Koetsu teaches me how to use a sword

[KeotsuEclipse]

Well, uh, my computer isnt that great so it does not let me watch any kind of youtube videos, so I am not able to see the video unfortunately. But to guard a stab I would do a horizontal slash but have my hand angled to where the tip of the sword is facing upwards and the sharp edge of the sword is pointing in the direction of the opponents sword (When they are stabbing me), so that there sword is moved to the side and they are open for a quick attack.
To guard horizontal strikes, I would block with a horizontal strike, angling the tip of the sword upwards so that they hit eachother and not me or the enemy.
To guard a vertical I would use a horizontal strike but aim it up at the enemys sword so that I hit it before it hits me.
To block a diagonal, I would do a diagonal in the opposite direction. Like if you did a diagonal from top left to bottom right, I would do bottom right to top left. Of course there are other better ways to block, but thats why im here training with you. So uh, did I get any of that wrong?
If so, im totally ready to correct it.

Actually, that's pretty close. What you described with each of those strikes was using a diagonal (although a very steep one) to block each slash - and there is nothing wrong with that.

But, there is also the + method, in which you use the strike of the opposite direction to block - if I used a vertical slash, you could use a horizontal slash aimed at my blade to block, or vice versa.

As for the stabbing, but what he did is relatively close to what you described - he used a horizontal slash to push it out of the way and then immediately followed it up with a counterattack.

Now, what's the difference between guarding against a one-handed strike and a two-handed strike.

 

[electro]

Guarding a one handed strike would be easier than blocking a 2 handed strike. When you block a 2 handed strike, it is harder to bring the opponent off balance because he has both hands on the hilt, meaning more grip and strength on his sword. Blocking a 1 handed strike would give more chance for you to bring him off balance and knock his sword back, or with a strong enough strike, have a high chance of knocking the sword right out of the enemies hand. Although, one handed strikes are faster than 2 handed, i would think, and 2 handed is stronger, but with less speed.
So uh, the speed, strength, and difficulty of blocking it is different?

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Guarding a one handed strike would be easier than blocking a 2 handed strike. When you block a 2 handed strike, it is harder to bring the opponent off balance because he has both hands on the hilt, meaning more grip and strength on his sword. Blocking a 1 handed strike would give more chance for you to bring him off balance and knock his sword back, or with a strong enough strike, have a high chance of knocking the sword right out of the enemies hand. Although, one handed strikes are faster than 2 handed, i would think, and 2 handed is stronger, but with less speed.
So uh, the speed, strength, and difficulty of blocking it is different?

Yes.

A two-handed strike has a higher strength and, because of the higher strength, moves faster in a single direction.

But, with that, a one-handed slash can outspeed a two handed slash - a one handed slash can be manipulated much more than a two-handed one, and has a much higher precision and accuracy. That usually allows a one handed strike to travel faster than a two-handed one, but not always. If they're traveling in the same direction, say down, the two-handed strike is faster.

Next we will move on to dodging:

Sidestepping is the first method we will cover. In itself, there is not a lot to sidestepping, and you do exactly as it sounds. You step to either side to avoid an attack, and this is especially effective against diagonal strikes, vertical strikes, and stabs. This technique doesn't work well against horizontal strikes.

Say the opponent came at me with a diagonal slash from my right shoulder to my left hip. By sidestepping to my right, I allow myself to move away from the blade while I have the most time to do so. If I add an arc to that, say I sidestep to the right in such a way that I'm now facing their left side, I can now easily counter attack.

Sidestepping is a simple, but effective method of dodging.

 

[electro]

ok so like this?
*Steps towards my right side*
That's easy to do, whats next?

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

ok so like this?
*Steps towards my right side*
That's easy to do, whats next?

Yeah, that's pretty much it. o.o While, it takes practice to find ways to use it effectively.

What I described earlier - stepping in an arc (which I call Arcstepping. Original, huh? ) -is much more effective and practical than just sidestepping.

Hm...

You seems to have a very good basis of prior knowledge (like seriously a lot. O-o I wouldn't be surprised if you actually know more than me), so I think the best thing for you at this point would be some battle practice.

I want you to fight me - if I can give you advice after each move, I will. I just want to see how well you'll do in actual battle, and we can expand from there.

*Takes a basic stance with my bokken held out in front of me.*

Please make the first move.

 

[electro]

(I dont really have any expierience in rping because I have not been in any battles yet but I will try my best)
*I stand with both hands on the hilt, right hands right below the tsuba, left below my right hand. I am holding it so that my hands are more to the left of my body, with the sword pointing upwards and to the right, diagonally. I then step forward up to you at short range (My length skills aren't very good, so im just going to say short range) and I do a diagonal slash, starting by repositioning my arms, now both bent, my right arm to the right of my right shoulder going down and towards my left hip, my left arm starting from in front of my chest, going down to a couple inches from the left of my waist, in one swift movement, my arms extending out increasing length of the strike from the start of the strike*
(Also, should I say all my strikes like that--^ in battle, or should I say, *I do a diagonal strike from my right shoulder towards my left hip*?)

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

(I dont really have any expierience in rping because I have not been in any battles yet but I will try my best)
*I stand with both hands on the hilt, right hands right below the tsuba, left below my right hand. I am holding it so that my hands are more to the left of my body, with the sword pointing upwards and to the right, diagonally. I then step forward up to you at short range (My length skills aren't very good, so im just going to say short range) and I do a diagonal slash, starting by repositioning my arms, now both bent, my right arm to the right of my right shoulder going down and towards my left hip, my left arm starting from in front of my chest, going down to a couple inches from the left of my waist, in one swift movement, my arms extending out increasing length of the strike from the start of the strike*
(Also, should I say all my strikes like that--^ in battle, or should I say, *I do a diagonal strike from my right shoulder towards my left hip*?)

Ah, I apologize for that then, I didn't know you haven't even fought yet. Would you like to postpone this part of the training until you've been in a few fights?

Well, your attack description is good, and I'm not going to tell you how to adjust your posting style - what you did is know not-so-affectionately as Wall-of-Text style, in which you give a highly detailed description of how it works, and the thing you suggested is how people normally fight. I say try and find an equilibrium, though. Telling me how you positioned your self was good, and the subtle movements were good too, but unless it's going to directly affect your move, you may omit things such as the whole "my arms now bent" gambit. Watch my move - I'll try and give you a good description of my style, which is in-between Wall-of-text and the norm.

And about the range thing, that's acceptable. <.<" As far as I know, there is no definite value for Short,Med, and Long ranges.

*As you step towards me and lift your arm, I raise my blade and keep it horizontal, with the tip of the blade point left and the blade about eye level to me, with both of my hands on the bokken's hilt.

As you bring your strike down, I push upward, making out blades collide and stopping your strike. At the same time as I do this, keeping my blade locked with yours, I sidestep to my left, putting me on the right side of your body. While I make this movement, I slide my blade out to the right, by extending my arms, causing my blade to slide along yours - your blade would then go down in its slash, but because of the turn in my sidestep, my arms is out wide, and thus your blade would miss.

Immediately after freeing my blade and while I'm in the sidestep, I bring the blade back, over your blade which has descended, and smack the upper part of your chest (just below your collar bone) with the bokken, and I then leap backwards afterwards, creating distance whether or not the strike connects.*

 

[electro]

ok, I guess I kind of understand.

*as my blade descends and you lift yours to smack my upper body, I lift mine up, both hands still on the hilt, and its tip is pointing (From your point of view) to the right, and I block your blades hit, only inches away from hitting me and then you leap back creating the distance.
About 2 seconds after you land from your leap, I take my left hand off of the hilt, my blade now pointing towards the ground I run towards you and when im close enough to strike, I do a sidestep to the right, your left, and a one-handed horizontal slash to the left, your right, at the same time, while aiming at your left leg*
Also, are we using bokkens or actual blades cause i dont know.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

ok, I guess I kind of understand.

*as my blade descends and you lift yours to smack my upper body, I lift mine up, both hands still on the hilt, and its tip is pointing (From your point of view) to the right, and I block your blades hit, only inches away from hitting me and then you leap back creating the distance.
About 2 seconds after you land from your leap, I take my left hand off of the hilt, my blade now pointing towards the ground I run towards you and when im close enough to strike, I do a sidestep to the right, your left, and a one-handed horizontal slash to the left, your right, at the same time, while aiming at your left leg*
Also, are we using bokkens or actual blades cause i dont know.

Bokkens.

*As you come at me with your horizontal strike, I pivot on my foot, and swing my bokken diagonally from my left shoulder to right hip, using both hands, colliding my bokken with your and overpowering your strike. As our bokkens collide, I let go with my left hand, and sidestep in as I rotate, putting my back to your chest as I use my left hand to grab your right wrist - I also flip my bokken around so that the blade runs up my arm, and the tip is now resting on your throat.

I ignore the attempt at my leg, because if it was attempted with your bokken I halted that attempt, but if it was with your arm or leg, my rotation inward keeps it from affecting me, as I'd simply dodge it.*

You're actually quite good.

 

[electro]

*I stand there not moving*O.O
Where did that come from!
*I am not able to move my bokken correctly because of you holding my wrist, so I just stand there unmoving*
So uh, I guess I lose. Can you let me go so I can try this again?:drunk:

Thanks, but im not good enough, you just destroyed me. I saw on some other battles that people did an attack then did a second attack, like a finisher, then the enemy stopped the 1st so that the second never even happened, was I supposed to do that in this situation?
Also, im gonna go to bed soon so if I stop posting thats why.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

*I stand there not moving*O.O
Where did that come from!
*I am not able to move my bokken correctly because of you holding my wrist, so I just stand there unmoving*
So uh, I guess I lose. Can you let me go so I can try this again?:drunk:

Thanks, but im not good enough, you just destroyed me. I saw on some other battles that people did an attack then did a second attack, like a finisher, then the enemy stopped the 1st so that the second never even happened, was I supposed to do that in this situation?
Also, im gonna go to bed soon so if I stop posting thats why.

xd You learn a few tricks. I'm actually self-taught. o_o Trust me, you'll learn a lot if you watch certain animes and play video games. xd <.<" Which is why I'll probably never stand up to some people on here ~_~

*Release you and steps back to my original position.*

That's how most, if not all battles in an RP go. Say it goes like this:

I use three strikes: Vertical, Horizontal, Stab.

My opponent stops my vertical strike, and then immediately goes on the offensive, meaning my horizontal and stab never happened.

Say he countered with a horizontal and stab. Well, then I go in with a diagonal, and then go on the offensive.

All the RP is, is one big interrupt-a-thon.

You'll have to stop your opponents move, and then go on the offensive again.

So, even if you have a "Finisher", and they keep you from ever getting there, you just react and try again - stopping their combo and finisher.

You'll often find though, that you may not always need to go on the offensive.

You may find someone who creates a hole in their defense by being overly aggressive. So, if you play defensive for long enough, you can set it up right so that with a single movement you're on the offense and dominating.

Now, would you like to go for another round, or would you like me to teach you just a few small special moves?

And that's fine. I'm actually going to bed now anyway.

 

[electro]

xd You learn a few tricks. I'm actually self-taught. o_o Trust me, you'll learn a lot if you watch certain animes and play video games. xd <.<" Which is why I'll probably never stand up to some people on here ~_~

*Release you and steps back to my original position.*

That's how most, if not all battles in an RP go. Say it goes like this:

I use three strikes: Vertical, Horizontal, Stab.

My opponent stops my vertical strike, and then immediately goes on the offensive, meaning my horizontal and stab never happened.

Say he countered with a horizontal and stab. Well, then I go in with a diagonal, and then go on the offensive.

All the RP is, is one big interrupt-a-thon.

You'll have to stop your opponents move, and then go on the offensive again.

So, even if you have a "Finisher", and they keep you from ever getting there, you just react and try again - stopping their combo and finisher.

You'll often find though, that you may not always need to go on the offensive.

You may find someone who creates a hole in their defense by being overly aggressive. So, if you play defensive for long enough, you can set it up right so that with a single movement you're on the offense and dominating.

Now, would you like to go for another round, or would you like me to teach you just a few small special moves?

And that's fine. I'm actually going to bed now anyway.

*Scratches my head*
Thank you for the match sensei.

Alright I will go with the few small special moves I guess. Although after that are we able to go another round? also, Im going to bed too so gn.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

*Scratches my head*
Thank you for the match sensei.

Alright I will go with the few small special moves I guess. Although after that are we able to go another round? also, Im going to bed too so gn.

Sure.

Well, the first move I'm going to teach you is the draw strike, which is one of my favorite moves.

In itself, it's very simple, but I think that's why it's so effective.

You begin by taking your sheathed blade (or by placing your blade by you side as if it was sheathed should you already be in battle), and drawing it quickly, making the motion of a horizontal slash, albeit at a slight angle (do to the fact that you a drawing from you waist, it is somewhere between a horizontal strike and a very steep diagonal one).

I can't explain why this strike is as powerful as it is (historically, Samurai have used this attack and cut through steel and entire bodies), but it is a great one-handed attack due to its high power, speed, and precision.

On top of that, it's extremely simple.

 

[electro]

Ok i'll try it.
*Puts the bokken where it would be if it were sheathed (left hip) and quickly acts as if unsheathing the sword, and slicing extremely fast, with a right horizontal strike angling upwards a little bit, due to unsheathing it, finishing the draw strike*
Is that right?

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Ok i'll try it.
*Puts the bokken where it would be if it were sheathed (left hip) and quickly acts as if unsheathing the sword, and slicing extremely fast, with a right horizontal strike angling upwards a little bit, due to unsheathing it, finishing the draw strike*
Is that right?

Yes, it is. Like I said, the draw slash is extremely simple. But, don't let that diminish it's value in your mind. It's one of my favorite attacks - and for a good reason.

Next, we do the sweep.

First, do you know the concept of how a sweeping kick works?

 

[electro]

Yep, you kinda crouch down and horizontally kick, direction depending on what leg you are using to hit the opponents legs, which would trip the enemy, or slow him down enough to be able to get a good hit on him.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Yep, you kinda crouch down and horizontally kick, direction depending on what leg you are using to hit the opponents legs, which would trip the enemy, or slow him down enough to be able to get a good hit on him.

Correct. Sorta.

The sweep strike works in exactly the same function - you use your blade and sweep it across the ground horizontally to either cause the enemy to retreat or as an attack.

You can either sweep in a roughly 180 degree area around you, or you can follow the sweep all the way around, giving yourself complete coverage with the sweep - which one you use more often than not is dictated by the situation you are in.

But, if you do a full rotation, you can also go into a rising slash, which I'll show you next, but for now, the complete sweep.

*Standing with the bokken in my right hand, I raise the bokken like I'm going to do a horizontal strike, and then swing the blade diagonally to my left, downward, but I also turn my body into the slash, and crouch as I do so, allowing myself to do a very fast rotation - the acceleration caused by bringing all my mass in closer together.*

Try both the full rotation sweep, and the regular sweep, please.

 

[electro]

Correct. Sorta.

The sweep strike works in exactly the same function - you use your blade and sweep it across the ground horizontally to either cause the enemy to retreat or as an attack.

You can either sweep in a roughly 180 degree area around you, or you can follow the sweep all the way around, giving yourself complete coverage with the sweep - which one you use more often than not is dictated by the situation you are in.

But, if you do a full rotation, you can also go into a rising slash, which I'll show you next, but for now, the complete sweep.

*Standing with the bokken in my right hand, I raise the bokken like I'm going to do a horizontal strike, and then swing the blade diagonally to my left, downward, but I also turn my body into the slash, and crouch as I do so, allowing myself to do a very fast rotation - the acceleration caused by bringing all my mass in closer together.*

Try both the full rotation sweep, and the regular sweep, please.

Alright heres the regular sweep.
*Standing with the bokken in my right hand, I position myself to where I have my right hand is in front of my left shoulder, with my elbow in front of my chest, and the blade is behind me. I then while crouching down I swing my bokken to diagonally downwards, and to my right, going from my shoulder to my left knee, and when I am at the correct height for the sweep I finish the sweep horizontally to the right, in front of me, from my left knee out to as far as my right arm could go.*

And the complete sweep.
*I get into a position of where I would do a right to left horizontal strike, but I swing the blade diagonally to my left and downwards. While doing so I crouch but I go with the blades strike, doing a swift rotation in a circle.*

Sorry if I didnt do well on this one, I haven't been getting much sleep.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Alright heres the regular sweep.
*Standing with the bokken in my right hand, I position myself to where I have my right hand is in front of my left shoulder, with my elbow in front of my chest, and the blade is behind me. I then while crouching down I swing my bokken to diagonally downwards, and to my right, going from my shoulder to my left knee, and when I am at the correct height for the sweep I finish the sweep horizontally to the right, in front of me, from my left knee out to as far as my right arm could go.*

And the complete sweep.
*I get into a position of where I would do a right to left horizontal strike, but I swing the blade diagonally to my left and downwards. While doing so I crouch but I go with the blades strike, doing a swift rotation in a circle.*

Sorry if I didnt do well on this one, I haven't been getting much sleep.

It's fine - your first sweep...well, I don't think you did it quite right, so please try it again. As for the rotation: flawless. ^_^

Just a note, when using the first kind of rotation, you're basically slashing in a very wide arc across the ground - sweeping with your sword instead of your leg. But, because you're using your arm and not your leg, you can also reverse the direction and to a backhanded sweep after the initial sweep. Just a semi-obvious piece of information, but you never know - you might need it.

And no problem. =_= Trust me, I know where you're coming from.

 

[electro]

It's fine - your first sweep...well, I don't think you did it quite right, so please try it again. As for the rotation: flawless. ^_^

Just a note, when using the first kind of rotation, you're basically slashing in a very wide arc across the ground - sweeping with your sword instead of your leg. But, because you're using your arm and not your leg, you can also reverse the direction and to a backhanded sweep after the initial sweep. Just a semi-obvious piece of information, but you never know - you might need it.

And no problem. =_= Trust me, I know where you're coming from.

Alright heres the first sweep again:
*Holding the bokken in my right hand, I make my hand go to the left side of my body, about wher my shoulder is, making my bokken go over as well, and as im doing this I crouch down. In one movement, my arm extends as far as possible, and keeping the bokken outward, and straight, blade pointing to my right, doing a horizontal strike from my left to right, while staying close to the ground.*

Well, I understand how the leg sweep works i guess, and I have seen the first sweep in a video game i just forgot which one. Also im doing it from left to right because that just seems better for me. Also once again sorry if i messed up again, cause its a little hard for me to explain this one, thats all. :|