Swordsmanship SEVEN QUOTES
“The function of swordsmanship is technique. If its function is discarded, what reference shall the principles of its essence have? By practising its function one becomes aware of its essence, and it is in this awareness that the liberation of the function lies.”
SHISSAI
“Essence and function have one origin, there is no disparity between outward appearance and substance.”
SHISSAI
“If you hold the blade over your head, 10,000 sword faeries (Tengu) will laugh at you.”
CHENG MAN CH’ING
“Even in real duels we would prefer to cut to the hand or forearm, then the opponent would know he has been bested but would not be permanently damaged. If we kill him, we would have to deal with his family.” (paraphrase)
CHENG MAN CH’ING
“I never quarrel with my students except when carelessness is shown regarding the left arm. I do not allow the elbow to be angular, or the fingers to project like a Mandarin (e.g. a mannered snob) upon a tea caddy.”
RICHARD BURTON
“A sword is made of steel (or wood) yet if the swordsman’s spirit blends into a union with it, then the sword is filled with that spirit and becomes an equally marvellous creature.”
SHISSAI
“The readiness to regard any change on the opponent’s part as coming from you is of primary importance. If your mind follows every changing indication on the part of your opponent, you are falling behind. It is possible to force your opponent to follow your changes, then by following his resulting changes you may win.”
MITSUYOSHI
Author and Images: Ken van Sickle
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