Testing Items (beginner to intermediate)

* Saluting and gearing up.  (Safety)

  • At all times, students need to be functioning in a safe manner.  This includes wearing and putting on appropriate gear, and control of the sword at all times.

* Individual basics:  Focus is on body mechanics:  appropriate form, stability, and footwork

  • Lunge

  • Retreat, advance-lunge

  • Advance-Lunge

  • Retreat, double-retreat

  • Double-advance-lunge

  • Crossback-jumpback, lunge

 

* Partner drills  Focus is on proper form and technique in a controlled and uncontrolled environment. Students should be able to show appropriate distance as well as altered timing for attacks and defense.

  • Attacker takes 1, 2, or 3 advances and attacks the head, chest, or flank; defender follows, steps back with the correct parry, riposte.  3x with 3 different opponents.

  • Offense/defense drill (controlled, not for speed)

 

* Bouting  Focus is on movement/footwork, timing, knowledge of right of way.

  • Students will face at least 2 different opponents who are also testing, and up to 2 opponents who are intermediate level but have recently moved up.

  

Demonstrated Concepts

  • Students are assessed on their form, including hand and foot positions, the ability to move forwards and backwards smoothly and quickly while remaining stable. They should demonstrate control of their swords and their bodies at all times.

  • During offensive actions, students should show understanding of the correct attack distance and actions, as well as the ability to use altered timing in their attacks.

  • During defensive actions, students should show that they can use the appropriate distance to defend themselves. They should be able to step back when required to, parry at a reasonable distance, and riposte actions should be done in an acceptable time frame.

  • When bouting, students should show a basic understanding of right of way, by returning to defense after a missed attack, and returning to offense when their opponent misses an attack. Swords should be up when attacking and down when defending.

  • Safety is of primary concern, and students should be able to demonstrate throughout the exam that they are handling their swords in a safe and effective manner. This includes ensuring that the blade tip is down when not fighting (including when putting on their masks), and that when they are attacking they can do so with control and in a manner that is not a danger to other students.