Being Flexible

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 16:35

Tesshu once had an encounter with an accomplished street fighter who was called 'The terror of Edo,' for his prowess in street fighting. He was so proficient in the art that he emerged undefeated in all the thirty and above sword fights that he had indulged. Tesshu asked the fighter where had had learnt the skill. The street fighter replied that he was self taught.

Tesshu asked, "How did you succeed?".

The fighter replied, "As soon as the fight begins I would get close enough to touch the tip of the enemy's sword. I would then get to know if he held his sword stiffly or flexibly. If he had a stiff grip over the sword I proceed with the fight as I can easily win him over. If his grip is flexible with a strong projection of Ki, I don't risk fighting with him. In that case I throw the sword at him and run away. This is how I remain undefeated and unparalleled"