Postby Chris Ouellet » Sat Oct 10, 2009 10:57 pm
A bunch of comments:
If you have frayed edges opposite to the impact point it is just a raw velocity issue, the sword is cutting through the rigid bulk of the material but when it reaches the less secured outer edges it doesn't cut the last fibers, it just pushes them and the momentum imparted to the top piece of the target is what actually rips them, hence fraying.
If you see a "waves" i.e. high and low points in the cut surface then edge alignment is an issue. The sword enters, and then forces your cut to readjust.
If you see two distinct planes in the cut something is very wrong with the wrist/shoulder during the cut and the sword is forcing an abrupt change in direction - this is potentially dangerous especially on rising cuts - the wrist and shoulder should remain firmly in control at all times, a tighter grip is necessary.
Look at the bottom part of the target you're cutting, not the top, if you look at the top your eyes will naturally track the piece that's flying off. You should track the sword with your peripheral vision (which is actually better at detecting motion) and the impact point with your direct vision which is better at detecting details such as the precise angle of cutting. Flinching at impact is often as a result of people trying to track very fast moving objects with their central vision.
Your target stand appears to have a piece of metal, like a mechanical valve part that is near to where you are cutting, it flies off a couple of times and hits the ground with a metallic ring - that's very dangerous. You will most likely just chip your swords on a bad cut but in the worst case scenario you could send sharp metal flying.
I don't mean to insult, but please take my comments seriously. We all love swords and even the best can get careless, I realise you're not a novice Lance my intent is not to lecture, I'd simply really hate to see anyone injured. I don't think you're being strict enough with your students on maintaining good form and are taking unnecessary risks.
