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VI. Specific techniques either weapon, unless specified)
- Sliding block
The concept here is to block the blow such that it slides sideways off of your blade, at the same time pushing the blade of your weapon back into the start of a return strike. This should be used at all opportunities.
- Sleeve cut
This is a strike that is performed with the blade of the weapon horizontal, and almost touching your sleeve, and the entire upper body locked into position. The entire force is provided by the rotation of the body. It provides a very hard strike from a very close range. It can be used with both types of weapons, but more usually with the greatsword.
Variations of this strike are used extensively in this style, when striking at close range. It is not necessary for the weapon to be strictly horizontal, nor is it necessary for it to be touching your sleeve. The basis of this technique is to supply power by rotating your body, rather than using your arms. It should be possible to achieve a “killing” blow with a swing of about 16 inches.
- Against great weapon
- Strike feint pulled back into thrust
This can also be used effectively against S&S.
- Thrust feint continued into a strike
This can also be used effectively against S&S.
- Backhand feint continued into a forehand (usually only with a greatsword)
- “Roll over” and cut to head
Roll your blade sideways and over the blade of your opponent’s weapon. This technique applies increasing leverage as it progresses.
- Push over and cut up (swords same side)
This technique pushes your opponent’s blade sideways, without rolling over it.
- Push over and backhand
This technique pushes your opponent’s blade sideways, without rolling over it.
- Push – release – cut
This technique pushes in against your opponent’s blade, provoking a return push. You then release your blade with a back and sideways motion, and strike in the cleared attack line. The push can be sideways, as well as directly towards your opponent. The essential part of the technique is to push only to a point, so that if your opponent tries to release your blade before you can release his or hers, your blade will not move out of position. This controlled push is made easier if you push with a rotation of your body, rather than with an extension of your arms.
Please note that all of the pushing and rolling techniques rely on leverage, rather than greater strength. To apply greater leverage in a position where the positions and weapons of you and your opponent are relatively equal, try to push with a point on the handle of your weapon that is closer to the top of your upper hand than the point being pushed on your opponent’s weapon is to his or her hand. For instance, you will have more leverage if the point of contact on your weapon is one inch above your hand, while the point of contact on your opponent’s weapon is six inches above their hand.
- Against shield weapons
- Hooking shields (greatsword)
- Hooking shields then wrap (greatsword)
Use this technique if your opponent attempts a sword block after his or her shield is hooked.
- Hooking shields then strike
- Pressing shields then backhand
- Backhands after block
- Spin against shields
Note that the spin is set up by pushing against your opponent, then directing the return push to one shoulder to help you to spin. The strike is made over your shoulder to the back of your opponent’s head.
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