Postby Shawn Cathcart » Mon Nov 29, 2004 10:48 pm
A few suggestions
- there seems to be an over-reliance on one-handed slip cuts. While these do have a use, I'd argue its rather limited and has a very specific time and place. The problem with cartwheeling a single hand cut around is edge alignment. Try test cutting using the technique in the manner in which you spar and see how effective it is. The other problem is that against an experienced fighter, you have a rather large recovery tme from such a technique, with no possibilitie of binding his sword should your cut miss, that would likely be exploited.
- I notice especially in the clip against Ben, lots of cuts across the lead leg, as in your torso is twisting across your hips to make the cut. This does bad things to your balance, and the power of your cuts which I think you'll notice. You make one, maybe two cuts and then stop. This is likely due to footwork and balance being off even after a couple cuts, thus requiring you to stop and start over. Try working on passing steps to make good solid cuts, and commit to them. Ben seems an entirely defensive fighter, never giving an intial cut, always waiting for a cut. This can be frustrating to figure out at first as they always seem to be running backwards so you end up chasing them all over. The problem being, Ben seems to rarely be in distance to give a proper counter, so his constant retreats aren't necessarily gaining him much. If you step out, you should do something with the time you've just bought yourself. Plus straight back is not the only way in which to step out.
- don't stand in guards so long. You'll likely notice you are all getting a lot of hits across the hands. Its likely because it becomes obvious, after standing in a certain guard for so long, where the cut is coming from. Switch more often, or rather when you switch make a cut quickly. All you need to keep in mind regarding your opponents guard is what targets it leaves open...quickly attack one and go from there. What can also happen is over time, getting enough cuts on the hands, you can start to get a little gunshy, therefore always pulling short your cuts at the first sign of a counter...The problem being you never give a cut that needs to be set aside directly and instead pull your own hands back onto the countering cut.
- try and figure out initiative. As most of us have experienced there is a sense of racing. Both of you executing an offensive technique in hopes yours will land first, this is the most common cause of double kills. Its in your own best interest to know when you have initiative and when you do not, when to attack, and when you must protect yourself before doing so.
Just a few thought, hope you find them helpful.
