expression, noun
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).
剣道では、先の先を取ることが重要だ。
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.