Strikes and Blocks

- Along with the movement already taught in the figure 8 pattern, a good foundation for the combatant is based around the basic 7 strikes and blocks. This series of strikes and block angles roughly equates to the points every 25 degrees on a compass (i.e. North, North East, East, etc)

Basic Strikes

From all of the training leading up to these attacks and blocks, the combatant should have a level of comfort with swinging the sword, aiming, movement, hitting a moving and non-moving target and balance. The next progression involve learning additional lines of attack and blocks to intercept the strikes.

Strikes:
Imagine a compass on your opponent or target with North being the head and South the feet. (A clock will work just as well...12 O'clock = North 6 O'Clock = South, etc.)

One: This a full over the head swing. Straight over the head, through to the middle of the compass (North to South). For this attack picture bringing your sword from overhead and all the way to your opponents chest.

Two: This Strike is at a 25 degree angle on the compass (North West to South East)

Three: This Strike is at the opposite side of the opponent than strike two (North East to South West)

Four: A straight cut across the midsection of your opponent (West to East)

Five: A straight cut across the midsection of your opponent (East to West)

Six: A upper angled cut. (South West to North East) This is both a good low/leg shot and a difficult one to block well.

Seven: A upper angled cut. (South East to North West) This is both a good low/leg shot and a difficult one to block well.

Blocks:

To complete the foundation of the training, blocks are needed. When blocking with a sword, it is best to use the middle to hilt of your blade. This is the stoutest part of the weapon and can take much more force while withstanding the impact of contact. When blocking, it is best to strike the incoming weapon as if it you are attacking it. By doing so, you are striking edge true and should be able to be in a position to repost or counter attack quickly.

Introductory Blocks for two handed training are as follows:

All of the numbered blocks correspond exactly with the strikes of the same number.

One: This block is designed to protect against overhead strikes. This includes variations on the number one strike. This block is performed with the sword blade horizontal to the defenders head and both hands firmly gripping the hilt to one side. This block can be performed with the defenders hands to either side.

Two: This is a diagonal block designed to defend the shoulders, upper torso, neck and head from diagonal attacks. This block wards the blade away from the intended target by blocking away from the body at a 45 degree angle to the ground (90 degree angle from the incoming blade). Both hand should be firmly holding the weapon, tip pointing to the left and hilt extending to the right.

Three: This strike is as above, but with the tip pointing to the right and the hilt extending to the left.

Four: This block is designed to protect the ribs, shoulder, hip and side of the body. In this block, the blade is at a 90 degree angle to the ground (90 degrees to the incoming attack). The hands are dropped down to the hip level and extended to the right hand side of the body.

Five: This block is the same as above, except blocking to the left side of the body.

Six:

Seven:

|Training 1||Training 3|