Narrow Play - Verse 61

When your opponent covers from their left side (reverse side), use your left hand to grasp their left hand along with their sword's pommel. Pull this backward and upward. Once you have secured this control, you can strike them freely with both thrusts and cuts.

When he guards his reverse flank with care, seize his left hand and pommel there. Yank it back and pull it high. Now thrust and cut him where you like. His sword is yours, his defence gone. Strike with point and edge till done.

This technique applies in close quarters (narrow play) when your opponent has moved their sword to cover their left/reverse side, creating an opportunity to control their weapon hand. The situation assumes you are close enough to grapple and that their defensive position has exposed their sword hand to your grasp. Once their weapon is under your control, you have complete offensive freedom.

• ✦ Your left hand must capture both the opponent's left hand AND their pommel in one grip - this prevents them from maintaining weapon control
• ✦ The pull has two vectors: upward (to raise their arms and expose their body) and backward (to break their structure and balance)
• ✦ Once you establish this control, your sword remains free while theirs is immobilised. Prioritise maintaining the grip while striking
• ✦ Practice the timing of when to grab: this works when they cover from their left side, suggesting they've committed their sword to that line
• ✦ Both thrusts and cuts are viable because the weapon is controlled. Choose based on available openings and distance