Beginning Lightsaber Class (Shii Cho) Lesson 2 - Stance & Steps
37Hi everybody! I used to give this class online for purchase, but that website has altered its approach, and this class was removed, so now I offer it to you. This was a five-week course designed for children, so the lessons are slowly paced, starting with types of sabers & safety gear. Next is basic movement. These are your first steps.
Lesson 2 – Form I Stance & Movement
Stance
• Understanding Form I
o Based on ancient sword combat with large, physical swords
o Uses only one blade
• How to hold the saber
o Two-handed, Dominant hand closer to the blade
Up - would be historically easier with a heavy blade
Angle - point menace
• Stance
o Shoulder-width, balanced on balls of feet, not heels or toes
o Knees pointing at 45-ish degree angle
Movement
• Steps
o Advance – push from back leg
o Retreat – push from front leg (don’t just run away)
o Lunge
Don’t overstep/lose balance
o Side step – “X” steps
o Circling – don’t leave your back exposed to an opponent
Demonstrate these steps with good grip & stance
• Keeping Measure
o Avoid planting yourself in place
o Must be within striking range for attacks
o Must not be too close to move hands/blade around