

Really thinking about anything in particular and just let everything It all comes together when you are 'in the zone' - when you aren't When all the winning factors are present. Real skill at sword fighting occurs not from a few simple tricks, but Way that they trip over inanimate objects behind them. So that the glare distracts your opponent, or chasing them in such a Of the classic Musashi tactics is to utilize everything in theĮnvironment to your advantage - such as standing with the sun behind you

Simple tricks like these work, but they do not occur in a vacuum. Because the first attack was so strong and potentially deadly, Fighter B is likely to fall for the feint.
#FIGHTING MOVES FULL#
Examples of Simple Deception in Sword Fighting Example Oneįigure 1: Fighter A steps in and prepares to deliver a full force overhead attack on Fighter B with speed and intent.įigure 2: Fighter B wisely parries the attack with the forte (strongest part) of his sword.įigure 3: Without missing a beat, fighter A follows up with what looks like the same attack he did in figure 1, however.įigure 4: While looking at the opponents head and keeping the actual target only in his peripheral vision, he sidesteps out of the way of any potential counterattack and attacks with one hand, suddenly dropping the attack into his opponents foremost leg. Examples include, feigning weakness or fear before attacking strongly, glancing down at a leg, dropping the shoulder and feinting a downward blow only to whip it up and attack the helmet, or the classic Musashi tactic - feigning to jump aside when the enemy attacks, and then dashing in strongly the millisecond they relax. But while quite a few are more or less the correct 'winning' mentality and take years to cultivate, others are simple techniques or tricks.įor example, it is relatively easy to learn a few tricks and employ deception in Sword Fighting. Most of these factors to winning a sword fight, be it in a duel 400 years ago or in a modern day sports contest, are self explanatory, timeless principles.

And finally Caution - not timidity, but having enough common sense to not underestimate your opponent.Timing and Distance - simple enough, but striking at the right time and being close enough to actually hit is a skill in itself.Intimidation - or rather, not being intimidated or using intimidation against a lesser opponent.Falling into a predictable pattern is anathema to sword fighting. Historically, foul play was not only expected, it was par for the course. Deception - fighting fair is a sure way to get you killed in a sword-fight.Mental Aspects - specifically, Awareness & Calmness/Serenity.Physical Conditioning (modern people were nowhere near as tough as our ancestors) especially of the back and the abdomen, though cardio and strong wrists are key for Sword Fighting.
#FIGHTING MOVES TRIAL#
While battle was and still is essentially chaotic in nature, and no plan survives first contact with the enemy, there are several characteristics and factors common to the winner (survivor) of a medieval duel, trial by combat or battlefield ordeal - and these are outlined in chapter 14 of Hank Reinhardt's excellent book, the Book of Swords as follows: Simple enough, but as is often the case, the simple things in life are often overlooked. Like the humorous illustration at the top of this page, the basic principle of a sword fight was to deliver a fight ending blow without taking one yourself - or as the Sword Saint, Miyamoto Musashi put it, "the object is to cut down your enemy".
#FIGHTING MOVES FOR FREE#
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