Narrow Play - Verse 72

This is a counter to the scholar who attempts the second play of the First Dagger Remedy Master against you. When your opponent tries to trap your sword under their arm, you respond by driving forward forcefully. This counter causes your opponent to be thrown face-first to the ground while they are still holding their sword. The technique exploits the moment when they commit to closing and trapping your blade, using their own attempted lock against them by maintaining forward pressure that destabilises their structure and sends them tumbling forward.

I am the counter to the scholar before me, who tries dagger plays, that second play of the First Master he learned in earlier days. You wanted to lock my sword beneath your arm so slyly, but this counter brings evil to you and casts you to the ground nearby. When I perform this play, I doubt you'll keep your feet. Your false shoulder tried to confine my blade, but now your defeat is complete.

This counter applies when fighting at narrow play (close range) and your opponent attempts to control your sword by trapping it under their arm. a common closing technique. They are trying to transition from sword control to a grapple or disarm. Your counter exploits the moment of their commitment: as they close to trap your blade, their structure becomes vulnerable. By maintaining forward pressure at precisely this moment, you can drive them off balance and into the ground before they can complete their technique. This requires good timing and the confidence to press forward into close quarters rather than retreating.

• ✦ Timing is critical: execute the counter as the opponent commits to closing and trapping your blade under their arm
• ✦ Maintain forward pressure and structure as you drive through; don't pull back, or you lose the mechanical advantage
• ✦ The opponent's attempt to secure your sword creates the vulnerability; their arms are occupied, and their balance is committed forward
• ✦ Practice the principle first with a dagger (as Getty's footnote suggests), where the mechanics are clearer, then apply it to the sword
• ✦ The throw results from continuing your forward momentum while they're in a compromised position, trying to complete their lock
• ✦ Keep your own sword controlled throughout; the opponent may still be holding theirs even as they fall