Good days, bad days

This post in some strange way follows on from my previous post about rhythm. As a fencer there will be times when you fence really badly and there will be times when you fence really well. And a lot of times when you're somewhere in between! When you have bad days the tendency is to write it off as just that, a bad day at the office. The trick is to extract something positive from every experience and not dwell on the negative aspects of it. It is all to easy to grumble to yourself, "I shouldn't have done this, why did I do that?" etc. All this tends to do is reinforce the aspect of behaviour you are grumbling about. What you must do is dwell on the positive because that is what you want your subconscious to remember. Many a time a fencer is defeated by their own negative self talk just as much as the opponent's skill with the blade.

Conversely, when you fence well it is prudent not to get too stuck on this. It is best to just give yourself a pat on the back, analyse what went well and store it away for next time. Too much self congratulation can be equally as damaging, leading to complacency, lack of attention or perish the thought... arrogance. I used to be a really bad loser but at least I always tried to be a good winner....!

The really aware fencer recognises the rhythm of their own ability, the times when they can perform fencing miracles and the times when the basics are the safest bet. You must always be aware of not only your opponent, the tactical situation but also your own energy and abilities. Trying to execute complex attacks when the situation doesn't call for it will not lead to victory. You must adapt to the situation as circumstance demands. Musashi describes something like this within The Book of Five Rings in the Fire Scroll. He describes it as 'Ferrying Across'.
"For the martial arts, Ferrying Across is essential even in the midst of battle. Here you take into account the level of your opponent, judge your own degree of expertise and, using the principles of the martial arts, ferry across. It is the same for a good mariner ferrying across a sea route.
After Ferrying Across, you again feel at ease. In Ferrying Across you will generally gain a quick victory by bringing out the weaknesses in your opponent and taking the initiative yourself".

I interpret this as the ability to assess the situation both of your opponent and yourself and take the appropriate action to ensure victory. You should consider this well and practice it dilligently.