Take a look at this video.Now take a few moments to get over how bizarre it is...
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... All right, let's move on.
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... All right, let's move on.
As bizarre as it is, the chicken demonstrates an important principle: we can move parts of our body while leaving other parts stationary. The implications of this are pretty big when you think about it:
- Second scholar of First Master (Abrazare) is impossible if you leave your arm behind
- lagging your upper body when lunging diminishes your control and reach
- stepping in for a pommel strike but leaving your sword behind makes for weak (and pretty lame) pommel strike
With all of the joints in the body it can be challenging to keep everything moving properly and thus execute the technique that you're trying to accomplish.
Keep an eye on your limbs and ensure they're each doing their proper job.
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.