A major principle in a Samurai’s tactics was to always take the initiative in every encounter – to never let the opponent to determine the beginning or the progress of a fight!
The obvious point to this rule is that by attacking first, seizing and keeping the advantage, you can force your opponent to react to your moves rather than you having to react to his.
Nevertheless, you can maintain the initiative even after your opponent makes the first move by reacting faster than his action – taking advantage of his vulnerability during his move. This maneuver is known as, “stepping on the sword” of your opponent!
This however, does not mean literally stepping on your opponent’s weapon. Instead, executing a move that would counter any move your opponent makes – whether it’s raising his sword, lowering his sword, shifting his feet, rushing at you, etc.
As long as you are well trained and in the right frame of mind, the advantages of being the first to attack or to counter with an attack that is faster than your opponent’s move are obvious in any business or other competitive situation.
Source: Samurai Strategies, Boye Lafayette De Mente
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