Ichi go Ichi E

Often translated as "One encounter, One chance", a common phrase in the world of Japanese martial arts meaning that you only have one chance in in making a strike, similar to the Latin phrase "carpe diem". It is usually used to encourage a person to strike at an opening as soon as it presents itself without delay. This is the same concept that I use when making a snappy comeback when a person say or do something stupid in my presence.

Much of the same concepts I practice in martial arts are applicable in the art of a snappy comebacks. The 3 "sen" mentioned in Miyamoto Musashi's famous Book of Five Rings are also applicable.

The first "Go no sen" is an attack performed after the opponent makes a move, generally known as a "counter" is the most common practice in snappy comebacks.

The second, "Sen no Sen" is to attack at the same time as the opponent but for it to be successful the "comeback" must be better than your opponent so that theirs will be rendered useless/worthless.

Finally "Go no sen", to attack an opponent even before he can makes a move, generally known as a "pre-emptive attack", perhaps the most difficult to practice well as it requires the ability to detect an opening before the oponent realize he/she has an opening.

Much of my comebacks are done in the state of "Mushin", roughly translated as "no mind" that is they are mostly done naturaly without the need to think although I still have some difficuty when asked to demonstrate my skills out of context.


I wish my Kendo is as good as my comebacks, I'd probably be a 5th dan by now.