Vidnyl's Basics

[Darth Nonymous]

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.

Riposte is a french word for "response or retort". It is usually a strike delivered after a successful parry.

[Starswirl]

Oh, that makes sense! Wouldn't that make them the focus of (for instance) Djem So?

[Master Nero Attoru]

Oh, that makes sense! Wouldn't that make them the focus of (for instance) Djem So?

Yes, they are quite important in Djem So!  That's a good observation, since Djem So uses principles which turn defense into attack.

Of course, they're useful in any Form, since a well executed riposte can take advantage of an unprepared opponent finishing his or her attack.

[Starswirl]

Do you think one of you resident Masters could post a video thread detailing some techniques for the riposte? It sounds integral to multiple forms (Makashi, Shien and Djem So in particular if my insight is correct), but I don't know any specific techniques to use in their execution.

[Master Nero Attoru]

Do you think one of you resident Masters could post a video thread detailing some techniques for the riposte? It sounds integral to multiple forms (Makashi, Shien and Djem So in particular if my insight is correct), but I don't know any specific techniques to use in their execution.

Sure, that could be arranged!  Suggestions are always nice, that way I know what you guys are looking to learn more about.  I'll try to get a vid made up with the gf soon, and if I happen to hang with Artorius in the near future we can put something together then too.

[Master VorNach]

Oh, that makes sense! Wouldn't that make them the focus of (for instance) Djem So?

One of the basic principles mentioned in the print material for Djem So is the "Fluid Riposte".
There are elements of it showing up in some of the demonstration videos I've done on Djem So
though I have not called out anything specific so far.

[Thonolan]

I have a question about the final blade placement on your side to side blocks.

On a downward strike, intended to start just on the inside of the shoulder, would it not make more sense to finish your block close to 6 inches past your body? If the strike was intended to cut my shoulder, and I finish my block at my shoulder there is still an innately inherent danger of a draw down my arm. Whereas, if you finish your block just outside of your body you still retain power and control while removing the danger of losing an arm.

I just started lightsaber combat and previously did a lot of one handed freestyle boken work with a friend, so transitioning into Ataru is a very natural step for me. I have never been one to keep 2 hands on the hilt at all times, I use it when advantageous or required (making sure a parry to power blow is met with the required force, or adding extra speed/power to an attack). This makes Shii-Cho a challenge for me.

[Master Bluespike74]

I have a question about the final blade placement on your side to side blocks.

On a downward strike, intended to start just on the inside of the shoulder, would it not make more sense to finish your block close to 6 inches past your body? If the strike was intended to cut my shoulder, and I finish my block at my shoulder there is still an innately inherent danger of a draw down my arm. Whereas, if you finish your block just outside of your body you still retain power and control while removing the danger of losing an arm.

I just started lightsaber combat and previously did a lot of one handed freestyle boken work with a friend, so transitioning into Ataru is a very natural step for me. I have never been one to keep 2 hands on the hilt at all times, I use it when advantageous or required (making sure a parry to power blow is met with the required force, or adding extra speed/power to an attack). This makes Shii-Cho a challenge for me.

Although my experience with a sword is not as extensive as Master Artorius, he approaches lightsaber with his martial arts background in mind.  You only need to use your lightsaber to block until the danger is removed.  Going further is a waste of time and energy.  One aspect of martial arts is to let your opponent expend all of their energy prior to you expending all of your energy.  I extrapolate that MAV is stating that lightsaber combat is no different. 

If your opponent strikes with a side thrust and you block with a side block, he/she now has to redirect the energy down to cut your arm and subsequently leaves his/her center line open for a redirected strike from you.

[Thonolan]

I watched the video again, I was somewhat tired last night. I thought those blocks were designed for the downward strike to the shoulder, buuuut... I'm dumb. I'll just go over here now *heads to corner and puts on dunce cap* /wrists

[Starswirl]

One of the basic principles mentioned in the print material for Djem So is the "Fluid Riposte".
There are elements of it showing up in some of the demonstration videos I've done on Djem So
though I have not called out anything specific so far.

As it's a core principle, I'm not really surprised it appears in your videos - I just don't have the skill or knowledge to pick it out
At any rate, I can't wait to see a new video with ripostes in it! I'm sure it will be very instructional.

[Master Nero Attoru]

As it's a core principle, I'm not really surprised it appears in your videos - I just don't have the skill or knowledge to pick it out
At any rate, I can't wait to see a new video with ripostes in it! I'm sure it will be very instructional.

I'm working on some ideas for just such a video!  It's probably going to demonstrate the technique with both fencing equipment and lightsabers, so you can see the transition I made.  As such it'll be mostly Makashi themed, although I may show the use in other Forms as well.

[Darth Nonymous]

One thing I think I should mention, I am under the impression that riposte is just another word for counter attack. In the Chinese systems we obviously don't use that word, but the idea is the same. You never simply parry a strike and then stand there. It a fast moving game of anticipation, strategy and precision. Therefore, many many techniques can be considered a riposte. I tend to think of it more conceptually.

Here is a thread containing a light free sparring session with VorNach and myself. Lots of riposte happening here. Anytime one of us parries an attack and get a touch can be called a riposte. They are two very different styles put up against each other, so you can get a good idea of what an enormous body of knowledge this concept inhabits.

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=6778.0

[Master Nero Attoru]

One thing I think I should mention, I am under the impression that riposte is just another word for counter attack. In the Chinese systems we obviously don't use that word, but the idea is the same. You never simply parry a strike and then stand there. It a fast moving game of anticipation, strategy and precision. Therefore, many many techniques can be considered a riposte. I tend to think of it more conceptually.

Here is a thread containing a light free sparring session with VorNach and myself. Lots of riposte happening here. Anytime one of us parries an attack and get a touch can be called a riposte. They are two very different styles put up against each other, so you can get a good idea of what an enormous body of knowledge this concept inhabits.

http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=6778.0

Good point Master Nonymous.  My hope was to specify that a riposte is an attack immediately following a parry, as it functions somewhat differently than launching an attack once the opponent has recovered.  It's more of a reflex action than anything, though you can plan a specific target in advance if you wish.

From a fencing point of view you're referring to an immediate threatening of target after an attack is thwarted, as opposed to advancing on the opponent.

[Starswirl]

It is clear, both from your video, Master Nonymous, and from all the other Masters' teachings, that the riposte is incredibly versatile - to call it a 'family of techniques' might be too narrow.

I had a question regarding Makashi, though, and how it is primarily a one-handed style. Do you use the shorter Ultrasabers or anything for the style? I have a 36" Aeon, and I find it a little heavy to use in one hand for any length of time. (Of course, maybe I just have weak wrists ).

Finally, thank you very much for all the answers to my questions! You all take them very seriously and respond with courtesy far beyond anything that might be required.

[Master Nero Attoru]

It is clear, both from your video, Master Nonymous, and from all the other Masters' teachings, that the riposte is incredibly versatile - to call it a 'family of techniques' might be too narrow.

I had a question regarding Makashi, though, and how it is primarily a one-handed style. Do you use the shorter Ultrasabers or anything for the style? I have a 36" Aeon, and I find it a little heavy to use in one hand for any length of time. (Of course, maybe I just have weak wrists ).

Finally, thank you very much for all the answers to my questions! You all take them very seriously and respond with courtesy far beyond anything that might be required.

No problem man, we love doing this kinda stuff.  I'm glad you're interested!

To address your question, I do tend to prefer more lightweight weapons with Makashi.  Personally I enjoy the shorter hilts (Initiate, Prophecy, etc) with 32" midgrade blades - this will give you a VERY lightweight weapon that allows you to use your fingers and wrist to a greater extent.  This gives you better precision and fine point control.  My Initiate V3 with a 32" blade is just perfect for such things.