Narrow Play - Verse 73

This is a counter against the student who attempted the second play of the First Dagger Remedy Master (the technique from verse 71). From the previous position where you have trapped him, begin cutting into his throat. This will cause him to stand up slightly to escape the pressure. As soon as he does this, if you move quickly, you can throw him backwards to the ground.

I am also the counter to that student who would use dagger plays, the second play that stands before me. Against that student, I make my counter. If I start to cut his throat, it matters little to him. And to the ground I can throw him. If I wish, I can do it swiftly.

This counter addresses an opponent who has studied the dagger remedy plays and attempts to use the second technique from that sequence against you. You have already established a controlling position (from verse 71), and this technique exploits the opponent's defensive reaction to throat pressure to complete the takedown.

• ✦ This requires control from the position established in verse 71- ensure you have secured the opponent before attempting
• ✦ The throat-cutting motion should be performed with the blade edge, not as a full cut, but as threatening pressure
• ✦ Watch for the opponent's natural reaction to stand up when throat pressure is applied; this is the window for the throw
• ✦ Timing is critical: the text emphasises moving 'quickly' to capitalise on the opponent's defensive movement
• ✦ The throw goes backwards, so position yourself to drive the opponent in that direction as they rise