Sword Forms

[Mat Cauthon]

Apple Blossoms in the Wind
A versatile technique, intended for use against an ambush by multiple opponents. The blade is held low, but ready for use in a number of strike forms. Keep loose and move slowly.,.,.,.,.Arc of the Moon
A simple slash, meant to take off an opponent's head. Probably begins at midbody level, arcs to neck, and ends back at a guard stance.

[Mat Cauthon]

The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain
A vertical slash, but one that can alter course in midswing quickly. Starts high and ends low. Try this with Tower of Morning.,.,.,.,.,Tower of Morning
A vertical slash, starting low and ending high. I'd pair this one with Boar Rushes Down the Mountain or The Courtier Taps His Fan.

[Mat Cauthon]

Bundling Straw
Several quick chest-level thrusts, followed by an arc and a paired return arc that should return the blade to a guard stance. Try this against a quarterstaff opponent.

[Mat Cauthon]

Cat Crossing the Courtyard
Not a sword-form or stance, but a method of movement which maximizes alertness and reaction potential. Weight should be on the balls of the feet, with head held high and eyes constantly shifting, watching for threats. Arms and hands should freely move, not in pockets or holding items. Each step should be taken confidently, but not hurriedly.

[Mat Cauthon]

The Cat Dances on the Wall
A feinting, tentative series of short slashes, thrusts, and parries. The swordsman must have good wrists and quick feet for this to be effective. Useful for buying time

[Mat Cauthon]

Cat on Hot Sand
A faster, less tentative version of The Cat Dances on the Wall. Better for multiple opponents.

[Mat Cauthon]

The Courtier Taps His Fan
A quick, powerful overhand blow, meant to split the head. A good move for anyone to have in his repetoire

[Mat Cauthon]

The Creeper Embraces the Oak
A slow, circling stance. The blade goes from high to low and back to constantly offer a new threat and to guard against others. Forms to use out of this: The Falling Leaf, Lightning of Three Prongs.

[Mat Cauthon]

The Falcon Stoops
An abbreviated version of The Kingfisher Takes a Silverback. A quick overhand thrust, returning to a guard position just as quickly.

[Mat Cauthon]

The Falling Leaf
A more exaggerated and slower version of The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain. Starting high, the blade sweeps back and forth before reaching its lowest point. Can be used to parry effectively against multiple opponents, or just one. Move from this straight into The River Undercuts the Bank or The Wind Blows over the Wall, and you've got an effective pair

[Mat Cauthon]

Folding the Fan
The sword sheathing technique. The blade is smoothly swung around from guard stance and sheathed, all in one motion

[Mat Cauthon]

The Grapevine Twines
A circular motion when blades are locked, used to disarm an opponent

[Mat Cauthon]

The Heron Spreads Its Wings
The operational version of Heron Wading in the Rushes. A tighter cut, concentrated in one sector of the arc of the sword.

[Mat Cauthon]

Heron Wading in the Rushes
IMPORTANT: This form should only be used for practicing balance. It is possible to use this form in combat, but it is highly likely you will receive your opponent's weapon in your chest before you take his head. A horizontal, pivoting slash done on one foot. Begun at shoulder or head height.

[Mat Cauthon]

Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose
A quick thrust in the face. Will at least deter an opponent, and will usually kill a charging opponent outright. Blade should start from shoulder height, though it may be performed from any level less quickly