When the fight comes, always endeavour to chase the enemy around to your left side. Chase him towards awkward places, and try to keep him with his back to awkward places. When the enemy gets into an inconvenient position, do not let him look around, but conscientiously chase him around and pin him down. In houses, chase the enemy into the thresholds, lintels, doors, verandas, pillars, and so on, again not letting him see his situation. Always chase the enemy into bad footholds, obstacles at the side, and so on, using the virtues of the place to establish predominant positions from which to fight. You must research and train diligently in this.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Chase the enemy into awkward positions like doors and pillars to control the fight. Use the environment to pin them down and prevent them from seeing their situation.
- In plain terms
- Force your opponent into bad spots where they cannot move or see well.
- What can you take from it?
- Train to use the terrain to your advantage.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you use your surroundings?
- What limits your opponent's view?
Another view
Not all fights happen in environments with clear obstacles.
More from Miyamoto Musashi
Examine your environment.
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