McKnockout learns to honor the sword.

[KeotsuEclipse]

Ah alright, kewl.

K, got it as well.

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?

 

[McKnockout]

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?

Yep, Im ready ^_^

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Yep, Im ready ^_^

Sorry about the late reply.o_o


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.

 

[McKnockout]

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?

Okay, ready.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

*Looks at the post you quoted.*

o_o Did you see the post I made above?

 

[McKnockout]

Sorry about the late reply.o_o

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.

*Looks at the post you quoted.*

o_o Did you see the post I made above?

O_O Sorry man. I replied to this in 2am in the morning, my brain is fried

Alright, I read through it. Do you want me to perform a parry or?

Again, sorry.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

O_O Sorry man. I replied to this in 2am in the morning, my brain is fried

Alright, I read through it. Do you want me to perform a parry or?

Again, sorry.

Nah, this part is mainly theory anyway, just need to make sure you understand. ^_^

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.

 

[McKnockout]

Nah, this part is mainly theory anyway, just need to make sure you understand. ^_^

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.

Alright I understand.
Just want to clarify a few things tho..what do you mean exactly when you say "unfold your blade"? As in, continue to swing it?

Also, in your example, are you holding your blade with your left hand or right hand? Is it your right hand?

Just wanted to make sure Ive got the small details, so I can be sure that what Im visualizing is correct ^_^

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Alright I understand.
Just want to clarify a few things tho..what do you mean exactly when you say "unfold your blade"? As in, continue to swing it?

Also, in your example, are you holding your blade with your left hand or right hand? Is it your right hand?

Just wanted to make sure Ive got the small details, so I can be sure that what Im visualizing is correct ^_^

What I mean there, is that I continue to push so that my blade is held vertically, instead of horizontally as it was in the guard. Get it?

The example was with me using two hands. Most examples I use are two hands, and in case they aren't, I'm right handed and make my references as such, for future reference.

And not a problem. If you're good, I'll move on.

 

[McKnockout]

What I mean there, is that I continue to push so that my blade is held vertically, instead of horizontally as it was in the guard. Get it?

The example was with me using two hands. Most examples I use are two hands, and in case they aren't, I'm right handed and make my references as such, for future reference.

And not a problem. If you're good, I'll move on.

Oh lol, I was completely off.

Alright, I get it now.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Alright, now, of 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.

 

[McKnockout]

Alright, now, of 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.

Very good points near the end ^_^. Hmm, okay.

(Sorry about the late reply tho :|)

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Very good points near the end ^_^. Hmm, okay.

(Sorry about the late reply tho :|)

xd Thank you.

And no problem - sorry about my own late reply. o_o"

Alright, so next is Taijutsu integration, or mixing physical body attacks in with your Kenjutsu - besides adding danger, it's a great mix-up game that can create great combos.

Unfortunately, this is more of a practice aspect than one that can be explained, so we'll need to do a short spar.

Ready? Come at me with a vertical strike - two handed.

 

[McKnockout]

xd Thank you.

And no problem - sorry about my own late reply. o_o"

Alright, so next is Taijutsu integration, or mixing physical body attacks in with your Kenjutsu - besides adding danger, it's a great mix-up game that can create great combos.

Unfortunately, this is more of a practice aspect than one that can be explained, so we'll need to do a short spar.

Ready? Come at me with a vertical strike - two handed.

lol, not really that late compared to me.

Anyways, Ill try (Oh, god :S). I have my Chokutō in my left hand and my Tantō strapped to the middle of my back.

*I unsheathe my Chokutō from the scabbard in my left hand as I begin my advance towards you, sprinting/arcing towards your left. As I sprint, just before close quarters, I quickly thrust my left hand forward throwing my scabbard towards your stomach (horizontally) as I then proceed to grab my Chokutō with my left hand in order to perform a two-handed vertical strike. I lift up my blade and quickly strike vertically downwards from your head to your groin as you deal with my thrown scabbard.

Ill be honest with you, I find taijutsu and kenjutsu really hard especially free form. You have to put a decent amount of thought into it xd So yeah, if possible, please give me some pointers ^_^

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

lol, not really that late compared to me.

Anyways, Ill try (Oh, god :S). I have my Chokutō in my left hand and my Tantō strapped to the middle of my back.

*I unsheathe my Chokutō from the scabbard in my left hand as I begin my advance towards you, sprinting/arcing towards your left. As I sprint, just before close quarters, I quickly thrust my left hand forward throwing my scabbard towards your stomach (horizontally) as I then proceed to grab my Chokutō with my left hand in order to perform a two-handed vertical strike. I lift up my blade and quickly strike vertically downwards from your head to your groin as you deal with my thrown scabbard.

Ill be honest with you, I find taijutsu and kenjutsu really hard especially free form. You have to put a decent amount of thought into it xd So yeah, if possible, please give me some pointers ^_^

*I wait patiently for your attack as you rush towards me, and begin by drawing your sword and throwing your scabbard toward me - thrown horizontally, I can't simply sidestep it, however, I don't need to. I simply extend my left hand and catch the scabbard by the middle.

However, as I catch the sheathe, and you rush at me, preparing your vertical slash, I simply sidestep to my right, while turning my body to face your profile as I do so - your slash comes down harmlessly in front of me, leaving your blade down low, and unable to react, as I simply smack your lowered arms with your scabbard, while also turning into a double finger jab, aimed at your neck, though I stop before I make contact.*

Don't worry, I'll be giving you pointers in the Graduation Spar portion.

Kenjutsu, by nature, is a derivative of Taijutsu. Therefore, by having good Taijutsu skills, you augment your Kenjutsu skills, and vice versa. Now, that's not to say being a master in one makes you a master in the other - they are very different fighting styles.

A good Taijutsu fighter is a problem for a Kenjutsu user, though, because if they can get into super-close range, your sword's length is actually used against you, as you can't make any sort of decent attack.

Integrating Taijutsu counters not only allows for great and interesting reactions and combos, sometimes simply doing that will overwhelm opponents. Most people are weak in short-range combat anyway, but if you threaten them with both Ken and Tai, you become exponentially more dangerous.

This was simply a demonstration of such, and if you're ready, we'll move on to the last thing before your Graduation spar.

 

[McKnockout]

*I wait patiently for your attack as you rush towards me, and begin by drawing your sword and throwing your scabbard toward me - thrown horizontally, I can't simply sidestep it, however, I don't need to. I simply extend my left hand and catch the scabbard by the middle.

However, as I catch the sheathe, and you rush at me, preparing your vertical slash, I simply sidestep to my right, while turning my body to face your profile as I do so - your slash comes down harmlessly in front of me, leaving your blade down low, and unable to react, as I simply smack your lowered arms with your scabbard, while also turning into a double finger jab, aimed at your neck, though I stop before I make contact.*

Don't worry, I'll be giving you pointers in the Graduation Spar portion.

Kenjutsu, by nature, is a derivative of Taijutsu. Therefore, by having good Taijutsu skills, you augment your Kenjutsu skills, and vice versa. Now, that's not to say being a master in one makes you a master in the other - they are very different fighting styles.

A good Taijutsu fighter is a problem for a Kenjutsu user, though, because if they can get into super-close range, your sword's length is actually used against you, as you can't make any sort of decent attack.

Integrating Taijutsu counters not only allows for great and interesting reactions and combos, sometimes simply doing that will overwhelm opponents. Most people are weak in short-range combat anyway, but if you threaten them with both Ken and Tai, you become exponentially more dangerous.

This was simply a demonstration of such, and if you're ready, we'll move on to the last thing before your Graduation spar.

Hmm, alright Im ready. I forgot that one could side step a vertical strike, all I thought of was a horizontal block, woops.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Hmm, alright Im ready. I forgot that one could side step a vertical strike, all I thought of was a horizontal block, woops.

xd Everything we've learned is cumulative - we build upon what we know to further your understanding. Make sure you know it all. ^_^

Next, we'll be covering "diagonals", which will tie in all of our training - it will cover a phantom zone that we skirted around earlier, as which strikes can block which, why, and how common diagonals actually are.

Ready?

 

[McKnockout]

xd Everything we've learned is cumulative - we build upon what we know to further your understanding. Make sure you know it all. ^_^

Next, we'll be covering "diagonals", which will tie in all of our training - it will cover a phantom zone that we skirted around earlier, as which strikes can block which, why, and how common diagonals actually are.

Ready?

Yep, Im ready ^_^

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Yep, Im ready ^_^

Alright.

Despite anything else you've seen in this training, diagonals will be the attack you'll use most with your sword, unless you really adopt a fencing fighting style. The reason for this is simple: we're human.

We don't move in perfectly straight lines, nor do we attack in them. They'll usually have some kind of angle to them; they won't ride perfectly on the x and y axises.

Diagonals are hybrids of both vertical and horizontal strikes, being offset from both axis. However, being, in a more practical sense, the only type of slash you'll ever make, they can block any slash as well, depending on the angle.

A nearly horizontal slash would be incredibly difficult to block with another horizontal slash, but a more vertical slash would have no problem.

That's the main premise of diagonals: angles. Depending on the angle of your blow and your opponents, you'll either block or trade blows.

While more of a technicality than something you'll see in the RP, it does raise important points.

Horizontals and Verticals stop each other by making pluses ( + ), while diagonals do so by making "X"'s. Like I said, the angle of the blows will always differ - we're human - but it address how strikes interact.

Now, this concludes your training.

If you have something that you'd like covered again, or in more detail, or just aren't sure about, tell me, and we'll expand upon it. ^_^

If not...are you prepared for your Graduation Spar? I want you to use everything you've learned, and spar with me.

 

[McKnockout]

Alright.

Despite anything else you've seen in this training, diagonals will be the attack you'll use most with your sword, unless you really adopt a fencing fighting style. The reason for this is simple: we're human.

We don't move in perfectly straight lines, nor do we attack in them. They'll usually have some kind of angle to them; they won't ride perfectly on the x and y axises.

Diagonals are hybrids of both vertical and horizontal strikes, being offset from both axis. However, being, in a more practical sense, the only type of slash you'll ever make, they can block any slash as well, depending on the angle.

A nearly horizontal slash would be incredibly difficult to block with another horizontal slash, but a more vertical slash would have no problem.

That's the main premise of diagonals: angles. Depending on the angle of your blow and your opponents, you'll either block or trade blows.

While more of a technicality than something you'll see in the RP, it does raise important points.

Horizontals and Verticals stop each other by making pluses ( + ), while diagonals do so by making "X"'s. Like I said, the angle of the blows will always differ - we're human - but it address how strikes interact.

Now, this concludes your training.

If you have something that you'd like covered again, or in more detail, or just aren't sure about, tell me, and we'll expand upon it. ^_^

If not...are you prepared for your Graduation Spar? I want you to use everything you've learned, and spar with me.

Alright, lets spar ^_^. Would you like to make the first move or?