SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
SUNDAY, JANUARY 6

HOW TO DEFLECT AND COUNTER A SWORD BLOW

1 Step up and into the blow, with your arms held against your body.

You must react quickly and against your instincts, which will tell you to move back and away. By moving closer, you can cut off the power of the blow—your attacker will not have as much momentum. Also, you will avoid extending your arms, which would make your own counterblow less powerful.

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2 Push or “punch” at the blow instead of simply trying to absorb it with your own sword.

In a blow aimed at your head, have your sword completely parallel to the ground and above your head. The most effective block is in the center of your sword, not at the end, where you have less leverage. Always move out toward your opponent, even if you are defending and not attacking.

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