This is probably true in all sports or combat arts, but it’s especially true in Lightspeed Saber fencing that some fencers kill themselves a lot more than their opponent killed them. This happens often at the beginner to intermediate level, when they are just learning to defend themselves. But unlike traditional fencing, it can actually be worse to defend yourself than not, if you’re not doing your defense correctly.
Case in point, when the opponent chooses to use a “press”. This is when they are applying pressure with their blade, such that when the attack is shielded, the shield cannot be released for a counterattack lest the attack continue on and hit. This is very reminiscent of what you see in movies, when two characters press their swords into the other’s sword. No one can get let go or the other will win (and the other dies).
How is this dealt with in Lightspeed Saber fencing? As noted before, sometimes the answer is not a shield. But if we’re dealing with a straight down, overhead press, Shield 5 can work quite spectacularly, with the right combination of moves. Gathered together, we call this combination of moves a lockout counterattack. This move protects you from the attack, removes you from the dangerous press position, and uses the press against itself to ensure an easy counter movement for the defender.
The basic steps of the combination are as follows:
Receive the attack with a Shield 5.
While maintaining the Shield 5, and not releasing the opposing lightsaber, step back out of range of the attack.
Swiftly slide your blade down the opponent’s blade and strike the hand. Sweep your hand, arm, and weapon completely out to the side and clear the killzone just in case you miss.
At speed, steps 2 and 3 are essentially combined into one movement, so realistically it’s a two step action.
As stated, these steps accomplish 1) defense of the attack, 2) clearance of the defender from danger, and 3) capitalizes on the opponent’s exposed hand for an easy return.
This video is available to the public! But we still need your help to fund Lightspeed’s operations and growth. Please help us by becoming a Patron.