expression, noun
preemptive strike in kendo
A kendo concept where one predicts the opponent's move and strikes just before they initiate their attack. Often contrasted with 先の先 (sen no sen) and 後の先 (go no sen).
先々の先を取るには、相手の動きを読む鋭い感覚が必要だ。
To execute a preemptive strike, you need a sharp sense to read your opponent's movements.
彼の得意技は先々の先からの面打ちだ。
His specialty is a men strike from a preemptive timing.
後の先 is a counterattack after the opponent's strike, whereas 先々の先 is a preemptive strike before the opponent moves.
A compound of 先々 (future, ahead) and 先 (before, ahead), forming a kendo-specific term for striking before the opponent's move. The exact historical origin within kendo terminology is uncertain.