Shadow Jedi: Training #1

Combat
Shadowside@forceacademy.com

I would like to take this time to discuss a very important topic to all Jedi Knight and that is the use of weapons in this case the sword but the same principles apply to all weapons, so be mindful of this. The basic sword technique is the same for all but your path will influence the use as well. Lets start with a description of the size of a blade and handle first. The Samurai of old would sometimes use this method, the handle is the length of your forearm from wrist to elbow. The blade size is found by your height, stand strait up with your hands down by your side, make a fist from your fist to the top of the ground is your blade length, a master sword smith would then take your measurements and apply his knowledge to find the perfect balance of the blade and handle. Now on to the good stuff, using it! First you must learn to hold the sword, the lead hand is up next to the guard of the sword DO NOT hold it tight it should be held diagonally across from the index finger back in the palm. Your rear hand is placed at the bottom of the handle also diagonal across the rear hand. The lead hand is the power of the cut and the rear hand is the control and direction maker.

Next is the posture of sword play for a Jedi this a reflection of your path and your emotions at the time you are in combat. There are many and each will be a little different according to your path and the make up of your body. First is Daijodan and the sword is held above the head completely leaving your body open to attack or it would look to be open this is a look here is your chance to kill me posture, they think you are open but you are not. Moving on down you have Hasso you are turn to your side the blade is pointing strait up and you are holding the handle about chest high and you are looking at your opponent. This is very none aggressive posture more like waiting to defend yourself or maybe a are you sure you are ready for this feeling. Then we move to Seigan, you face your opponent one leg back one forward and hold the handle about waist level and the blade is pointed at their eyes, this is a very strong feeling of I am going to waste you just make a move. And the last for now is Gedan you start off in seigan then move the blade to point down and to the side just a little at a angle. This is more of I do not wish to harm you feeling but I am still ready for you. You should learn to cut from each and move from one to the other with the flow of the Force let it guide you. First learn the postures then begin to flow and cut from them a cut should be natural not forced the body knows how to move just let it. Blocking is a very important thing, try not to block it is better to simply move and use body movement but if you need to you should block at a 45 degree angle from their attack and turn the blade to its side as not to chip the sharp edge, also block close to the guard and keep your legs in alignment with the sword.

This is all for now on the basics of the sword for the Jedi Knight, remember stay calm and let the Force guide you. I will latter discuss more on the sword and other weapons if enough fellow Knights are interested.

Torashin
May the Force be with you and you all find Balance in life................

This Lecture was brought to me by a good Friend and his wisdom in combat and in strategy is apparent. May the force be with you all...

Justin Tallant
shinobi@forceacademy.com