Tactical Thoughts
Most of what I've read and heard on two sword technique can be summarized as follows: one sword should be used offensively, and the other should be used defensively...but which one is which should always change.
My synthesis of this is the following: Every defense with one sword should be coupled with an attack by the other, and vice versa (every attack with one should place the other in a defense position). Because of my early training (mundane and SCA fighting), I also place great importance on stance, so I'll put my thoughts together in terms of the three components: stance, offense, and defense.
Some basic terms for those unfamiliar with SCA fighting:
The standard sword shot is called a flat snap. For visualization purposes (not for training, since the way you throw the shot is different), begin with your arm extended away from your body, then rotate it towards your front: for example, if you're using your right hand, point to the right, then swing your arm so you're pointing to the front.
An offside snap is essentially the reverse of this.
This week, I'm going to try out the following ideas. Assume I'm facing a right-handed sword-and-shield person.
STANCE: Feet shoulder width apart, right foot in front and toes pointing to opponent's right side. Right sword over right toe, left sword over left toe.
OFFENSE: Pivot hips and offside snap with right sword.
DEFENSE: Simultaneously, left sword moves into defensive position over right toe.
Vs. left-hander, reverse.
Vs. great sword, treat as per right/left, depending on which of their hands is higher on hilt.
Another idea I'm going to try:
STANCE: Same as above.
DEFENSE: Parry snap to right leg (assumed to be the leading leg) by dropping right sword and tilting upper body.
OFFENSE: Simultaneously, swing left sword over head and thrust to opponent's face. (Imagine that both hands are at the rim of an enormous wheel, which has just been given a quarter turn)
Let's see if these work...
