Wide Play - Verse 44

This technique follows from the previous scholar's turn (verse 31). After forcing the opponent to turn via their elbow, you deliver a descending cut to the back of their head. The turn happens so quickly that before the opponent can recover their guard or turn back to defend themselves, you can alternatively wound them in the back with a thrust. The key is exploiting the moment of vulnerability created by forcing the turn; the opponent is rotated away and cannot effectively defend.

The scholar before me spoke the truth complete: Through the turn I force upon your arm, I cut your head from behind with speed and heat. And before you turn back from this harm, Before you can recover to make your cover, I could open your back with my point's alarm. A wound so deep, your defence is over.

Close-range engagement where you have successfully controlled the opponent's sword arm at the elbow and forced them to turn away from you. The opponent is momentarily unable to bring their weapon to bear or defend their back. This represents a decisive moment in narrow play where grappling has created a striking opportunity.

• ✦ This technique requires completing the elbow-driven turn from verse 31 first, practice the sequence as a continuous flow
• ✦ The descending cut to the back of the head should be delivered while maintaining control of the opponent's elbow or arm
• ✦ Time the strike during the opponent's rotation when they are maximally off-balance and unable to defend
• ✦ The thrust to the back is presented as an alternative or follow-up if the cut is not immediately available
• ✦ Practice recognising the moment of vulnerability: when the opponent is turned away and before they can rotate back to face you
• ✦ The grappling control (elbow manipulation) must be maintained through the striking action