Firstly, it is very important to attack near the opponent's blade. You might think this will make it easier for the opponent to parry. Perhaps, but we will plan for it. If you do not attack near the opponent's blade, you are attacking targets at a greater range. He need only straighten out his arm and hit you.
Imagine for these examples that you are attacking the inside line. It works similarly in either direction.
To be viable, the attack must be within range (measure). Otherwise, your opponent will ignore it and hit you. By attacking, we create a threat that requires a response, so we can expect the parry and plan for it. As the parry comes, disengage (loop the tip underneath their blade, like drawing a 'U') and hit in the outside line. It's that simple! (Note that the disengage is performed by the wrist and fingers with the arm extended, NOT by withdrawing the arm and thrusting again!)
To this we can add several variations. For instance, attack inside, disengage, attack outside, disengage, hit inside. Or, disengage, attack outside, disengage, hit inside.
These techniques involve the feint. Some describe a feint as an uncommitted attack, but ideally, a feint is just an attack that hasn't hit yet. If your opponent is unimpressed and fails to react to it, continue forward and hit. If he parries, disengage before he can make contact and hit on the other side. The parry's momentum will carry the opponent's blade out of position, leaving him open for your second intention attack.
| Tips Index | Site Index | Prev | Next |