一いち眼がん二に足そく三さん胆たん四し力りき

expression

first eyes, second feet, third courage, fourth strength

A kendo maxim listing the four most important elements in order: vision (reading the opponent), footwork, spirit/courage, and technique/power. Used as a teaching phrase.

• 剣けん道どうでは「一いち眼がん二に足そく三さん胆たん四し力りき」とよく言いわれる。

  In kendo, it is often said, 'First eyes, second feet, third courage, fourth strength.'