Attention!
Where to set the mind?
Where to set the mind?
“If you set your mind on an opponent’s actions, you have your mind taken up by the opponent’s actions.
If you set your mind on an opponent’s sword, you have your mind taken up by the opponent’s sword.
If you set your mind on the thought of killing an opponent, you have your mind taken up by the thought of killing the opponent.
If you set your mind on your own sword, you have your mind taken up by your own sword
If you set your mind on your determination not to be killed, you have your mind taken up by the determination not to be killed.
If you set your mind on people’s postures, you have your mind taken up by people’s postures.
The point is that there is nowhere at all to set the mind.
Some people say, “If we have the mind go anywhere at all, the mind will be fixated by where it goes, putting us at a disadvantage to adversaries. So put the mind in your gut and keep it there, while adapting to what adversaries do.”
— Takuan, in The Art of War, James Cleary
“Keep your back straight, bend your knees, no, not like that, like this.”
“You need to know where your point is at all times.”
“Keep your eye on their blade.”
“Your footwork is essential, lift your front toe first, make sure you have correct balance.”
“Watch the opponent’s feet.”
“Hand before the foot!”
“You're going to your first competition. Don’t forget what I’ve taught you…and whatever you do, don’t over think!”
