Safety

After each Block, the following attack should be performed safely and in a controlled manner. Be aware of the situation and understand when it may be safer to just block.

If you need a review of the 8 Basic Blocks, take a look at the Basics of Dueling lesson.

Block/Attack Combos

One of the best opportunities to attack your opponent is immediately after you have blocked an attack and they are resetting to their basic stance. This is known as a riposte shot. Each block has a natural attack that can follow it, turning your efforts into a fluid combination of defense and offense.

Blocks 1 & 2

Blocks 1 & 2 start out by dropping the tip of your blade to the floor, straight down. The back of your hand is facing your opponent. Then you move hilt and blade to the left or right, keeping the blade perpendicular with the ground.

The attack that follows Block 1 is a fluid motion of flipping your point backwards, up, and around to fall down into your opponent. Make sure the tip is actually thrusting at your opponent and not brushing down.

Block 2, has a simpler riposte. Just pop your blade up and into your opponent’s gut from the block position.

Blocks 3 & 4

Blocks 3 & 4 are the blocks you will use the most. Mastering these block attack combos are extremely important. Blocks 3 & 4  move your hilt across your body to the left or right with the true edge blocking the incoming shots. Keep the tip of your blade pointed at your opponent. This sets you up for a clear return attack.

The Attacks that follow Blocks 3 & 4 are  mirror images of each other. After you block an attack, you simply extend your arm in a basic attack while sliding your blade and hilt along your opponent’s blade. If you kept your point on line, your tip should move right into their chest or head.

Block 5

Block 5 is used to block shots that are coming from above, toward your head. When successfully executed  You end up with your arm raised, and the tip of your blade pointing over your opponent’s shoulder. Your true edge should be facing up. If you did all of that correctly, the simplest attack is to let your point fall down into your opponent. You may have to swing your point back online.

Block 6

Block 6 is the quillon block. It follows Block 4 when your opponent’s blade has slid beyond your hilt and further action on your part is required. As the shot slides down twist your wrist up and out locking their blade between your blade and quillons.

The attack that follows Block 6 begins with your opponent’s blade trapped. If you have performed Block 6 correctly your tip should be pointed at your opponent’s stomach. From this position slide your blade into your opponent. Their blade should  remain trapped throughout the attack. Be mindful of breaking a hard shot.

Blocks 7 & 8

These blocks start out by dropping the tip of your blade toward the floor in a swinging motion. A down and out kind of action like forming the letter J, either to the left or right. Both use the same attack by simply hinging your wrist to pop the tip of your blade back up into your opponent’s gut.

Block THEN Attack

Always remember to Block and THEN Attack. If you don’t successfully block the shot aimed to kill you, you’ll just end up dead. So always remember to block first and practice making a smooth transition into the following attack.