'To tread down the sword' is a principle often used in strategy. First, in large-scale strategy, when the enemy first discharges bows and guns and then attacks, it is difficult for us to attack if we are busy loading powder into our guns or notching our arrows. The spirit is to attack quickly while the enemy is still shooting with bows or guns. The spirit is to win by 'treading down' as we receive the enemy's attack. In single combat, we cannot get a decisive victory by cutting, with a 'tee-dum tee-dum' feeling, in the wake of the enemy's attacking long sword. We must defeat him at the start of his attack, in the spirit of treading him down with the feet, so that he cannot rise again to the attack.

'To know the times' means to know the enemy's disposition in battle. Is is flourishing or waning? By observing the spirit of the enemy's men and getting the be…

'Treading' does not simply mean treading with the feet. Tread with the body, tread with the spirit, and, of course, tread and cut with the long sword. You must…

The Three Methods to Forestall the Enemy The first is to forestall him by attacking. This is called Ken No Sen (to set him up). Another method is to forestall …

You win in battles with the timing in the Void born of the timing of cunning by knowing the enemies' timing, and this using a timing which the enemy does not e…

The Three Methods to Forestall the Enemy The first is to forestall him by attacking. This is called Ken No Sen (to set him up). Another method is to forestall …

If defense is the stronger form of war, yet has a negative object, it follows that it should be used only so long as weakness compels, and be abandoned as soon…