Often, however, the thrust leads to a double kill. It does not close lines the same way that cuts do and worse, it can be hard to sell your intention. In other words, some foes do not react defensively to them. Let's take a look at this for a moment and see if we can learn a little bit about where this beast lets us down, and how we can make it work a little better for us.
Now, before you read on, bear in mind that we are looking at some specific issues here; we are not getting into a technique pairing clinic. So before you think to yourself, "Well, if Jesse does this, then I'd just do that and kill him," stop and look at the bigger picture for a second. That is not the discussion here. If you want that, ask me some specifics, and we can play 'what if' in a later blog.
So, in no particular order, here are my observations on the topic of double kills that occur when the first mover is throwing a thrust to begin an encounter.
So, in no particular order, here are my observations on the topic of double kills that occur when the first mover is throwing a thrust to begin an encounter.
1. Weak prosecution does not garner respect. (Battle ain't no fishin' trip)
I see a lot of new to mid-level students "go fishing" for a response from their foe from out of effective measure. They throw a half-assed attack that is not fully formed. It's hard enough for a foe to see you launch a thrust, but if it is weak or you move with no confidence, good luck getting a reaction from a seasoned fighter.
Worst still is fishing: making a thrust that is out of measure, yet still carries the agent forward in vain hopes that the foe will waste a tempo in response to the non-threat. Good foes will not; they will instead capitalize on the new, closer range you have offered them and kill you directly.
Now, it is very dangerous to use a thrust as a probe in general, as thrusts do not close lines very well. Add in weak prosecution, or probe out of measure, and you are handing your foe your life on a silver platter.
So if you are gonna feel out your opponent do it like you mean it; no one likes a weak probe. You must use a genuine, in measure action.
I see a lot of new to mid-level students "go fishing" for a response from their foe from out of effective measure. They throw a half-assed attack that is not fully formed. It's hard enough for a foe to see you launch a thrust, but if it is weak or you move with no confidence, good luck getting a reaction from a seasoned fighter.
Worst still is fishing: making a thrust that is out of measure, yet still carries the agent forward in vain hopes that the foe will waste a tempo in response to the non-threat. Good foes will not; they will instead capitalize on the new, closer range you have offered them and kill you directly.
Now, it is very dangerous to use a thrust as a probe in general, as thrusts do not close lines very well. Add in weak prosecution, or probe out of measure, and you are handing your foe your life on a silver platter.
So if you are gonna feel out your opponent do it like you mean it; no one likes a weak probe. You must use a genuine, in measure action.
2. Stop thrusts don't (stop the target most of the time.)
The stop thrust is an awesome move. To arrest the target at distance is good, but does not always go as planned. To insure only one party bleeds, make sure you do three things while trying to stop the target.
First, don't miss. Put your point on their face or their sternum. The hips work OK if you have a lance, but I would not risk it at long sword range without good cause.
Secondly, MOVE YOUR ASS. The cut you were trying to arrest? There's a good chance it's still coming. With training swords the target may not notice you put in your point and abort their cut, or they may not care. They'll notice the hit if you put in a genuine thrust, but often too late.
With a sharp blade it'll just sink in and keep on going. A thrust penetrates soft tissue without slowing down the sword, or said tissue. So unless you plug their skull or sternum, the enemy's cut is still coming your way.
So please, move your ass out of harm's way. Plan on it every time.
Lastly, remove your sword from the target right away. Pull your sword free, shifting your weight and slicing a big ol' exit wound. If at all possible, try to cover any lines the enemy might use against you in the process. If the target ain't dead, the next attack is coming, so get your weapon up to deal with it.
3. Close the door against the rain.
Speaking of closing the line, whenever possible do that. Even as secondary actions, many of us will press in the point, but not worry about closing the line. Remember, while thrusts are mortal in the long run, they lack stopping power unless you hit the face or sternum. So, keep the line closed and be sure to move your ass the moment your thrust is done.
I have here a few videoed examples that may help you see what I am talking about. I know we all love our visual aids.
https://youtu.be/xP81bz_v3h4
I hope this is useful for your training. Feel free to comment or ask me for topics.
Look forward to more,
Jesse Kulla
