Note: In this two-part series, I discuss 12 rules (teachings) from sword fighting principles from the 16th century. This first part discusses the first six rules and the second part discusses the other six rules.
The Masters of the past really understood the very basic principles
of self-defense. Every time I come
across literature from a hundred or hundreds of years ago, the principles the
masters taught and conveyed to their students then is still very relevant
today. My latest discovery is The
Twelve Rules of the Sword. The Twelve Rules of the Sword were 12 rules taught at
the Itto School of Sword Fighting
that was founded by Ito Ittosai, a master swordsman in the 16th century.
1. The Two Places To Watch Your Opponent
This rule states that “though you are
keeping all of your opponents in your field of vision, there are two points you
should focus on.” Since this was sword
fighting, the two points mentioned are the tip of the sword and the hands sine
it moves the sword. So, from an HMK perspective,
this principle still applies – you should never focus on just one thing. You need to ensure you see with your peripheral
vision around you and should not just focus on the weapons of your assailant (whether
that is a weapon they have or their hands/legs). You should also focus elsewhere. If your assailant is not holding a weapon, I would
say their eyes are also a good place to focus as well as center of the body, since
those areas are probably the best tell of their next move. If they are holding a weapon, their hands are
a good place to look, but so are their eyes as well.
2.
Cutting Down
This rules as translated, is all about split
second timing and how that timing is critical. This is true then as it is
today. Being able to react instantly and
with a timing to disrupt or to land a strike before an opponent does is a critical
aspect of self-defense.
3.
The Strategy Near and Far
This rule as translated is “Creating a situation
where the enemy feels their striking distance is far while your own striking distance
feels near.” The intent of this rule is
to ensure you are at a position of advantage relative to our opponent. From an HMK perspective these would be concepts
such as never be directly between two assailants or be forced in to a position against
a wall or corner.
4. Horizontal, Vertical, Above, and Below
The essence of this is to strike or
counter from opposite directions. For example,
“If attack comes from above, respond to it from below”. From an HMK perspective this is aligned with the
Get Off the Line concept we teach. When
we get off the line, we are taking a different angle of attack versus straight
on.
In addition, this rule is also about being
centered in thought and “senses free to detect attack from anywhere”. This is
a similar concept we teach in HMK to being grounded, not overcommitted, and not
assume where the attack is coming from and being able to quickly react and move.
5. The Color Of Things
This rule has a couple principles. One is to avoid labeling your assailant, meaning
not to assume anything about your assailant or try to analyze them in
anyway. You should assume they have
skill and are dangerous if they are attacking you. Also, the rule states that if an assailant
shouts or calls something out to you, do not try to figure out its meaning – it
is a distraction and “you are putting yourself in danger”.
6. The Eyes of the Heart
This rule states that “you should not look
at the opponent with your eyes, but view them with your spirit. If you look with your eyes, you may get distracted,
however, by looking with your mind you remain focused”. We teach similar principles in HMK that you should
not stare or be focused just with your eyes.
In HMK we also, at an advanced level, teach reading an assailant’s energy
which I believe is the same intent meant here when stating you should view with
the spirit or mind.
In Part 2, I will discuss the other six
rules.
Regards,
Kelly
“Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.” ~ Miyamoto Musashi (c. 1584 –1645) - famous Japanese swordsman, the author of The Book of Five Rings
References:
The Twelve Rules of
the Sword by Ito Ittosai, Translated by Eric Shahan, 2018
