Longsword Grappling I

Prerequisite: This course assumes the knowledge of the three Longsword Fundamentals courses.

Outside Line: This lesson examines distance, timing, and the opportunities to grapple on the outside line that come from losing the crossing on the inside line.

Inside Line: Having lost the crossing on the outside line, we can continue our offensive on the inside line by reclaiming control through grappling. We’ll examine grappling opportunities at distances of the blade, hand, elbow and shoulder.

Pressures: As a result of the difference in pressure between two blades, we can be faced with three types of crossing: winning, losing, and tying. In this lesson we’ll continue our forward initiative and continue our offensive in light of the pressures in the crossing.

Countering the Grapple: Entering to grapple is risky, and those that seek to grapple at the wrong time should pay for their mistake. We’ll learn to recognize inopportune moments to grapple and how to stay safe against them. Then we’ll respect the well-timed entry and respond with a counter grapple of our own.