Saber Lesson 2 - Basic Strikes

Cutting Down

Raise the Sabre up from the ready stance and bring it straight down, cutting with the tip of the Sabre. The end of your strike should have the tip of the Sabre slightly lower then your belly button. Cutting Down is one of the most fundamental techniques of swordsmanship.

Cutting the Angle

From Hasso Kamae position, push the Sabre out and down at a 45 degree angle, cutting with the tip of the Sabre. The end of your strike should place the tip of the Sabre at midlevel of your body, at an angle, extending outwards not much more then the width of your shoulders.

Cutting around the Blade

From the side stance, step out at a 45-degree angle from your partner's direct line to you, and describe a circle for the Sabre to trace in the air. You will turn and strike, moving to the side of your partners Sabre and coming around it, defeating a block or parry. The end of your strike should place the tip of the Sabre at your waist level, lower then in Cutting Down, angled slightly down towards the training hall floor.

Horizontal Strike

Start in the hidden stance and slide your Sabre horizontally across in a plane, starting at beyond your own shoulder width and ending on the opposite side, again slightly beyond shoulder width. This is a lateral cut at the midsection.

Thrusting

Thrusting cuts are made to the upper or middle part of the body. From the ready stance, push your Sabre straightforward towards your partner, taking a step forward to finish the strike.

Circle Theory

A basic concept in many styles sword fighting is the Circle of Life (MAAI or the concept of distance) that surrounds us. You are the centre of your circle. Hold your sabre in the ready stance and slowly rotate your body 360 deg, without leaving the spot where you are standing. Keep an eye on the tip as you move and you'll find your circle. It's the outer perimeter of your defence. Sword masters teach that your circle is the most important thing you'll ever learn about in sabre combat. That's because as soon as an opponent enters your circle with the tip of his sword, you can cut him down. It's sometimes called the circle of life, because your life is in danger when someone attacks you within your circle.