Narrow Play - Verse 60

This technique is a strong catching or seizing action executed from the backhand (left) side. The technique occurs at the end of your striking sequence when your sword has been lost or knocked aside. The opponent exploits the moment when you have completed your strike and your blade is out of position, capturing or controlling you through a disarm or grappling technique.

This is a powerful catch that strikes from the backhand side. Your blows are done, your sword is gone, now you're in a bind. When your steel has flown away and striking time has passed, I seize the moment, take control, and make my holding fast.

Applied when your opponent has completed their striking sequence and their sword has been knocked aside, beaten away, or otherwise rendered ineffective. The technique exploits the brief window when the opponent cannot immediately defend with their blade and must recover position. Most effective in close quarters (narrow play) where grappling becomes viable.

• ✦ This is a counter-technique that exploits the recovery phase after your opponent completes a strike
• ✦ The catch must be timed precisely when the opponent's sword is out of position ('perssa')
• ✦ Practice recognising the moment when your opponent has committed fully to their strike and cannot immediately recover
• ✦ The 'man riverssa' approach suggests entering from the opponent's left side or using your left hand
• ✦ This appears to be a technique of opportunity rather than a planned sequence, train to recognise the opening when it appears