Tuesday, August 2, 2022

The Twelve Rules of the Sword (Part 1) --- Chief Instructor's Blog August 2022

 

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


No comments: