Deathstick
The purpose of the Deathstick lesson is to learn the use of a Deathstick, our group’s term for a baton or sheath, as a defensive side.
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Safety
Being a defensive side, you won’t be able to “kill” anyone with it, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t safety concerns. Deathsticks are usually made from heavy duty PVC or plastic and they can hurt someone. Remember, that when using a Deathstick, not to hit anyone with it or forget that it’s not a sword.
Additionally, because they are typically made from pipes, always ensure that the front end is capped.
Deathstick
A deathstick is our group’s term for a baton or sheath used as a defensive side. It’s a rigid parrying device, roughly the same size as a sword. They can provide a strong defense and help control your opponent’s blade.
Fighting with a Deathstick
Because the deathstick has no offensive capabilities it is used for defense only. It is stronger than a sword when performing blocks and can take control of your opponent’s sword when used to push their blade away. All blocks that can be performed with your sword can be performed with a deathstick. When using a deathstick try to always block with your deathstick and attack quickly with your sword after.
Fighting against a Deathstick
Because your opponent’s deathstick is stronger than your sword, you want to be careful not to let your sword get over powered. If your opponent tries to push your sword away, retreat and recover your sword before you get trapped. Your opponent’s hand holding the deathstick is a great target because it is typically undefended. Overall, treat the deathstick the same as you would a sword, except don’t forget that your opponent’s sword is what can kill you.
Journal Prompt
After experiencing the Deathstick, how do you feel fighting with a Deathstick or against it? What are the advantages or disadvantages with each?
Teacher Resources
Explain
Explain the following principles and how they apply to a Deathstick. Emphasize that a Deathstick is a defensive side and should be used to strengthen your defense and help leave your sword free to be offensive.
- How to Fight with a Deathstick
- How to Fight against a Deathstick
Demonstrate
Demonstrate the use of a Deathstick and how it can be used defensively. Demonstrate how the blocks can be made with a Deathstick and how that leaves the sword free to be offensive. Include what to do when facing a Deathstick.
Guide
After demonstrating, guide the students through using a Deathstick. Help them block with it and focus on their defense.
Enable
At this stage, each Novice should be able to utilize a Deathstick on their own. Run through the following drill or challenge before finishing:
Deathstick Drill
Have each student find a partner, one will be the Attacker and one will be the Defender. The Attacker will attack slowly ten times, while the Defender will use their Deathstick to block the attack and return with an attack of their own. After ten attacks, switch roles and repeat as necessary.
Deathstick Challenge (Lightsaber Defense)
Have each student find a partner, one will be the Attacker and one will be the Defender. The Attacker will attack the Defender repeatedly, while the Defender defends with only a Deathstick. Keep track of how many attacks the Defender can block before being killed, then switch roles. The student who can block the most attacks with only a deathstick will be the winner.
Ready to move on?
You’ve completed the Deathstick lesson! Now that you've learned two sides, let’s learn how to use a third: the Buckler.