MASTERING THE LAW OF GRAVITY

         

How to Win a Swordfight:

1

Draw your sword before you engage. It takes longer to draw a sword than it does to get hit. On the other hand, if your sword and scabbard are suitable for a quick draw, and you practice, this can be a great surprise attack. Note that this is mainly applicable to the Japanese sword which has styles for attacking people while drawing the blade called Iaido and Batto-jutsu.

2

Relax! It is perfectly understandable to tense up in combat, but you must make every effort to stay calm, keep the muscles loose, and regulate your breathing. If you are tight, you cannot act with speed, which can be fatal.

3

Balance, keep your body balanced so you can strike or parry without being hit. Always have your feet shoulder wide and when you move, move so your legs spread apart. Never have your feet close to each other. Hold your sword so you can handle it with ease.

4

Assess the situation. Crafty fighters always strive to be aware of their surroundings, their assets and liabilities, and those of their opponent.

5

Engage with care. If you charge in recklessly, especially against a trained fighter, he may just wait and let you impale yourself on his sword. By engaging carefully, you are able to maintain control and focus at all times.