Shii-Cho Basic strike tutorial.

[Solinus]

Dark side for me then!

[GdFuzz]

Good presentation in the video...  This is very similar to techniques illustrated in the Shi-Cho form developed by the NYJedi awhile back...  You have also blended what they call "the alphabet system" strike zones into this as well....     Those needing clarification, and a "different angle look" might want to check out those vids as well...   They should still be up on youtube...     

[Jedi Knight Spex]

Perfect for a beginner like myself.  I have delved a little into the arts of the German and Italian Longsword techniques, mostly stances and basic slashing moves.  I've wanted to learn more though martial arts programs, but with no money that's kinda difficult, do i really appreciate you sharing in-depth tutorials like this!
I've been practicing footwork mostly, and you showed me by example a couple things i was doing wrong... thanks for helping me improve, hope to see more of your videos! Now i just need a sparring partner so i can apply these in real-time... i'll save that for another thread, Thanks again!

[Master VorNach]

Perfect for a beginner like myself.  I have delved a little into the arts of the German and Italian Longsword techniques, mostly stances and basic slashing moves. 

Welcome!
You've come to the right place. You'll find plenty of crossover material that translates in both directions.
Point for being a fellow WMA practitioner.

[Jedi Knight Spex]

Welcome!
You've come to the right place. You'll find plenty of crossover material that translates in both directions.
Point for being a fellow WMA practitioner.

Points are the Light or Dark side points right? If referring to these, my persona points towards the Light side, if not thanks for the recognition!
I'm planning to practice footwork and the movements from this video with my friend this weekend if i can reach them, i find it better to practice with a friends so we can help each other point out inconsistencies. 

[Ander]

Interesting video. The two downward diagonal strikes are done very similarily here, except our footwork is a bit more to the left or right of the opponent, while still facing him or her.
Just an idea: have you tried doing the spin one-handed and putting your left hand back on the hilt when pushing down? It's way faster, and it's what we teach the students after they manage to do it two-handed.

[Darth Nonymous]

Interesting video. The two downward diagonal strikes are done very similarily here, except our footwork is a bit more to the left or right of the opponent, while still facing him or her.
Just an idea: have you tried doing the spin one-handed and putting your left hand back on the hilt when pushing down? It's way faster, and it's what we teach the students after they manage to do it two-handed.

Well, this is not anything but a developmental exercise. It is a basic strike piece that is designed for novices and those with no experience so that they can pattern good mechanics and proper striking technique. The straight line walk imposed a tighter turn which is what most folks lack in this strike even if they have years of martial art experience. But, if you look carefully the step do go side to side in a three phase step (check out our footwork vid for more explanation.

As far as the letting go of the handle, we have a huge litany of techniques like that. The two handed assist is a very common longsword technique. The thing about it though is is really isn't faster. You can do the same thing without letting go with the saber, just pull the handle with your inferior hand as the strike goes through. That is in fact the way you should be performing all chopping motions. The cue I give is to her the hilt in half as you strike.

Another reason to keep the hands on the saber is for shoulder ROM. By lift in both you hands over your head you are getting good rotation of the shoulders. Letting go robs one of this making the training less efficient. The one-two handed assists are only done in certain forms at the Shii-Cho level. It won't be until Shien or Djem-So that the technique will be used in strategy.

[Delta_Petra]

I asked this question over on the youtube video comments too, but wanted to see where I could get the answer.

I have been looking at the footwork. Why are the first Sai strikes performed with feet advancing from the side the attack is coming from while the Sun Djem strikes have the opposite foot leading the direction of the attack?
I have been also studying German Longsword lately and that may be coloring my thoughts while this Shii-Cho originates from Master Nonymous' eastern martial arts and may have different thoughts on footwork and generating momentum.

[Oramac]

I asked this question over on the youtube video comments too, but wanted to see where I could get the answer.

I have been looking at the footwork. Why are the first Sai strikes performed with feet advancing from the side the attack is coming from while the Sun Djem strikes have the opposite foot leading the direction of the attack?
I have been also studying German Longsword lately and that may be coloring my thoughts while this Shii-Cho originates from Master Nonymous' eastern martial arts and may have different thoughts on footwork and generating momentum.

I think you've hit the nail on the head.  I'll let the Masters confirm, but if you look at the Djem So videos that Master VorNach made, the strikes follow the feet as you describe, while the Shii-Cho strikes follow the opposite foot.  I actually noticed that as well.  IIRC it's just 2 ways of doing things.

[Darth Nonymous]

I asked this question over on the youtube video comments too, but wanted to see where I could get the answer.

I have been looking at the footwork. Why are the first Sai strikes performed with feet advancing from the side the attack is coming from while the Sun Djem strikes have the opposite foot leading the direction of the attack?
I have been also studying German Longsword lately and that may be coloring my thoughts while this Shii-Cho originates from Master Nonymous' eastern martial arts and may have different thoughts on footwork and generating momentum.

Are asking why the honor sash finishes toward the back foot and the SunDjem Sai Cha ends at the lead foot?

If so, that is merely the reversal of the same movement. Sai being a slashing strike that needs to have follow through at the end. When striking down the swing must finnish to the open side. When going across, the step must push the saber through. If you did it the other way you would not produce any power and little movement in the saber.

[Delta_Petra]

I think I am just trying to figure out how the hips swing and create momentum through the body when the strike is coming from the same side as the lead foot.  If that makes sense. 

Another thought is that lead with the foot on the side you are striking during the Sun Djem can take your body "off the line" of attack of the opponent and take them by surprise.  But that leads to a methodology problem in that Shii-Cho focuses on moving from point A to point B through whoever is in the way, there is no reason to sidestep and deceive.

[Darth Nonymous]

I think I am just trying to figure out how the hips swing and create momentum through the body when the strike is coming from the same side as the lead foot.  If that makes sense. 

Another thought is that lead with the foot on the side you are striking during the Sun Djem can take your body "off the line" of attack of the opponent and take them by surprise.  But that leads to a methodology problem in that Shii-Cho focuses on moving from point A to point B through whoever is in the way, there is no reason to sidestep and deceive.

As your front foot moves forward your hips turn to the inside, the same direction as the sai cut that ends in the trailing guard. The step should turn you to create the strike.

VorNach is an accomplished German Longsword player. This technique exists in that tradition. I do not remember what it is called, I will let him answer that one.

[Delta_Petra]

Here is another example of Shii-Cho that does follow the footwork I am describing.  Obviously it isn't the large swing strike that you are performing, but what do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVY9gT6W0Qk

[Darth Nonymous]

Here is another example of Shii-Cho that does follow the footwork I am describing.  Obviously it isn't the large swing strike that you are performing, but what do you think?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVY9gT6W0Qk

That  is general
Sun's Shii-Cho. What is different about the foot work? I believe his is also based on Chinese sources at least in part.

the body should be behind each strike. The footwork in all swords styles is pretty much the same in this regard. If your shoulders and hips are together, the power should flow naturally. If you are going upward you need to step across the line to get a good horizontal strike. If you are swinging down it goes tot he open side and you have enough rotation to let it follow through.

Perhaps I do not understand your question.

[Delta_Petra]

That  is general
Sun's Shii-Cho. What is different about the foot work? I believe his is also based on Chinese sources at least in part.

the body should be behind each strike. The footwork in all swords styles is pretty much the same in this regard. If your shoulders and hips are together, the power should flow naturally. If you are going upward you need to step across the line to get a good horizontal strike. If you are swinging down it goes tot he open side and you have enough rotation to let it follow through.

Perhaps I do not understand your question.

I will try to take some time and draw out what I am seeing.