Akisha learns to honor the sword.

[Akisha]

No questions on this one

and sorry for the super late reply <_<

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

No questions on this one

and sorry for the super late reply <_<

Alright then. And no problem. ^_^

Anyway, next is blocking. It's relatively simple, and one of the most common things to do. It involves using your own blade to bring the opponents to a complete stop, generally holding blade contact.

An example of this is if you attacked me with a vertical slash, and I raised my blade horizontally, stopping your blade against mine.

It's fairly simple, and I have the utmost faith that this step probably wasn't even necessary for you, but it doesn't hurt to include it.

If you're good, we'll move on.

 

[Akisha]

Alright then. And no problem. ^_^

Anyway, next is blocking. It's relatively simple, and one of the most common things to do. It involves using your own blade to bring the opponents to a complete stop, generally holding blade contact.

An example of this is if you attacked me with a vertical slash, and I raised my blade horizontally, stopping your blade against mine.

It's fairly simple, and I have the utmost faith that this step probably wasn't even necessary for you, but it doesn't hurt to include it.

If you're good, we'll move on.

Im good We can move on ^^

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Im good We can move on ^^

Good.

Next is counter/counter-attacking.

Basically, it's how to effectively make your parry/block go in your favor. o_o I'm gonna try and take my time with this one, as it's rather important.

Ready?

 

[Akisha]

Good.

Next is counter/counter-attacking.

Basically, it's how to effectively make your parry/block go in your favor. o_o I'm gonna try and take my time with this one, as it's rather important.

Ready?

Yessir...

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Yessir...

Alright, let's begin with countering after a parry: after a parry, your blade will be the one on the inside, putting you at a tactical advantage over your opponent. The reason for this is that since their blade is outside, they have to first get past your own blade to attack you - with your blade on the inside, you just have to land the hit.

Now, the strike you use will almost certainly be dependent upon how and where you parry and the position it leaves your blade - however, a stab/lunge is almost consistently a great choice as it gives forward movement (making it difficult to dodge by stepping back), has great speed (making it even more difficult to actually react to), and can easily be brought into a back-swing to counter the nearly inevitable attempt at attacking you the opponent will make.

Clear?

 

[Akisha]

Alright, let's begin with countering after a parry: after a parry, your blade will be the one on the inside, putting you at a tactical advantage over your opponent. The reason for this is that since their blade is outside, they have to first get past your own blade to attack you - with your blade on the inside, you just have to land the hit.

Now, the strike you use will almost certainly be dependent upon how and where you parry and the position it leaves your blade - however, a stab/lunge is almost consistently a great choice as it gives forward movement (making it difficult to dodge by stepping back), has great speed (making it even more difficult to actually react to), and can easily be brought into a back-swing to counter the nearly inevitable attempt at attacking you the opponent will make.

Clear?

All clear. The parry seems like a very useful thing

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

All clear. The parry seems like a very useful thing

Indeed it is. U_U I don't know if you'll be the same way, but parries generally help keep the momentum of the fight creatively high, which helps me preform better, as I have to build up steam. If you fight someone who stagnate blocks you a lot, there is no momentum in the fight.

Now, as for counter-attacking from a block -with your blade locked with the opponents, you want to quickly disengage and attack; the key to this is to disengage in your favor.

However, a useful thing to do is consider how you blocked and how it can transition into a blow. An example is this - if I'm locked at cross with my opponent with my blade held horizontally above me, a great counter-attack is to push my opponents blade upward as I unfold my blade; this will cause their blade to go upward and to their left, not only putting their blade on the outside, but also putting the opponent off balance and putting them in a position that their strike wouldn't be able to do near as much damage.

 

[Akisha]

Indeed it is. U_U I don't know if you'll be the same way, but parries generally help keep the momentum of the fight creatively high, which helps me preform better, as I have to build up steam. If you fight someone who stagnate blocks you a lot, there is no momentum in the fight.

Now, as for counter-attacking from a block -with your blade locked with the opponents, you want to quickly disengage and attack; the key to this is to disengage in your favor.

However, a useful thing to do is consider how you blocked and how it can transition into a blow. An example is this - if I'm locked at cross with my opponent with my blade held horizontally above me, a great counter-attack is to push my opponents blade upward as I unfold my blade; this will cause their blade to go upward and to their left, not only putting their blade on the outside, but also putting the opponent off balance and putting them in a position that their strike wouldn't be able to do near as much damage.

Very well explained. Yet I have questions. Let's say that I did what you just told me to and I have gained advantage but the opponent suddenly performs a vertical slash. Of course I pushed him back like you said. So if he manages to cut me, how deep would the wound be? I am asking because of the bolded part.

2. What if our swords are cossed with my sword vertically above me. What should I do to take the upper hand? I am asking because the only thing that comes in mind is to push his sword downwards and then attack.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Very well explained. Yet I have questions. Let's say that I did what you just told me to and I have gained advantage but the opponent suddenly performs a vertical slash. Of course I pushed him back like you said. So if he manages to cut me, how deep would the wound be? I am asking because of the bolded part.

2. What if our swords are cossed with my sword vertically above me. What should I do to take the upper hand? I am asking because the only thing that comes in mind is to push his sword downwards and then attack.

Well, this would most likely be an example of trading blows. The desirable situation here is that you deliver your strike quickly enough so that even if you tries to counter, he's already been cut down, and thus can't follow through.

The damage his strike would do, though, depends on how he reacts to your displacing of his blade. With his sword straight up, if he has two hands on it, he could potentially do very heavy damage to you, especially if he braces against your push instead of rolling with it, as he will remain mostly stable and can use the forward sway he needs to become balanced to do an overhead strike, which is arguably the most powerful attack you can do.

If he is only using one hand, though, or is not well rooted, then the damage will be far less. Substantial maybe, as you've taken a vertical slash, which is never pretty, but much less damaging. I won't say it's not fatal, but you wouldn't immediately die, unless he hits you in the head.

Like all things, it depends on how they react, and how you set them up to do it.

Okay, so you're asking as if you're the one at the disadvantage here. Now, this is something to think about as well - if your sword is above you and you already have backwards momentum, it may be wise to follow their push through, and step/jump/leap backwards - you'll break contact and create enough distance for you to bring your sword around to block an attack.

Alternatively, you could actually try what I mentioned above, or simply attack them with a taijutsu strike. Mixing taijutsu in with your Ken makes you infinitely more dangerous.

For example, when both of your blades are up, you could take one of your hands and grab their sword wielding wrist. You'll more than likely stop them from striking you, but it gives you enough pause to retreat.

Clear?

 

[Akisha]

Well, this would most likely be an example of trading blows. The desirable situation here is that you deliver your strike quickly enough so that even if you tries to counter, he's already been cut down, and thus can't follow through.

The damage his strike would do, though, depends on how he reacts to your displacing of his blade. With his sword straight up, if he has two hands on it, he could potentially do very heavy damage to you, especially if he braces against your push instead of rolling with it, as he will remain mostly stable and can use the forward sway he needs to become balanced to do an overhead strike, which is arguably the most powerful attack you can do.

If he is only using one hand, though, or is not well rooted, then the damage will be far less. Substantial maybe, as you've taken a vertical slash, which is never pretty, but much less damaging. I won't say it's not fatal, but you wouldn't immediately die, unless he hits you in the head.

Like all things, it depends on how they react, and how you set them up to do it.

Okay, so you're asking as if you're the one at the disadvantage here. Now, this is something to think about as well - if your sword is above you and you already have backwards momentum, it may be wise to follow their push through, and step/jump/leap backwards - you'll break contact and create enough distance for you to bring your sword around to block an attack.

Alternatively, you could actually try what I mentioned above, or simply attack them with a taijutsu strike. Mixing taijutsu in with your Ken makes you infinitely more dangerous.

For example, when both of your blades are up, you could take one of your hands and grab their sword wielding wrist. You'll more than likely stop them from striking you, but it gives you enough pause to retreat.

Clear?

O___O

All clear and very well explained ^^

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

O___O

All clear and very well explained ^^

'kay. xd

Now, off course, you could also try a true counter-attack - that is, attack while the opponent's attacking. By choosing not to make a defensive move, you create a dilemma for the opponent: do they continue with their own attack at the cost of trading blows with you, or do they stop their own attack and try to counter yours?

It's a useful, but brash tactic. The biggest thing to remember about sword fighting is that while it's nice to have first blood, it doesn't always determine the outcome of the battle. It's a rare thing to do, but maybe taking a hit in order to give one will be what you need to put you on top.

 

[Akisha]

'kay. xd

Now, off course, you could also try a true counter-attack - that is, attack while the opponent's attacking. By choosing not to make a defensive move, you create a dilemma for the opponent: do they continue with their own attack at the cost of trading blows with you, or do they stop their own attack and try to counter yours?

It's a useful, but brash tactic. The biggest thing to remember about sword fighting is that while it's nice to have first blood, it doesn't always determine the outcome of the battle. It's a rare thing to do, but maybe taking a hit in order to give one will be what you need to put you on top.

All clear here ^^

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

All clear here ^^

Very good. ^_^

Now, since you're one of my three personal students, and not one of the others I picked up, I'm taking your training a step further - I'll be teaching you Taijutsu integration.

Taijutsu is a great complement to Kenjutsu, and it gives you other options in close-quarters combat, as well as allowing you to have a mix-up mindgame.

Now, this is more demonstration than anything else, so if you're ready, come at me with a dual-handed vertical attack.

 

[Akisha]

Very good. ^_^

Now, since you're one of my three personal students, and not one of the others I picked up, I'm taking your training a step further - I'll be teaching you Taijutsu integration.

Taijutsu is a great complement to Kenjutsu, and it gives you other options in close-quarters combat, as well as allowing you to have a mix-up mindgame.

Now, this is more demonstration than anything else, so if you're ready, come at me with a dual-handed vertical attack.

ok. Btw, does the PS get Infinite sword style? xd


here I come...

*I gently take out my Katana as I look you straight in the eyes with great determination. As the Katana is out, I grab it with both my hands while I keep watching you very carefully. I then suddenly rush towards you with great speed. My sword is pointing at the ground untill I reach short range where I raise my sword above my head. I start screaming "Aaaaargh" while I perform a vertical slash motion aiming at your head, cutting through your right eye, making a huge scar like Kakashi's and even continuing at your chest. *

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

ok. Btw, does the PS get Infinite sword style? xd


here I come...

*I gently take out my Katana as I look you straight in the eyes with great determination. As the Katana is out, I grab it with both my hands while I keep watching you very carefully. I then suddenly rush towards you with great speed. My sword is pointing at the ground untill I reach short range where I raise my sword above my head. I start screaming "Aaaaargh" while I perform a vertical slash motion aiming at your head, cutting through your right eye, making a huge scar like Kakashi's and even continuing at your chest. *

xd Unfortunately for you, no, but I am thinking about letting all my PS's use my Mirage Blade custom.

*As you rush towards me, I remain still at first, holding my bokken in the chudan kendo stance. As you come at me, I quickly lift my blade with a shout as well, holding my blade horizontally, blocking your blade with my bokken - however, as your sword sticks into my own, I quickly release with my right hand and swing it downward in an arc, striking you in the left armpit with a type of chop, since your arms are out stretched upwards.*

Taijutsu lets you attack from very short range, even when your blade is busy. If you play your cards right, you'll combo one into another, and your momentum will continue to build.

 

[Akisha]

xd Unfortunately for you, no, but I am thinking about letting all my PS's use my Mirage Blade custom.

*As you rush towards me, I remain still at first, holding my bokken in the chudan kendo stance. As you come at me, I quickly lift my blade with a shout as well, holding my blade horizontally, blocking your blade with my bokken - however, as your sword sticks into my own, I quickly release with my right hand and swing it downward in an arc, striking you in the left armpit with a type of chop, since your arms are out stretched upwards.*

Taijutsu lets you attack from very short range, even when your blade is busy. If you play your cards right, you'll combo one into another, and your momentum will continue to build.

xd nice...

*As I see you releasing one of your hands I quickly realise what is about to happen so as you are performing the punch I quickly step back, pushing myself with my reg leg, while I release your sword, but since our katana's were crossed above my head, you can't decapitate me. As I am side stepping and i am now out of your hand's range, I qucikly swing my blade perfomring a horizontal slash motion, from right-to-left aiming at your head while at the same time, I perform a low kick with my left leg aiming at your weist.*

I decided to experiment xd

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

xd nice...

*As I see you releasing one of your hands I quickly realise what is about to happen so as you are performing the punch I quickly step back, pushing myself with my reg leg, while I release your sword, but since our katana's were crossed above my head, you can't decapitate me. As I am side stepping and i am now out of your hand's range, I qucikly swing my blade perfomring a horizontal slash motion, from right-to-left aiming at your head while at the same time, I perform a low kick with my left leg aiming at your weist.*

I decided to experiment xd

Experimentation is a big thing - you need to find what works for you.

*As you step back and to my right, I simply step forward myself and follow your movement - as your horizontal attack that you try to set-up from your retreat comes from my left, I simply raise my bokken which is still in my left hand, stopping your blade (note that I flipped my blade earlier when you pulled away, so that the blade runs along my elbow), my method of holding it allowing me to stop your own blade.

However, as your slash comes at me, I see your left leg come up - using my right hand, I simply grab your foot as it comes towards my waist and pull upwards. Since I'm taking your leg so high while you're already on only one, I end up knocking you to the ground because of this.*

 

[Akisha]

Experimentation is a big thing - you need to find what works for you.

*As you step back and to my right, I simply step forward myself and follow your movement - as your horizontal attack that you try to set-up from your retreat comes from my left, I simply raise my bokken which is still in my left hand, stopping your blade (note that I flipped my blade earlier when you pulled away, so that the blade runs along my elbow), my method of holding it allowing me to stop your own blade.

However, as your slash comes at me, I see your left leg come up - using my right hand, I simply grab your foot as it comes towards my waist and pull upwards. Since I'm taking your leg so high while you're already on only one, I end up knocking you to the ground because of this.*

Predictable xd

*As you catch my leg and I fall backwars, I draw my sword back and land on my hands while the sword remains in my right hand. I then stretch my legs at your neck while I push myself with greet speed with my hands, wrapping my legs around your neck and break it.*

Freestyle art the spinning monkey = Furīāto kaiten saru

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Attack
Range: Short
Chakra Cost: N/A
Damage Points: 30
Description: A Taijutsu attack where the user lets himself/herself fall backwards landing on his/her hands, while he/she stretches his/her legs towards the targets head, then he/she sets of with his/her hands and warps his/her legs around the targets neck, and uses his/her body to break the targets neck, or damaging it severely.

Taijutsu much

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Predictable xd

*As you catch my leg and I fall backwars, I draw my sword back and land on my hands while the sword remains in my right hand. I then stretch my legs at your neck while I push myself with greet speed with my hands, wrapping my legs around your neck and break it.*

Freestyle art the spinning monkey = Furīāto kaiten saru

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Attack
Range: Short
Chakra Cost: N/A
Damage Points: 30
Description: A Taijutsu attack where the user lets himself/herself fall backwards landing on his/her hands, while he/she stretches his/her legs towards the targets head, then he/she sets of with his/her hands and warps his/her legs around the targets neck, and uses his/her body to break the targets neck, or damaging it severely.

Taijutsu much

^_^ Very nice, but....

*As you lean backwards into your falling, I do two things to deal with your legs - first, I don't relinquish my hold and flair my right arm outward, spreading that one leg outward, while I also use my left arm by taking my bokken - still in its position from earlier - and block your other leg by slamming it into your shin, and pushing away. With you standing on your hands, and I having blocked your legs, you are at my mercy.

I simply release you and jump backwards.*

Very nice. I'm thinking you're getting the concept of Taijutsu integration quite nicely. And because of that, that also brings an end to your training.

Now, is there something you would like covered again, or explained in further detail, or would you rather move on to your graduation spar?