striking just before the opponent's move
Martial arts term for a preemptive strike timed to land just as the opponent initiates an attack. Often contrasted with 後の先 (go no sen) and 先々の先 (sensen no sen).
In kendo, it is important to seize the initiative by striking just before the opponent moves.
彼は先の先のタイミングで見事な一本を決めた。
He scored a brilliant point with a strike timed just before his opponent's attack.