Post by Kanashimi on Jul 6, 2016 12:49:36 GMT -6
Back to Basics and Drills
SKBC 2010
by Spyn Thrift N’than & Peter the Quick
These single sword stances, guards, and the 10 shots should be burned to memory before
moving onto the drills section of this document.
Basic Single Sword Concepts
1. Positioning
A. Grip = modified saber, turn wrist out. It is very important to have the correct grip. It
makes learning everything else so much easier.
B. Stance = Feet positioning, Keep knees bent at all times. Arm positioning is the most
important but will be covered by basic block strike.
There are two ways to stand
1. Sword foot forward, or on foot forward as some people call it
2. Off foot forward. Goofy footed as some people call it
C. Guard = Positioning of the sword
2. There are 4 major guards
A. Denial Guard. … Sword held straight up, tip slightly to opponent... Closing outside
or inside off to attacks by placing a heavy guard there
B. Bait Guard. … Sword held parallel to the ground and away from the body. This
stance is used to bait your opponents into predictable openers based on sword height from
the ground.
C. Ranging Guard...Sword pointed at opponent held away from your body. This stance
forces the opponent to deal with sword before you can throw a normal opener ...also used
to maneuver or position your opponent by changing the angle at which your sword is
pointed at him
D. Open Guard... Arm is relaxed and sword is pointed down This stance is used to draw
a opponent in or to close the distance, by appearing to be out of position
3. The 10 Shots = These are the shots we show people how to throw correctly. They are
more to know correct form and terminology when I am referring to a certain shot before
any other training can begin. Not all shots are created equal but they all have a time and a
place to be used.
A. Five basic flat wraps = Outside Flat wrap, Rising wrap aka scoop shot, Shoulder
wrap, Crossing Flat wrap, Rising cross aka reverse scoop. These are the most basic of
the wraps, pretty much a must learn first before anything else. Practice these ALOT
B. The High cross = what most people throw wrong. Leaves allot open and is over used
... ala the flat high cross is the proper name / form.
C. The Slot Shot = A good lead or a good repost after a block to the outside or inside
from a medium range...usually thrown for shoulder or high chest areas
D. Hacking / chopping shot = usually a shot thrown after a parry when in close, to
maximize speed and still keep a good guard.
E. Quick Stab = Usually at lower torso, one of the quickest attacks
F. Hook Stab = Just that, a stab that hooks in, making it harder to read and block
4. Blocking and Reposting
A. Don’t over-block
B. Turn the torso ... don’t reach with the hands when learning
C. Raise and lower center of gravity to block and riposte
D. Economics of motion = The less sword travel the better
5. Fakes
A. Feints = Using your sword to Draw/move your opponent or their sword out of
position
B. Stutters = Using your footwork to Draw/move your opponent or their sword out
of position
C. Body Fakes = Using your body to Draw/move your opponent or their sword out
of position
D. Baiting = Using stance and positioning to draw an opponent into a predictable
opener or series of shots with a easy riposte
E. Reading = Using all your skills to guess/predict what the opponent will do next
or what they will do if presented with various shots or openings
Block-Strike
This drill is to teach reading and blocking skills, and to a lesser degree, develop common
patterns and teach shot placement skills.
Setup:
Requires 2 fighters, each fighter uses swords of the same length, (I recommend 32"-36"
swords). Each fighter stands one sword length apart, from the toes of their forward legs.
The forward leg is determined by which hand is being used, if your sword is in your right
hand your right foot goes in front. Two shot locations are then selected. (Note: it is
important to select one of the two shots to be an inside lane shot and one an outside lane
shot.)
Rules:
Once each fighter has their forward foot placed properly, that foot becomes planted and is
not allowed to move, but it also becomes a pivot foot because the back foot is allowed to
move freely, thus maintaining a constant distance between the two fighters. Each fighter
then starts taking turns swinging shots at their partner; each fighter is allotted one shot
per turn. Once a shot is delivered blocked or not the other fighter will return with their
shot. (Limiting the shot locations to the two target areas that were selected) Once the
fighters have gone back and forth delivering and blocking shots for sixty seconds one of
the two fighters must switch hands, put corresponding foot forward get their spacing right
and begin again after 60 seconds rest. Repeat this process alternating who switches
hands until each fighter has fought with both hands for two rotations, and in consequence
all combinations of hands have been worked, (left on left, left on right, right on left, and
right on right) Then after significant rest select two new shot locations and do the drill
again. Or if you have more than one friend rotate out so everyone can have some fun.
Hints:
This drill works best when you work hard to build up a rhythm and build up some speed,
delivering as soon as you block. The most important thing to remember about blockstrike
is that is more important to block then hit your opponent. Focus on the block
before you focus on the strike, that's why it's called block-strike, not strike-block.
One Footed Block-Strike
Now that you have basic Block-Strike down, there are six other drills that can refine
your technique further. First you should try standing stationary on one foot, either sword
foot, or off foot doesn’t matter at this time. Try doing it with both; most people will have
a foot that they are much better at standing on one foot with. It is important to do the drill
using all hand and feet combinations. After you have finished the drill, what problems did
you have? Are you unsteady, lack of power generation, unable to swing with out falling
over? All of these are indicators of poor form in one way or another. Being unsteady is
usually a basic flaw in your stance, such as leaning, hunching, or poor weight
distribution. Being unable to swing without falling over is a by-product of poor swing
mechanics. Such things as leaning, hunching while throwing, reaching, or just using the
arm to swing are common problems. Power generation is usually from not using your
core muscles when you swing. Practice swinging correctly and you can really feel the
difference. When you can perform all of the basic single sword moves on one foot
without falling over or wobbling like a weeble-wobble you are ready to try the next drill.
Hoppy
Now that you have mastered one footed block strike, we will work on moving your
balance point around. It’s a lovely drill called hoppy. Once again you will go through all
the hand and feet combos you can while doing the drill. Basically you will play BlockStrike
with the one foot on the ground again, but you are allowed to hop side-to-side and
back a bit for better position. You are not trying to hop or run away, but rather use good
form and footwork to put yourself in a better position to block and strike. It’s a very
simple concept and game and its VERY tiring by comparison.
(A)ttack (B)lock (A)ttack
Now that we have worked our basic form, you should be able to go over some basic
attacking and blocking drills. This one is called Attack Block Attack or ABA drills for
short. The basic premise behind this drill is that most fights are decided within the first
few swings, so this drill will focus on that area of combat. This drill will help you learn to
open and not get killed so much on the return attack while teaching the defender how to
get opened on while helping every ones reading skills. You and your partner should start
about six feet apart, just outside sword range by a half step or so. The defender can move
around in these drills but only slightly, basically don’t run away its time to learn to stand
and deliver. In ABA the Attacker closes to range and throws an opener. The defender
attempts to block and returns an attack. The attacker attempts to block that shot and
returns a second attack. Do this drill ten times and switch attacker and defender, rinse and
repeat.
(B)lock (A)ttack (B)lock
This is another basic blocking and attacking drill. This one is called Block Attack
Block drills or BAB for short. The basic premise behind this drill is that most fights are
decided within the first few swings, so this drill will focus on that area of combat. This
drill helps you learn to bait and close while learning not to get hit with openers from the
defender, while he gets a chance to practice reading skills and tries to force the attacker
into predictable patterns. You and your partner should start about six feet apart, just
outside sword range by a half step or so. The defender can move around in these drills but
only slightly, basically don’t run away its time to learn to stand and deliver. In BAB the
attacker closes to range and the defender opens on him, the attacker must then block and
return an attack. The defender attempts to block that shot and returns a second attack. Do
this drill ten times and switch attacker and defender, rinse and repeat.
Pass It On
These drills are handy for learning positioning and reading skills for standing beside
someone. This is one of Frank’s (Shadow) favorite drills and a class favorite every year.
Make a circle with each person 3 feet apart (sword foot forward at first). So you should
have a circle of people right hand sword and right foot forward about three feet apart. The
right foot cannot move, but your off foot is free to pivot like always. One person starts
the drill by attempting to hit the person to his right. The defender attempts to block it and
does the same thing to the person to his or her left. After you have done 10 or 20 rotations
change the direction of the rotation, attempting to strike the person to your right and the
defender tries to block and attacks the person to his or her right. You can do this with any
and all hand and feet combos. It’s a fun little exercise that makes you think about striking
and blocking from odd angles. After you have gotten this system down, you may try the
next drill.
Pass It On, Pass It Back
This drill is just like Pass It On except when the defender gets attacked, they
immediately swing back at the person who just attacked them and then turn to strike the
next person in the circle. That person will then block and swing back at the attacker then
swinging to attack the next person in line. Its easier than it sounds I promise.
Well that’s all I thought I could squeeze into this timeframe. There are a few other
drills we have, but these right here should keep you busy for a while.
Link to Source
SKBC 2010
by Spyn Thrift N’than & Peter the Quick
These single sword stances, guards, and the 10 shots should be burned to memory before
moving onto the drills section of this document.
Basic Single Sword Concepts
1. Positioning
A. Grip = modified saber, turn wrist out. It is very important to have the correct grip. It
makes learning everything else so much easier.
B. Stance = Feet positioning, Keep knees bent at all times. Arm positioning is the most
important but will be covered by basic block strike.
There are two ways to stand
1. Sword foot forward, or on foot forward as some people call it
2. Off foot forward. Goofy footed as some people call it
C. Guard = Positioning of the sword
2. There are 4 major guards
A. Denial Guard. … Sword held straight up, tip slightly to opponent... Closing outside
or inside off to attacks by placing a heavy guard there
B. Bait Guard. … Sword held parallel to the ground and away from the body. This
stance is used to bait your opponents into predictable openers based on sword height from
the ground.
C. Ranging Guard...Sword pointed at opponent held away from your body. This stance
forces the opponent to deal with sword before you can throw a normal opener ...also used
to maneuver or position your opponent by changing the angle at which your sword is
pointed at him
D. Open Guard... Arm is relaxed and sword is pointed down This stance is used to draw
a opponent in or to close the distance, by appearing to be out of position
3. The 10 Shots = These are the shots we show people how to throw correctly. They are
more to know correct form and terminology when I am referring to a certain shot before
any other training can begin. Not all shots are created equal but they all have a time and a
place to be used.
A. Five basic flat wraps = Outside Flat wrap, Rising wrap aka scoop shot, Shoulder
wrap, Crossing Flat wrap, Rising cross aka reverse scoop. These are the most basic of
the wraps, pretty much a must learn first before anything else. Practice these ALOT
B. The High cross = what most people throw wrong. Leaves allot open and is over used
... ala the flat high cross is the proper name / form.
C. The Slot Shot = A good lead or a good repost after a block to the outside or inside
from a medium range...usually thrown for shoulder or high chest areas
D. Hacking / chopping shot = usually a shot thrown after a parry when in close, to
maximize speed and still keep a good guard.
E. Quick Stab = Usually at lower torso, one of the quickest attacks
F. Hook Stab = Just that, a stab that hooks in, making it harder to read and block
4. Blocking and Reposting
A. Don’t over-block
B. Turn the torso ... don’t reach with the hands when learning
C. Raise and lower center of gravity to block and riposte
D. Economics of motion = The less sword travel the better
5. Fakes
A. Feints = Using your sword to Draw/move your opponent or their sword out of
position
B. Stutters = Using your footwork to Draw/move your opponent or their sword out
of position
C. Body Fakes = Using your body to Draw/move your opponent or their sword out
of position
D. Baiting = Using stance and positioning to draw an opponent into a predictable
opener or series of shots with a easy riposte
E. Reading = Using all your skills to guess/predict what the opponent will do next
or what they will do if presented with various shots or openings
Block-Strike
This drill is to teach reading and blocking skills, and to a lesser degree, develop common
patterns and teach shot placement skills.
Setup:
Requires 2 fighters, each fighter uses swords of the same length, (I recommend 32"-36"
swords). Each fighter stands one sword length apart, from the toes of their forward legs.
The forward leg is determined by which hand is being used, if your sword is in your right
hand your right foot goes in front. Two shot locations are then selected. (Note: it is
important to select one of the two shots to be an inside lane shot and one an outside lane
shot.)
Rules:
Once each fighter has their forward foot placed properly, that foot becomes planted and is
not allowed to move, but it also becomes a pivot foot because the back foot is allowed to
move freely, thus maintaining a constant distance between the two fighters. Each fighter
then starts taking turns swinging shots at their partner; each fighter is allotted one shot
per turn. Once a shot is delivered blocked or not the other fighter will return with their
shot. (Limiting the shot locations to the two target areas that were selected) Once the
fighters have gone back and forth delivering and blocking shots for sixty seconds one of
the two fighters must switch hands, put corresponding foot forward get their spacing right
and begin again after 60 seconds rest. Repeat this process alternating who switches
hands until each fighter has fought with both hands for two rotations, and in consequence
all combinations of hands have been worked, (left on left, left on right, right on left, and
right on right) Then after significant rest select two new shot locations and do the drill
again. Or if you have more than one friend rotate out so everyone can have some fun.
Hints:
This drill works best when you work hard to build up a rhythm and build up some speed,
delivering as soon as you block. The most important thing to remember about blockstrike
is that is more important to block then hit your opponent. Focus on the block
before you focus on the strike, that's why it's called block-strike, not strike-block.
One Footed Block-Strike
Now that you have basic Block-Strike down, there are six other drills that can refine
your technique further. First you should try standing stationary on one foot, either sword
foot, or off foot doesn’t matter at this time. Try doing it with both; most people will have
a foot that they are much better at standing on one foot with. It is important to do the drill
using all hand and feet combinations. After you have finished the drill, what problems did
you have? Are you unsteady, lack of power generation, unable to swing with out falling
over? All of these are indicators of poor form in one way or another. Being unsteady is
usually a basic flaw in your stance, such as leaning, hunching, or poor weight
distribution. Being unable to swing without falling over is a by-product of poor swing
mechanics. Such things as leaning, hunching while throwing, reaching, or just using the
arm to swing are common problems. Power generation is usually from not using your
core muscles when you swing. Practice swinging correctly and you can really feel the
difference. When you can perform all of the basic single sword moves on one foot
without falling over or wobbling like a weeble-wobble you are ready to try the next drill.
Hoppy
Now that you have mastered one footed block strike, we will work on moving your
balance point around. It’s a lovely drill called hoppy. Once again you will go through all
the hand and feet combos you can while doing the drill. Basically you will play BlockStrike
with the one foot on the ground again, but you are allowed to hop side-to-side and
back a bit for better position. You are not trying to hop or run away, but rather use good
form and footwork to put yourself in a better position to block and strike. It’s a very
simple concept and game and its VERY tiring by comparison.
(A)ttack (B)lock (A)ttack
Now that we have worked our basic form, you should be able to go over some basic
attacking and blocking drills. This one is called Attack Block Attack or ABA drills for
short. The basic premise behind this drill is that most fights are decided within the first
few swings, so this drill will focus on that area of combat. This drill will help you learn to
open and not get killed so much on the return attack while teaching the defender how to
get opened on while helping every ones reading skills. You and your partner should start
about six feet apart, just outside sword range by a half step or so. The defender can move
around in these drills but only slightly, basically don’t run away its time to learn to stand
and deliver. In ABA the Attacker closes to range and throws an opener. The defender
attempts to block and returns an attack. The attacker attempts to block that shot and
returns a second attack. Do this drill ten times and switch attacker and defender, rinse and
repeat.
(B)lock (A)ttack (B)lock
This is another basic blocking and attacking drill. This one is called Block Attack
Block drills or BAB for short. The basic premise behind this drill is that most fights are
decided within the first few swings, so this drill will focus on that area of combat. This
drill helps you learn to bait and close while learning not to get hit with openers from the
defender, while he gets a chance to practice reading skills and tries to force the attacker
into predictable patterns. You and your partner should start about six feet apart, just
outside sword range by a half step or so. The defender can move around in these drills but
only slightly, basically don’t run away its time to learn to stand and deliver. In BAB the
attacker closes to range and the defender opens on him, the attacker must then block and
return an attack. The defender attempts to block that shot and returns a second attack. Do
this drill ten times and switch attacker and defender, rinse and repeat.
Pass It On
These drills are handy for learning positioning and reading skills for standing beside
someone. This is one of Frank’s (Shadow) favorite drills and a class favorite every year.
Make a circle with each person 3 feet apart (sword foot forward at first). So you should
have a circle of people right hand sword and right foot forward about three feet apart. The
right foot cannot move, but your off foot is free to pivot like always. One person starts
the drill by attempting to hit the person to his right. The defender attempts to block it and
does the same thing to the person to his or her left. After you have done 10 or 20 rotations
change the direction of the rotation, attempting to strike the person to your right and the
defender tries to block and attacks the person to his or her right. You can do this with any
and all hand and feet combos. It’s a fun little exercise that makes you think about striking
and blocking from odd angles. After you have gotten this system down, you may try the
next drill.
Pass It On, Pass It Back
This drill is just like Pass It On except when the defender gets attacked, they
immediately swing back at the person who just attacked them and then turn to strike the
next person in the circle. That person will then block and swing back at the attacker then
swinging to attack the next person in line. Its easier than it sounds I promise.
Well that’s all I thought I could squeeze into this timeframe. There are a few other
drills we have, but these right here should keep you busy for a while.
Link to Source