Sen no sen (先の先)

Sen no sen (先の先) is a Japanese martial arts concept that translates to "attacking the initiative." It refers to the strategy of reading your opponent's intention and launching your counter-attack at the exact same moment they begin their offensive, intercepting them before their strike lands.
In budo (Japanese martial arts), conflict timing is generally categorized into three main strategies, each representing a different phase of initiative:

Go no Sen (後の先): Reactive initiative. You allow the opponent to attack, defend, and then counter-attack afterward.

Sen no Sen (先の先): Pre-emptive initiative. You perceive the opponent's intent to attack and strike them at the same moment they initiate their technique. It is often described as "attacking the attack".

Sen Sen no Sen (先々の先): Anticipatory initiative. You attack before the opponent even physically begins their attack, taking advantage of their hesitation or preparation.