Mitsu no sen (three points) les trois principals initiatives

Although it is usual to utilize the three verb times which are before, during and after to express a basic fact of life, it is often clearer in the practice of martial arts. Therefore, it is typical to use Sen-no-sen, Tai-no-sen, and Go-no-sen for ease of understanding, but there are some details to consider. For example, the past refers to a moment ago and the exact time you just completed reading these words. The same goes for the future.

While «Sen» is usually viewed as before, I believe it is better to interpret «sen» as the purpose which implies that Sen-no-sen means intention during intention rather than attack during attack. By thinking of «sen 先» as a purpose, we free ourselves from the fact that once we choose and plan to perform an action, an automatic effort of about 0.5 seconds is triggered to execute that purpose, thus using our “ki,” the energy necessary to act. This slight energy becomes, for a skilled person who can feel it, clear enough for an appropriate response.

Sen-sen-no-sen 先先の先 Expect an attack before aiming/attacking.

Intention before intention, even if it is known that in karatedo there is no first attack. (Karate ni senti nashi 空手に先手なし), all karate matches would be impossible if no one took initiative. (So philosophically, aikido cannot be a sport that competes). It seems simple to just attack, but this requires great self-control to show no physical or mental sign of our desire to attack.

So so so beyond the future and Tai no sen beyond the couple Expect an intention/attack and take the lead.

When the opponent starts their intention to attack, our response must come as quickly as possible. Anticipation is needed to make this happen. It can be strategic, like making your opponent act how you’ve planned, which needs a high level of skill in fighting. Or through understanding, figuring out what action the opponent will take. Or by instinct, which involves connecting with oneself and the opponent. By contrast, Sen-no-sen the moment the opponent’s intention becomes clear, the counterattack happens at the same time as the attack. For example, the opponent steps forward to attack and the counterattack occurs even before the opponent completes their technique. Tai-no-sen simultaneously creates a counterattack. For example, when the opponent steps and throws a direct hit, the counterattack is done at the same time while moving out of the way of the attack. Therefore, a Tai-no-sen is a Sen-no-sen, but a Sen-no-sen is not necessarily a Tai-no-sen.

Go-no-sen 後の先 and machi no sen To reply to an intention/attack after its start.

When the other person makes their move and you are in response mode blocking a strike and striking back. This can mean stepping back to then advance, a block and counterstrike, etc. In the case of machi no sen, we either took in the blow or they managed to seize us and we went along with a counterattack. This situation is very common in self-defense, where we are startled by a sudden moment and have to respond, but the other is one step ahead (both literally and metaphorically!)

In summary, in my view, one of the hardest states to achieve in order to reach the mitsu no sen which is additional is the concept of Shingan (Eyes of the heart/mind). This idea was taught to me by Jean-Noël Blanchette (9th dan, Hanshi) who shows this with his back turned to his opponent, eyes closed and fingers in his ears to block out his senses. Then the attacker picks the best moment to strike strongly and the practitioner must perform an ushiro geri to stop them. So this added effort requires sensing the “ki” (energy) of the attacker.

Now that we understand the concept, you still need to practice everything 10,000 times to gain the related skill and hope to one day show others that you understand and master this idea.