Hey everybody. I wanted to share a bit of dueling/fencing theory with you all.
Now, as we all know, the Force gives a Jedi a certain amount of pre-cognition. That is how they are able to block blaster bolts. But it certainly must come into play in dueling as well. It is a concept used in the real world that I learned as "open eyes" and "closed eyes" fencing.
"Open eyes" fencing is the most common way to fence or duel. You observe what's happening, and you respond, offensively or defensively. It's certainly simple and intuitive.
The problem with "open eyes" is that it is always reactive. If you are not on offense then you are always a step behind your opponent. And this is where "closed eyes" fencing comes into play, or what I liked to call "Force-fencing." In Force-fencing, you do not react to what you see with your eyes, but instead PRE-ACT to what you see with your mind. In other words, you react to something that hasn't happened yet, based on what you ANTICIPATE will hapen. Force-fencing can lead to some truly spectacular actions.... and some miserable failures, as well.
Now to be sure: Force fencing doesn't have to mean taking a wild guess. In the GIF, the example in which I disarmed my opponent is probably my best example. As the encounter began, I observed my opponent was holding a chambered guard on his outside line. So of course his most logical attack would be a lateral cut to my flank. But he could certainly change targets. How did I know he'd still take the shot? I rushed him. When your opponent is sufficiently pressured, he will revert to his instincts rather than his cognition. So I knew if I could make him panic, I'd know his target. And the gambit paid off. I parried in quarte BEFORE I saw the attack. The parry was timed perfectly as to produce the maximum amount of force against his weapon, and he lost it.
So how about you? Have you "used The Force" in your dueling? Please share with us your best stories, proudest moments, and most embarrassing bad guesses XD And if you haven't tried out this theory, please go try it and let us know what happens