Makashi: moon guards video

[Darth Nonymous]

Greetings saberites! It is time for a new video. this time on the formula of Makashi. These are the system of guards and blade sections that make up the foundation of the whole style. I hope you like it.

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

[Master Nero Attoru]

Great video Master!  Numerous parallels once again to my own Makashi interpretation, and I'm glad to see your version... I'll have to try some of those different guards out.

My version seems to be mostly executed in the "corona" sphere, with the hand remaining in one general location and the tip moving.  However, I do see common ideas in your usage of the three spheres - in fencing the different parts of the blade is used for different purposes as well.  In fact, the rules of "right of way" even take this into account, for instance when fencers lose the right of way by beating on the opponent's guard.  By striking the strong part of the opponents blade, this action is regarded as a parry, and therefore gives the other fencer the right of way.

Granted "right of way" isn't exactly a realism based ruleset, but it is derivative of combat to an extent.  Either way I'm sure everyone gets the idea.

[Bazzard]

That is some great stuff, man.  I know you've said you primarily use Chinese swordsmanship for your martial arts basis, and I can't help but be kind of struck by the similarities between the jian and a lot of the techniques I've learned for the rapier (I wouldn't call anything I have proper formal training, but I dabble a lot).  I was worried that an Eastern-based take on Makashi would be kind of alien to me, but this complements the bits I already know perfectly (especially since you actually know what you're doing).

Keep it coming!

[Thonolan]

I also tend to use mostly the Corona for my guards, I am going to work in the photosphere and Chromophere more in my self training, learning to manipulate my blade within those zones and move in to strikes or thrusting.

Thank you!

[Darth Nonymous]

Thanks everyone!

Nero, The guards are are analogous to the positions in Western swordplay. Full moon being "first" I believe. "Prima" in Aggrippa. The purpose of the first two spheres is to allow one to parry without taking the weapon off the line of attack. Keeping the tip pointed at the opponent also disrupts his advance and sightline.

[Master Nero Attoru]

Thanks everyone!

Nero, The guards are are analogous to the positions in Western swordplay. Full moon being "first" I believe. "Prima" in Aggrippa. The purpose of the first two spheres is to allow one to parry without taking the weapon off the line of attack. Keeping the tip pointed at the opponent also disrupts his advance and sightline.

Yeah, I can see the resemblance!  I think another big difference comes in the fact that many of the fencing parries are designed with only thrusts in mind.  For this reason I had to expand the concepts to include the cuts you inevitably encounter in lightsaber combat, and this is a very good way to do so without sacrificing precision.  Keeping the point relatively motionless is a VERY good concept, it helps a great deal in accuracy as well as response time (less distance to travel = quicker action).

[Master VorNach]

I think another big difference comes in the fact that many of the fencing parries are designed with only thrusts in mind.  For this reason I had to expand the concepts to include the cuts you inevitably encounter in lightsaber combat,

Consider the sport saber fencing guard positions and this ties very nicely into a fencing framework.