We must strive to follow the middle path, chudo, to avoid embarrassing and difficult situations which might force us to react in desperation. We can avoid desperate situations by doing things just right, not too strongly and not too softly. Striving for moderation will lead to control of the first move. A simple example is tightening a bolt with a wrench. Some people will tighten the bold with all their might, perhaps stripping the threads or breaking the bolt. Once the bolt is stripped or sheared, special tools and extra effort are required to fix it. However, if moderate force is used, then all this unnecessary work can be avoided.
Rod Kobayashi, Shodo-o-sesu, Seidokan Headquarters, 1986