Vidnyl's Basics

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

You asked for it. You got it.

The following are 3 videos that detail 6 blocks (3 pairs) and 3 cuts. First video is cuts. Second blocks. Third is a little practice combination.

"How should I practice these?" You are not going to like my answer.

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” <-- If you don't know who said that, shame on you. I've been spouting his wisdom since I joined the forum a year ago.

Here are the cuts:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brQ2d24OedQ" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brQ2d24OedQ</a>

Here are the blocks:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KmrBFN1a8" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78KmrBFN1a8</a>

Here is the pattern:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NHVZTXOblk" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NHVZTXOblk</a>

Side notes: "Why shouldn't we break the horizontal plane? I saw you screw up and do it two or three times!"

Point conceded. Here is the why: As a beginner you must learn control. Need I quote Yoda? This gives you a feel for creating a good clean cut. If you decide to learn Makashi then this will keep your blade in a place where it can quickly and accurately defend an oncoming attack, or allow you to riposte.

"Wait, then why did you break the plane and why is it ok?"

That's my stupid Soresu sneaking in. If you want to use the momentum of a cut in the next block or strike (flow like Soresu or build power like Djem So) then you will EVENTUALLY learn to break the plane. Right now, don't do it. Please.

Again, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Do these until you're sick of them. Then do them for another 3 years.

Another quite anecdote [Paraphrased from memory]:

A student once approached the master and asked, "How long will it take to earn the highest rank?" The master replied "Very long."
The student was disappointed and asked "What if I work twice as hard?" The master replied "Twice as long."

[Master Nero Attoru]

I love these videos... that's really all I can say.  They're not only simple, but the instruction given is invaluable.  The most helpful part (from my point of view, as someone watching looking to learn) is the emphasis on performing the techniques the RIGHT way.  I think that's something I'll have to focus more on next time I release a video.

Great stuff, anyone who wants to start learning our methods this is the place to begin.

[CbrS*]

Yes this is it! Thanks for these vids, the are clear, good and just...excelent for someone who's looking to begin. I like the fact that control is a big part. Not to break that horizontal plane, its harder than it looks, at least that was for me. I plan on doing this. As you said until i get so sick of it. The sun btw makes an excelent VA saber color right there xD

I found me a place where i can train. Tomorrow im headed there, so i will be doing this alot. Looking forward on the next lessons!

Thank you!

CbrS*

PS: im also keeping my eye on the other topic, much wisdom there with you and Master nonymous!

[Master Nero Attoru]

I just want to take this opportunity to point out that this fits right into our theory of lightsaber combat - that the Forms are more philosophies than specific sets of techniques.  Master Vidnyl shows the most basic (and essential) of moves here, and you can see the parallels to this video of Makashi parries I made a little while back:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3G-5Ad4vo" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3G-5Ad4vo</a>

]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ3G-5Ad4vo#ws

Notice the similarities?  Basically the same parries, and rather similar ripostes, except executed with one hand.

Learn the basics people, they're important!

[darth tratus]

Yay for the color purple!!!

Great vids guys! These are some great things to know.

I have that same practice sword as you MAV. I also have one in red.

[Shalateaus]

  very nice videos mav i like how you did them perfect for a beginer and nero i agree with tratus nice saber and again good vid be on the look out for more looking forward to neros shien and mav ill wait for your dual weilding shien and lastly ive been on jedi covenant after the transfer let me know if the guilds back up i still have my sentinel 

[CbrS*]

Im very excited to see some more from you Vidnyl! I have been practising these basics over and over again, last weekend almost 3 hours straight. Ofc not nearly enough as i am still not sick of it xD Feels like grinding in a game, and i like grinding. Thanks to these basics i feel i am more in control and have more awareness of my saber.
 
So il just ask xD Could you please make a vid for the next "lesson"? I do not know if there are any but if, i would LOVE to see it! And like Shalateaus said, maybe something about dual wielding =D

CbrS*

[wolfmetal45]

Thanks for the tutorial.  I have no martial arts experience, I've only read about various techniques and such.  I don't consider myself completely incompetent when swinging my saber but I will be the first to admit that when not choreographing a routine and actually fueling my 'form' lacks anything in the regards of being consistent and fluid.  Thanks to your video I'm already noticing a difference with my blocks and counter attacks

[Master VorNach]

...and you can see the parallels to this video of Makashi parries I made a little while back:
Notice the similarities?  Basically the same parries, and rather similar ripostes, except executed with one hand.

And if you look around you'll find this foundation in many places.
Aside from some variations in the construction of the weapon the body mechanics of weapon use are going to show up as similar techniques when you're using similar weapons.

Learn the basics people, they're important!

Everything comes back to the basics.
If your basics are sloppy then everything that builds from them will be sloppy too.

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

And if you look around you'll find this foundation in many places.
Aside from some variations in the construction of the weapon the body mechanics of weapon use are going to show up as similar techniques when you're using similar weapons.


Everything comes back to the basics.
If your basics are sloppy then everything that builds from them will be sloppy too.

This is exactly why I chose these techniques. I must agree 100%! If your basics are sloppy you will be defeated easily.

[Manroon]

Finally getting around to going through these threads, as I've meant to for some time. Have to say I'm loving this stuff, and look forward to learning more.

[Starswirl]

I have a question, Master Vidnyl - why are the strikes designed only to cut with the tip section of the blade? Does this give the most power, allowing the arms' force to multiply through the rest of the blade (like a golf club)? Or is it more precise not to come closer and strike with more of the blade?

[Master Artorius Vidnyl]

I have a question, Master Vidnyl - why are the strikes designed only to cut with the tip section of the blade? Does this give the most power, allowing the arms' force to multiply through the rest of the blade (like a golf club)? Or is it more precise not to come closer and strike with more of the blade?

A wonderful question! This concept is taken from my experience in Japanese Bladed arts (iaijutsu, kenjutsu). The weapon is treated like a lever. The greatest force when manipulating a lever with a fulcrum (or stationary point) is generated at the end furthest from the fulcrum. In katana work the right hand acts as a kind of fulcrum and the left hand pulls up, forcing the far end of the katana down (for these techniques at least). The greatest power is then generated at the last few inches.

There are other reasons too. If you were to cut down into a body with the middle of the blade there is a good chance with how wide the metal becomes that your weapon would get caught in a bone or joint (not an issue for a lightsaber). If you were effecting a dragging cut then you would use the entire length of the blade (placing the blade on exposed skin or other area lacking reinforcement and then just running the blade along that spot).

Wonderful question! Let me know if I answered it for you.

Cheers.

[Master Nero Attoru]

A wonderful question! This concept is taken from my experience in Japanese Bladed arts (iaijutsu, kenjutsu). The weapon is treated like a lever. The greatest force when manipulating a lever with a fulcrum (or stationary point) is generated at the end furthest from the fulcrum. In katana work the right hand acts as a kind of fulcrum and the left hand pulls up, forcing the far end of the katana down (for these techniques at least). The greatest power is then generated at the last few inches.

There are other reasons too. If you were to cut down into a body with the middle of the blade there is a good chance with how wide the metal becomes that your weapon would get caught in a bone or joint (not an issue for a lightsaber). If you were effecting a dragging cut then you would use the entire length of the blade (placing the blade on exposed skin or other area lacking reinforcement and then just running the blade along that spot).

Wonderful question! Let me know if I answered it for you.

Cheers.

This makes complete sense from a physics point of view, and I just love the union of science and martial arts.  Leave it to Artorius to know the physics of slicing and dicing people

As he said, a lightsaber avoids many of these problems.  However, this rule of thumb is still very useful to stick to for one simple reason - distance.  By using the upper portion of the blade, which in a lightsaber has no more or less cutting ability than any other part, you're allowing yourself the ability to retain some distance from the opponent.  Just another perk of this method to consider.

[Starswirl]

As someone with absolutely no fencing experience, if I may ask - what is a riposte? I do know what lunges and parries are (not that that is any merit ) but I first heard about 'ripostes' on this forum.