Cutting Lines – Practice

Immediate Practice

If you do not have a partner, this practice can be done by setting up targets on a table, ladder, or tripod. Set up targets that have different orientations so you can challenge yourself with different cutting lines as a partner would.

• 10 minutes – Single cuts
  • Practice cutting in single cuts along various lines. 3 sets of 10 reps per arm.
  • Ensure that you
    • Extend the weapon ahead of the step.
    • Meet the target 4-6 inches down the blade from the point of your sword.
    • Manage your power when striking a partner’s hand. This is about precision and timing, not excessive force.
• 10 minutes – Cutting pairs
  • Practice cutting between two different targets on different (or the same) lines. 3 sets of 10 reps per arm.
  • Ensure that you
    • Extend the weapon ahead of the step for each cut. It is important that the weapon go ahead of your body to provide proper defence.
    • Move smoothly between targets. Avoid hesitation. The goal is to practice patterns that allow you to strike multiple targets in rapid succession.

Ongoing Practice

• These exercises and variations on them should be a regular part of your cutting practice on a weekly basis.
• Experiment with different measures and different types of patterns.
• Experiment with changing the height and distance between the targets.
• Try these same exercises while incorporating a buckler and employing the lessons on protecting your sword hand and body.