Middle finger Quote by Miyamoto Musashi
““Holding the Long Sword Grip the long sword with a rather floating feeling in your thumb and forefinger, with the middle finger neither tight nor slack, and with the last two fingers tight. It is bad to have play in your hands. When you take up a sword, you must feel intent on cutting the enemy. As you cut an enemy you must not change your grip, and your hands must not "cower". When you dash the enemy's sword aside, or ward it off, or force it down, you must slightly change the feeling in your thumb and forefinger. Above all, you must be intent on cutting the enemy in the way you grip the sword. The grip for combat and for sword-testing is the same. There is no such thing as a "man-cutting grip". Generally, I dislike fixedness in both long swords and hands. Fixedness means a dead hand. Pliability is a living hand. You must bear this in mind.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: The Book of Five Rings, 1645
Advocates a flexible, intent-driven grip in swordsmanship, avoiding rigidity.
In simple terms: Keep grip adaptable, focused on intent.
Key Takeaway
Maintain pliable, purposeful hand.
Themes
martsmanship
discipline
focus
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
instructional
When to use this quote
- training drills
- duels
- meditation
- weapon handling
- self‑defense
Key Concepts
martial arts philosophy
body mechanics
intent
flexibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pliability affect combat?
- Can intent replace technique?
A Different Perspective
Rigid grip may reduce agility.
