You can be very safe and very successful by knowing just these three basic attacks.
THE STRAIGHT CUT
The Straight Cut is the first attack that every Lightspeed Saber beginner should learn. But don’t let its elementary nature fool you; it should be the bread and butter technique for all Lightspeed Saber fencers of every level, and is deployed effectively by all the top fencers in the league.
The Straight Cut is an unchambered, percussive attack, and consists of two combined actions: 1) an arm extension, and 2) a wrist pitch.
The Straight Cut is fast and safe.
To perform the Straight cut
Begin in Makashi Guard: blade leaned forward, tip placed between eye and chest height.
Simultaneously extend and pitch the weapon toward your target.
Simultaneously retract and pitch up to return to Makashi Guard.
COMMON MISTAKES
Inefficient attacks. These attack variations take longer to complete, and have unnecessarily elevated power potential. Start from Makashi Guard. Always extend & pitch.
Dangerous tip control. Leaving the tip at extension after the cut is called holding and is unsafe and illegal. Always retract the weapon after the cut.
Excessive force. Attack accelerates beyond the target needlessly. Aim for and retract at the surface of the target, ie the top of the glove or mask.
THE LATERAL CUT
This is just a variation of the Straight Cut meant to cut sideways instead of vertically. This requires a simple turn of the wrist, but, if done poorly, can result in an unnecessary chamber.
Like the Straight Cut, this is an unchambered, percussive attack, but uses three combined actions: 1) an arm extension, 2) a wrist pitch, and 3) a wrist roll.
To perform a lateral cut:
COMMON MISTAKES
THE SCRAPE CUT
This is an evolution of the lateral cut, specialized for attacking the shoe, assuming your opponent is not wearing any leg armor or padding. When done well, it should primarily strike the sole of the opponent’s shoe. Like the others, this is an unchambered percussive attack.
To perform a Scrape Cut
COMMON MISTAKES
THE SAFE FENCING SERIES
