Swordsmanship,+Saber+Mantis

Saber-Mantis (Subform of Ataru/Jar'kai/Shien) (Created by Master Sam)(ael) (By Sam)(ael) (Return to Swordsmanship)

Noteable practitioners : Sam)(ael

Philosophy and History : Saber-Mantis was designed by Sam)(ael as an answer to his desire to investigate two reversed blades. As he investigated he found several advantages which he capitolized on to create this very straight-forward Sub-form, designed for wider situations with many opponents, and to 'prey' upon the swordsmen who are not able to adapt to unique tactics.

It should be added that this form incorporates many useful factors to create suprise.

Posture : There are two stances used in Saber Mantis which are used intermittently according to terrain and tactics.

Footing is nearly always a forward stance with one foor forward and the other at a diagonal angle behind it.

Close : The close stance is usually used for close spaces or more vicious sone-on-one. The Practicioner of saber-mantis holds both hands like they are about to box and performs their attacks and defenses from this stance ducking away from or sweeping aside head attacks. It must be added that most of the considerable martial arts applications are available while in this stance.

Wide : The wide stance holds both arms at your sides and slightly apart from your body. This stance allows better sweeping movements and faster attacks. It is also less defensible so it is recommended for the dispatch of many opponents.

Tactics : Saber Mantis incorporates both loose tactics and a set of well-practiced moves. Since it cannot benefit from the set attacks and defenses of Shii-Cho and other forms that use only one blade the set moves are also used in basic training. Many of the moves are designed to take advantage of opponents who are wielding only one blade and the Sub-form is designed to be lethal in several applications.

It is an analytical form closely resembling the attitude of the insect it was designed after.

Moves : Sweep (High, chest, low) This is a wide sweep of one of your sabers, usually aimed at a target in front of you but possibly including a side or many opponents. This move takes advantage of the reversed grip's wide sweeping capabilities and the ability to use the turning of your body to put considerable power behind those sweeps.

Harvester The harvester takes advantage of single-bladed opponents. One side blocks an attack while the other attacks. The attack can actually be a punch, kick, or short sweep. Harvesters are performed almost exclusivly in close stance.

Reaper The reaper is two combined sweeps aimed at one specific target. It makes exstensive use of the chest and back muscles for power and is difficult to defend unless you are in combat with one or few opponents. It is performed best from the open stance. It is also best to aim at the opponent's neck. this is a vital area to hit and it strains the block of an opponent. It can also lead into a 'Locked Reaper'. It is best to step forward and lean into the strike with your upper torso for added power.

Locked Reaper A locked reaper is when an opponent blocks your reaper attack and you both hold that position locked in. You have a distinct advantage in this case since your blades will be close to your opponent's throat. All you need to is twist and push hard and you should score a killing blow. Try to execute these quickly.

Lotus Pierce If you manage to drop an opponent to the ground you may leap into the air and use the falling momentum to stab down on your opponent performing two punctures that pin their body to the floor if it is soft. You may choose to leave one or both swords there or you may decide not to leave either. This move is not extremely efficient for killing an opponent but it will usually take them out of the battle at the very least. It is a common killing move like the Locked Reaper.

Mantis' Guard These blocks are for use in defending the head and upper body. These blocks are only used while in close stance so dodge otherwise. Using this guard you duck out of horizantal head sweeps with your arms up like guarding your face (this allows your blades to protect the sides of your head just in case.) For verticle attacks at your head or neck you make a wax-on-wax-off move above your head pulling the blow harmlessly away (and using up much less energy since it is a parry). A harvester may be executed from this block.

Planter Guard Planter Guards defend your body from your mid-thighs down. Using these guards is the most gratifying defense of the form. It is easier to use this guard in close form but open works well if you are quick. Simply plant the points of the blades into the ground and let the sword and ground absorb the blow. This Guard takes up very little energy and can lead you into a Harvester of any type since the opponent usually must lean forward to attack lower areas.

Side Guard The side guard Covers the area between the bottom of your rib cage and the upper half of your thighs. It simply blocks blows to those areas. It is actually easier to perform in open stance than close stance but it works well for close still.

Weaving Harvest This move is just like a Harvester except that is parries a stab and then delivers a blow.

Lockdown The lockdown is a trick block against stabs that injurs them badly. When an opponent enters a stab with momentum you cross your blades osing a reaper-like attack but to push the stab to the side. As you push it away you and your opponent will be turned to the side and you may then deliver a powerful kick to the area just at the bottom of their rib cage. This usually knocks them to the floor, knocks their air out, causes bruising that can interfere with rejoining the match and may even cause them to hit their heads badly. A succesful Lockdown is a good lead-in for a Lotus pierce and the combination is considered a flashy way to end a duel though highly difficult to execute (especially on opponents familiar with the form/style).

Single Lotus The single lotus occures when one opponent to your side gets distracted, stunned, or considerably open. You drop one of your blades and use both hands to execute a powerful side-stab coming behind you. This move leaves you open since you no longer hold two swords so it mut be used to end a duel or with assurances that you will have time to get the sword back or at least adaquate protection.

Practice : You should practice this form's moves and practice adapting various attacks and defenses in free form. Remember that your advantages are unique moves, and knowing your weaknesses and how to avoid them.

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