SWORDDUELING.COM

Formally trained guy in the white shirt, self-trained in the black. Pretty even match. It just goes to show that it’s not the martial art that counts, it’s the fighter performing it. Even if you practice the most bad-ass ancient tradition that was ever forged in the blood of enemies on the field of battle, in a lot of ways you’re on your own. You have to make it work for you.

Also: Perfect soundtrack for a knife-vs-knife fight.

“Remain relaxed at all times except in definite action…Strike suddenly, passing instantly from apparently total casualness & relaxation to irresistible speed & power, controlling the sword perfectly as you do.”
- Aldo Nadi

Remember that one’s striking distance is determined by the rear leg. Consider the ways towards or from your opponent:
Advance – lead leg moves forward & then the rear follows.
Retreat – rear moves back & then the lead follows.
Balestra – This is a specialized advance where one kicks out with the lead leg, utilizing a synchronized kicking out with quadricep to help propel the body forward. There is a “stomp-step” in kendo that similarly uses also utilizes a kicking motion for added range. The stomp step uses the leg to kick out like a push kick. With the lead leg, it is only superior to the balestra when stepping over kicks. However, it can be used when stepping to achieve extra range.
Walk/Step – Step forward with rear leg or back with the lead leg.
Traverse Step – Step out at a 45º angle forward and to the side.
Quartata – Step behind your lead leg with the rear, ending in a crossed-stance.
Fleché (Fr. Arrow) – Bound forward in a run with the rear leg.
Leap – Jump, keeping lead where it is.