Budo Themes: San Satsu Ho - The Three Laws.

 By Spiros G. Drossoulakis
 
San Satsu Ho
or literally The Three Laws, are guidelines of how you may defeat (a more politically correct term to say kill) your opponent. They are coming from the medieval Japan era and at times several budo teachers have given their own interpretation.
The interpretation below belongs to Takano Sasaburo sensei, Kendo and Iaido hanshi, one of the best instructors in pre WWII Japan.   
Ken o Korosu / "Kill the Sword"; Control the opponent’s kamae such that it becomes ineffective against you. The "Ken" is the source of the opponent’s ability to attack as well as their only method of defence. "Ken o Korosu" and your opponent can't attack nor can they defend against yours.
Ki o Korosu / "Kill the Spirit"; Mentally dominate your opponent, such that they begin to doubt themselves and hesitate in their actions. Doubt and hesitation creates openings in your opponent’s defence and flaws in their offensive techniques. "Ki o Korosu" and your opponent is defeated before you even attack them.
Waza o Korosu / "Kill Techniques"; Disrupt your opponent’s techniques such that they become ineffective against you. The term "techniques" refers to both mental and physical technique. If the opponent attacks you, parry it; Sweep it to one side and counter attack. Mental techniques refer to ploys or lures that your opponent will attempt in order to break your kamae, or confuse their intent towards you. Remain steady, and holding a strong kamae with kigurai will always overcome your opponent’s attempts.
Any doubt that they are and will remain relevant?