The New Master's Corner

[Ris'sa Taun-Setti]

Part II on Lightsaber Combat!

(Ie...once I get this on my website, i hope to have pictures, to illustrate the point better.



Defensive Moves - Blocks

Block Up to Left Rotate hips to left and swing hands across body to place handle just below your face and slightly forward. Tip of lightsaber is almost fixed in space. Rotate hands, again with tip almost stationary, until handle is above head level with blade almost horizontal above your head. This will result in your shoulders dropping and both knees bending.
Note: Blade should not be horizontal, but sloping with tip higher than handle. Your lever action is greatest closer to the handle so you need to keep the tip up to allow you enough power to deflect the blow.
Return to Ready Position through Center Ready Position.

Block Up to Right Similar to previous move but the block goes to your right. This time your hips rotate to the right as your hands move to just above head height to the right of your body. The blade is again almost horizontal with the tip slightly elevated.
Return to Ready Position

Block Left Drop hands across your body to your left side at waist level rotating your hips strongly to the left just as you contact your opponent's blade. Blade is almost vertical with tip forward and handle slightly further out to your side.
Note: From the front the blade should just be to one side of your body.
Return to Ready Position through Block Right.

Block Right Swing hands across your body towards the left side then drop your hands to your right side at waist level. Rotate your hips strongly to the right just as you contact your opponent's blade. Blade is almost vertical with tip forward and handle slightly further out to your side.
Note: From the front the blade should just be to one side of your body.
Return to Ready Position.

Block Low Left Pull left foot back parallel to your right foot. Drop hands and swing blade out and down across your body to your left side at chest level whipping the blade and rotating your hips strongly to the left just as you contact your opponent's blade. Blade is almost vertical with tip forward and slightly further out to your side.
Return to Ready Position

Block Low Right Pull left foot back parallel to your right foot. Swing hands across your body towards the left side then across your body to your right side at chest level whipping the blade and rotating your hips strongly to the right just as you contact your opponent's blade. Blade is almost vertical with tip forward and slightly further out to your side.
Return to Ready Position




Part III...Attacks...to be posted shortly

[Seda Navilli]

rissa said:

The blade also does not effortlessly cut through materials, but requires effort - different amounts for different materials. In other words, although the handle and blade are comparatively light in weight, you have to throw a lot of weight behind it in combat.

I was under the impression that it did cut effortlessly through materials. Liam Neeson believed it did, and alot of the scenes from the movies would not have been possible if this werent true (like cutting through the blast doors in TPM)

[Starkindler (The Naked Jedi)]

The effort, I believe, is in how fast you want to cut through something or when you are trying to cut through something thicker than the blade length. Those would require more effort as you might end up "dragging" the saber through something as thinck as a Blast Door.

[tanzanlinnear]

I've always considered the beam of a lightsaber to be a modification of force-field technology of the Star Trek variety (think of all the times they touch a force-field and there is the blue shimmer and a feedback sound very similar to the sound of a lightsaber...) I'd theorize that the beam is infact a tightly focused rotating forcefield... It cuts through objects (and heats them up) in the same manner as a file will heat up both itself and the surface (through friction rather than direct heat exchange)

[Seda Navilli]

starkindler said:

The effort, I believe, is in how fast you want to cut through something or when you are trying to cut through something thicker than the blade length. Those would require more effort as you might end up "dragging" the saber through something as thinck as a Blast Door.

Yeah I believe this as well, but it means that if a blast door can be cut through with a medium amount of effort, than any surface resistance you would face during combat would be negligable, and you wouldnt need to put any weight behind your swings. This changes the whole dynamics of lightsaber comabt as apposed to regular sword fighting - Liam Neeson said it himself, that regular swordfighting requires the fighter to hack at their opponent to do damage, whereas a lightsaber would just glide through their enemy, and totally changes the dynamics of the fighting style. Fast, but very fluid and smooth.

[Ris'sa Taun-Setti]

Posted by Seda Navilli on Today at 1:32pm

Yeah I believe this as well, but it means that if a blast door can be cut through with a medium amount of effort, than any surface resistance you would face during combat would be negligable, and you wouldnt need to put any weight behind your swings. This changes the whole dynamics of lightsaber comabt as apposed to regular sword fighting - Liam Neeson said it himself, that regular swordfighting requires the fighter to hack at their opponent to do damage, whereas a lightsaber would just glide through their enemy, and totally changes the dynamics of the fighting style. Fast, but very fluid and smooth.

I belive that sounds good. It would be very fluid and smooth. But since we dont have that type of weapon ability yet, we have to make do with what we have!

The basic in combat are still the same. But it definatelly makes a diffrent if you accidently hit yourself with the blade! ;D

[Seda Navilli]

;D yeah training sure would be a stressful excercise if you didnt have the Force! Its pretty difficult to get your head around what it would be liketo fight with a blade that could effortlessly cut through any practical object. I wonder if George Lucas had any idea of the beast he was unleashing when he thought hey, a laser sword would be pretty cool!

[kivaanzion]

But it definatelly makes a diffrent if you accidently hit yourself with the blade!

Other than your opponent slicing you in half, this is probably a lightsaber wielder's largest danger.

Because a lightsaber is deadly from any angle, there is no room for error. Unlike a katana which has a safe edge (some kenjutsu/ iaijutsu techniques even require you to place your other hand on top of the safe side on purpose).

It also brings to mind that only a Jedi with the power of the Force on their side can truly wield a lightsaber. When sabers clash, there is just as much a danger from your own saber being driven into your body.

For instance (not to nitpick, Master Taun-Setti) blocking an attack to your backside by holding your saber vertically down the center of your back opens yourself up to a couple of major problems:

1- holding any object behind the back of your head, with your elbows held high is not a naturally strong position. There is the danger of your own lightsaber being driven into your back by your opponent's attack.

2- if your saber is down your back, your entire front is completely defenseless, especially from a strike to your legs. You would have to be amazingly fast to bring your saber over your head to defend your front.

Of course the Jedi have "Force Strength" (which prevents their own saber from being driven into themselves), "Force Speed" (which allows them to instantly bring their saber into position), and "Force Sense" (allowing them to foresee their opponents next move). Which is why only the Jedi can accomplish such suicidal moves. Looks pretty cool when Obi-Wan does it too.

[Seda Navilli]

kivaanzion said:

Looks pretty cool when Obi-Wan does it too.

Heh heh thats one of my favourite moves from all the movies... so I don't care how realistic it is ;D ;D ;D

There was another thing I was thinking about that would be a pretty lightsaber unique technique - using it as a distraction. The blade glows brightly and emits a fair amount of sound when it is in motion, so it would create a good bit of confusion if it was used to distract the opponent. I remember my old driving instructor (who also taught kung fu) showing me a weapon that was sort of like a blunt chrome mace, and one of the ways of using it was to spin it around with one hand and attack the opponent with the other. I think a technique like this would be quite effective with a lightsaber. The only problem would occur when fighting a Force sensitive opponent, who can predict attacks anyway.

[obiwanron]

Remember the words of wisdom passed on to Luke Skywalker by Obi Wan Kenobi. "The blade of a lightsaber is pure energy. It will cut through anything it touches."
We also learn in the graphic novel "The Golden Age of the Sith" that a Lightsaber will cut through anything except Mandalorian Iron. This is stated when Exar Kuhn discovers the grave yard of past Sith Lords.

[kivaanzion]

one of the ways of using it was to spin it around with one hand and attack the opponent with the other.

We learned deceptive moves like that a lot. ;D

Basically if your holding an Escrima stick in one hand, your opponent won't be expecting a punch in the face from your other hand.

Another thing is ready stances. Personally I find them to be too predictable allowing your opponent to telegraph your next attack. Especially the most traditional such as Chudan or Daijodan- In Chudan, the most direct attack is a forward thrust; almost anything else requires you to draw your weapon back a bit before striking. In Daijodan the most direct attack is bringing your weapon down on your opponent's head.

If I had to choose a stance it would most likely be Waki. With my blade held low behind me, I can bring it upward like a golf swing (attack #3), or swing it around horizontally to my opponent's head/torso/hips, or (if quick enough) I can bring it completely over my own head for a downward vertical slash (attack #6).

Really my ready stance is no stance at all- when not attacking or defending, I am constantly moving my weapon and empty hand up and down alternatively, with my body slightly swaying left and right. Makes it difficult to predict when or where my strike will come from.

[Ris'sa Taun-Setti]

kivaanzion said:

But it definatelly makes a diffrent if you accidently hit yourself with the blade!

Other than your opponent slicing you in half, this is probably a lightsaber wielder's largest danger.

For instance (not to nitpick, Master Taun-Setti) ....

Hehehhee..Never worry. The entire idea behind the Masters corner is to discuss things. Of course, they way we fight with a weapon now..and how Jedi deal with things, are two seperate issues, but it is fun to work them out.

Yes, Im not too fond of the back block either, but since you would only do it normally, if your target is behind you, and you dont have to worry about attacks from the front, it is a very quick block.

It always tickles me, when I see pictures of poses, where the persons hand is well past the hilt of the weapon, and on the 'blade'.

hehehe. Lot of 3 fingered jedi romaing around in the old days.

Will be posting info on attacks very soon.

[tanzanlinnear]

rissa said:

It always tickles me, when I see pictures of poses, where the persons hand is well plast the hilt of the weapon, and on the 'blade'.

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Hayden Christensen is rather fond of doing that

[Starkindler (The Naked Jedi)]

"Back blocks" seem to have been used in deflecting blaster bolts primarily....at least as I recall from the movies. If done with a bit of Force Push on the blade it would work.....and reveal why only a trained Jedi had any real hope of using a light saber correctly.

Even if you needed little force to cut through things you would still need a good deal of energy to move the hilt fast enough to counter blaster bolts and opponents blades which would also be moving super fast....get out of your calm centered breathing and you'd be in trouble right quick.

[Ris'sa Taun-Setti]

Part III, as promised.
;D


Chop - "Shin Choko-Giri" Left elbow lifts over head bringing upper arm almost vertical and bringing both hands to centerline of body behind head with blade horizontal. At the same time slide your left foot to your left and bring your right foot up then circle out to about 3 foot lengths apart, square to your opponent, arching you back and raising your power as you move. Swing down bending your knees and lowering your center of gravity to add power as you strike your opponent. Swing through until your elbows act as a brake on your stomach.

Note: the left hand is doing all the work here, your right hand is merely steering all the force from your left. This move is rarely used in combat, except for dispatching an injured opponent, as it leaves you wide open to attack.
Return to Ready Position by moving your left foot first then sliding your right foot back into position while holding you lightsaber in Center Ready Position. (Attack 1)

Slice Right - "Kesa-Giri" Drop tip back and down swinging left arm up and across your face bringing your hands to the left side of your head with blade almost horizontal above your head. Bring right foot up almost touching your left foot then step forward with your left foot, heels about 3 foot lengths apart. Swing lightsaber forward and downward at 45 degrees slicing across your opponent's body from shoulder to hip. Arms are fully extended and blade is almost horizontal at point of contact. Swing through and allow your elbows to act as brakes by hitting your body. Return to Ready Position. (Attack 2)


Slice Left - "Kesa-Giri" Drop tip back and down, push hands to upper right of head and lift left elbow above your head with blade almost horizontal above your head. Step forward with right foot placing it on centerline, heels about 3 foot lengths apart. Swing lightsaber forward and downward at 45 degrees slicing across your opponent's body from shoulder to hip. Arms are fully extended and blade is almost horizontal at point of contact. Swing through and allow your elbows to act as brakes by hitting your body (this stops you hitting the ground or yourself.)
Return to Ready Position through Block Right. (Attack 3)

Right Swing - Pull your left foot back in towards your right then slide it out to your left until it is about 3 foot lengths apart from your right foot. Rotate hips and shoulders to your left while dropping your lightsaber tip back and down swinging left arm up and across your face and your hands down to your chest level with blade horizontal behind you. Rotate hips and shoulders to your left rotating your left foot, on its heel, out to your left side, perpendicular to your centerline. Shift most of your weight onto your left foot and swing the blade horizontally across your body like a baseball bat, leading with your left hand. As you make contact with your opponent's body shift your weight to your right foot and rotate your hips strongly to the right. Follow through but avoid going beyond your right shoulder. The left foot can pivot on the ball, but avoid lifting the heel - it means you've gone too far.
Return to Ready Position (Attack 2)


Swing Left - "Yoko-Giri" Rotate hips and shoulders to your right rotating your right foot, on its heel, out to your right side, perpendicular to your centerline. Swing tip back and down dropping hands down to your chest level with blade horizontal behind you. Shift most of your weight onto your right foot and swing your left foot to your rear so that both feet are about 3 foot lengths apart and square to your opponent. Swing the blade horizontally across your body like a baseball bat, leading with your left elbow as you slide your left foot to the left. As you make contact with your opponent's body shift your weight to your left foot and rotate your hips strongly to the left. Follow through but avoid going beyond your left shoulder. The right foot can pivot on the ball, but avoid lifting the heel - it means you've gone too far.
Return to Ready Position through Block Right. (Attack 3)

Upper Cut Right - "Kiri - Age" Pull left foot back beside your right foot, drop tip back and down swinging left arm up and across your face bringing your hands to the left side of your head with blade almost horizontal above your head. Rotate hips and shoulders to your left rotating your left foot, on its heel, out to your left side, perpendicular to your centerline. Swing tip around and down dropping hands down to your side to point tip at ground, elbows almost locked a little like a golf swing. As the tip comes forward slide your right foot forward and move hips forward, rotating right and leaning into the blow as the blade swings up and across your opponent. Arms are fully extended at point of contact and hips rotate strongly to the right as you cut through your opponent's body from hip to shoulder and follow through. Blade ends up almost vertical with tip out to the right and arms fully extended.
Return to Ready Position. (Attack 5)

Upper Cut Left - "Kiri - Age" Rotate hips and shoulders to your right rotating your right foot, on its heel, out to your right side, perpendicular to your centerline. Swing tip back and down dropping hands down to your side to point tip at ground, elbows almost locked a little like a golf swing. As the tip comes forward slide your left foot forward and move hips forward, rotating left and leaning into the blow as the blade swings up and across your opponent. Arms are fully extended at point of contact and hips rotate strongly to the left as you cut through your opponent's body from hip to shoulder and follow through. Blade ends up almost vertical with tip out to the left and arms fully extended. Return to Ready Position through Block Right. (Attack 6)


Thrust - "tsuki" Move your hands to the Center Ready Position. and thrust the blade into your opponent's chest bending the leading knee to drop your center of gravity. Lean forward into the thrust.

Note: This move is rarely used against a skilled opponent, as it is very easy to block and counter. Return to Ready Position



Hope everyone enjoys the info. Feel free to discus. I have more information to follow, if your still interested,