Basic Techniques

Even though swordfighting is a very complicated and deep art I will list some of the more basic techniques of the different styles.

The Flow of a Swordfight: The usual flow of a swordfight is similar in most styles. To hinder or block your opponents ability to strike back or sometimes to even move, then deliver a critical strike. Most see the sword as a cutting weapon but a lot of striking is involved sometimes dealing blunt duamage.

Checking your hand: This is simply loosening your grip on the handle so the blade doesn't cut as deep. This technique is used mainly to spare your opponent's life or to lessen the amount of damage. This was used mainly by the templars and early bounty hunters.

Pommel or Handle Strike: As the name implies this is a swift hit with the handle or hilt of the sword. With some of the more barbaric arts this is used mainly to knock the opponent to the ground and set them up for a finishing strike.

Broad Hit: Another simple term where the name explains it. It is a hit with the broad side of the sword, sometimes this may simply be the unsharpened edge. This is another move meant to spare the life of the opponent simply by causing blunt force damage which usually keeps from breaking flesh.