TOPIC: Tutorial reboot

This is the first set of tutorials in the reboot. The Kickstarter didn't make so I am using the same technology as before with a couple minor tweaks, but the format and explanation reflects the things I have learned in the last few years and the experience I have gotten teaching these moves. My approach this time is take a more well rounded path integrating spins, strikes, and footwork at all stages. The first set is the basics and takes new saber users up through the plum flower spin. As will all sets in this series, it begins with theory and ends with practice, concluding with a simple routine that ties together all the elements of the first set into a short capstone routine.

The first video is a primer on saber use in general before the tutorials start off.




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part1- Figure 8 Spins




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part2- Striking




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part3- Walking




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part4- Basic Transitions




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part5- Clockface Spin




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part6- Obi/Ani (Eclipse Spin)




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part7- Obi/Ani+Strike




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Part8- Plum Flower




Lightsaber Use: Set1, Consolidation Routine

This is the second set of tutorials in the reboot series. The key phrase for this one is complicating things. This set grafts martial elements on top of the basic flow from set one and brings the off hand into play. It also covers a bit more footwork and reverse grip. As will all sets in this series, it begins with theory and ends with practice, concluding with a move set that modifies the one in the first set and ties together all the elements of the second set into a short capstone routine.

The first is a theory video on the 7 forms


Lightsaber Use: Set 2. Part 1- Pivot Steps


Lightsaber Use: Set 2. Part 2- Blocks & Wards


Lightsaber Use: Set 2. Part 3- Thrusts & Lunges


Lightsaber Use: Set 2. Part 4- Reverse Grip


Lightsaber Use: Set 2. Part 5- Hand Switch


Lightsaber Use: Set 2. Part 6- Splitting the Clockface


Lightsaber Use: Set 2. Part 7- Splitting the Plum Flower


Lightsaber Use: Set 2, Consolidation

Just wanted to say that I've enjoyed your videos. They have been impressive, most impressive! Plus very helpful and I'm looking forward to set 3 if there will be one. Thanks for posting!

You're welcome. For the record, there will be a set 3 soonish. I have it all worked out including the routine. Set 3 will be warping or inverting the moves It will also cover hand switches behind the back and neck. Beyond that it is a work in progress. As I currently see it, set 4 will be flips and rolls (basically letting go of the saber). Set 5 will cover balance point and switching to different weapon types like crossguard and then go in to saberstaff. Set 6 will finish up saberstaff and cover a bit of contact work. Set 7 will be about dual wield. Set 8 will finish out with levitation.

Thanks for the continued efforts to help educate our members about their weapons from a more civilized age!

And set 3 is ready. I have not finished the routine yet, but these are the tutorials. This set ended up a bit longer than the others. The theme is modification.

Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 1- Behind the Back Switches
This video deals with the idea of working behind your back. This builds on the other 2 sets and follows the idea of modifying moves and changing where you do them relative to your body.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 2- Building the Blade Barrier: First Steps
This video deals with the first steps to building a move called the blade barrier. Specifically it looks at 2 and 3 beat moves behind the back. The first set in this series may be seen here.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 3- Building the Blade Barrier: Final Steps
This video deals with the final steps to building a move called the blade barrier. Specifically it looks at a full behind the back clock face spin (4 beats) and the blade barrier itself (5 beats).


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 4- Horizontal Plane
This video deals with the horizontal plane, getting around the body, and cloud spins.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 5- Cross or X Step & Combo
This video deals with a new element of footworc called cross steps, X steps, or coiled steps. It also discusses low strikes and a combo that combines the two.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 6- Orbit Guards
This video deals with orbits or orbits guards. This is alternately referred to as the third orbit.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 7- Bent Plum Flower Spin
This video introduces the idea of the forward plane and uses it to isolate the plum flower spin closer to one side of the body. This will eventually allow dual wield plumb flowers.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 8- Building the Wing Spin: Over the Shoulder
This video begins to work on the wing spin by turning the obi/ani spin from set 1 upside down into an over the shoulder spin.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 9- Building the Wing Spin: Putting it Together
This video finishes work on the wing spin by combining the obi/ani spin with the over the shoulder spin into a 5 beat move on one side of the body.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 10- Reverse Eclipse Spin
This video goes back and looks at how to do the eclipse or obi/ani spin fully in reverse. It includes some tips for not throwing out your shoulder.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 11- Reverse Plum Flower
This video uses the idea of reversing things from the last video and applies it to the full plum flower spin.


Lightsaber Use: Set 3. part 12- Reverse Wing Spin
This video uses the idea of reversing things from the last two videos and applies it to the wing spin.

What's the background on all of this?

Do you mean where did I film them or are you asking about the still images?

Your area does look familiar but no, I meant where do these techniques come from?

Ah. Part of my background is in fencing, but mostly this technique is drawn from martial and non martial flow arts. That is a branch of circus arts. Some techniques are adapted from fire spinning, some come from staff, some come straight out of the lightsaber community, some are from wushu, some are from fencing and rapier, one or two are from Capoeira, and some are of my own device. This is not a combat art as I practice it, which is why I see it as an interpretation of Niman.

I've been thinking about throwing together my sword training and the sw mythos to come up with formula for the different forms. Soresu being my personal fascination at the moment. I see that you're in my neighborhood any chance you know Fred the reckless?

Yep. I performed with him at Port Royal last year. I was set to do Seadogs as well but had a family emergency that made me miss it. I have not heard back this year if they are looking for performers, but it would be nice if I got the chance again.

I used to work nights in a dive bar and Fred and the pirates started having a pirate night once a month. Haven't seen him in about a decade now. You mentioned fire juggling, which brought him to mind.