Arm Strength and Cut/Thrust Combos with Sidesword

Of course, arm strength isn't just about your guns. It's about making a muscle chain that connects the sword with the core. So we'll work every part of the arm, focusing on "arm chain" and making solid connection from the sword to the core, down to the ground, and back again.

The sidesword makes a great weapon for combos. You see it in every historical manual. Cut then thrust. Thrust then cut. Two cuts! Double thrust! All with interesting footwork. This month we look forward to the fluidity and sometimes unpredictable nature of this stop-on-a-dime weapon.

A note about warmup and physical readiness. I run a very short warmup at the beginning of class. Take what extra time you may need ahead of class to be able to move freely and sometimes quickly/explosively without risk of injury. Some of us (like me!) need more than a few minutes to warmup, while some require less. I’ll start the session about 15 minutes early, and you can follow my extended warmup or do one of your own.

Class Format

• 5 min: salute in, meditation and warmup
• 25 min: movements, strength-building, drills, salute out
• 10 min: stretching
• q&a, student feedback