Yamaoka Tesshu's Shoe "Tell"

Tesshu would tell his disciples, "When someone comes to the dojo for a challenge match, take a look at the bottom of his wooden sandals in the entrance hall while he is changing clothes in the hall. If the teeth on the bottom of the sandals are not worn evenly, you can be sure he is often off balance and not much of a swordsman."


Budo Secrets - Teachings of the Martial Arts Masters
By John Stevens
pg 102