Psychology is Strategy: Assessing The Competition Through The Way of the Sword

"To master a sword thrusting technique, you must merge the body and its function into that movement.  ... Concentrate your eyes on a point (a specific target) without letting your eyes wander. By integrating the sinking of the qi and the focus of the yi (the mind-intent), then you are able to coordinate.your inside and outside (the six harmonies concept).   ... Focus your mind and your eyes onto that one point is the most important thing when you begin to practice." - Anonymous Chinese Sword Player

By observing how a sword player specifically employed their sword in their various pre-practice sessions, their practice sessions and their post-practice sessions, one learns their strategic  attributes:

• their capability to stay alert.
• their capability to capitalize on the various opportunities; 
• their capability to observe the Big Tangible Picture;
• their capability to stay confident;
• their capability to maneuver regardless of the chaos factor;
• their ease of effort when employing certain moves; and 
• their competitive drive. 

Minor Jottings From the Compass Desk

In a competitive situation, how do you observe your competitor?  ... Do you know what are the signals that lead to those seven listed attributes? ... It is not that easy. Is it?  There are unique internal martial art training practices and tactical signals checklists that enables one to determine those seven points.  ... Do you know what they are?

It does not matter whether your are swinging a sword or maneuvering a pen on a clipboard of paper, each relevant action could be considered as an extension of your mind.

Side Note
If you are a swordplayer of different sorts, please read this post. 

Final Point
While you are assessing the competition, there is a good chance that they are assessing you concurrently.