’s principles

Questions to consider

  • Why does speed cause errors in sword handling?
  • How can calmness improve performance?

Another view

Overemphasis on speed can still produce skillful results for some practitioners.

More from Miyamoto Musashi

  1. 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 al…

    Permalink to quote #33
  2. 'Attitude No-Attitude' means that there is no need for what are known as long sword attitudes. Even so, attitudes exist as the five ways of holding the long sw…

    Permalink to quote #35
  3. 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

Related quotes

  1. If you do not look at things on a large scale it will be difficult for you to master strategy. If you learn and attain this strategy you will never lose even t…

    Miyamoto MusashiMiyamoto Musashi quote #22
  2. Repetition is the mother of skill. (might be someone else who wrote it).

    Anthony RobbinsAnthony Robbins quote #42
  3. Again let me remind you Jeet Kune Do is just a name used, a boat to get one across, and once across it is to be discarded and not to be carried on one's back.

    Bruce LeeBruce Lee quote #83