The different cuts used in this system are numbered for convenience. There are six, two descending diagonal cuts, two ascending diagonal cuts, and two horizontal cuts. The even numbers are all made from the left and the odd numbers from the right (some people find it easier to remember that way). Some systems of the time used a seventh cut which is a downwards vertical one, but it is usually left out as a downwards blow typically falls into being a 1 or 2 in terms of how it strikes and how it is parried.
These cuts should be delivered as much as possible from the wrist and so will require a supple grip in guard and a push and pull mechanic of the fingers at the point of making the cut. It is important that you have good edge alignment throughout the cut, meaning you hit your opponent with the true edge of your sword, and not the flat.
You should aim to get reach on your cuts, do not let the elbow bend and shorten your reach. Also, the guard should typically be slightly above or below the foible of your blade during the cut so that it can provide some cover or protection from your opponent’s blade.
A cut should be made through the intended target and should not stop on the target. A stop such as this would mean the cut could be called a half cut and is useful for launching feints and some thrusts too, but it will not deliver a correct and proper cut if that was the intention.
The cuts can be practiced in a continuous six cut exercise as in the six cut diagram below, which also shows the transition of how the sword moves from the end position of one cut to the beginning of the next. Avoid lifting the arm when you start the cuts as it will expose you to timed cuts from your opponent.
Note that left-handers should mirror the instructions below.
You can watch our video on the six cuts below
Cutting with recovery to guard
The cuts can also be practiced separately with a return to guard. This will often be the safest way to do it in a fight, for whether your sword hits the target or not, you must continue to either strike again, get back safely to guard, or close in to grapple. Recovery to guard should be your default option as is described in the following exercises. These can be practiced slowly in stages, but once you are comfortable with the motions they should be delivered as one smooth motion without pause. You should also then practice initiating and recovering to either the inside or outside guard.
Cut 1
Start in the outside guard. Turn the guard to the inside and direct your point in a cutting motion diagonally downwards from right to left. After the cut has passed through the intended target, rotate the sword so that your thumb points downwards to the ground and you can see the back of your hand. Keep rotating the sword until the point is raised into the outside guard.
Cut 2
Start in the inside guard position. Turn the guard to the outside and direct your point in a cutting motion diagonally downwards from left to right. After the cut has passed through the intended target, rotate the wrist so that the sword moves further to your right and your fingers turn to point upwards. Relax the three fingers furthest from the thumb. Keep rotating the sword until it reaches the outside guard with a sweep. Be careful to not hit yourself in the side or back of the head.
Cut 3
Start in the outside guard. Drop the point of the sword to the right and down by your side with the true edge pointing towards your opponent. direct your point in a cutting motion diagonally upwards from right to left. After the cut has passed through the intended target, rotate the sword and pull it back to the outside guard.
Cut 4
Start in the outside guard. Drop the point of your sword low to your left side, with the true edge pointing towards your opponent. direct your point in a cutting motion diagonally upwards from left to right. After the cut has passed through the intended target, rotate the sword and pull it back to the inside guard.
Cut 5
Start in the inside guard. Lower the point of your sword to the right and at shoulder height. direct your point in a cutting motion horizontally right to left. After the cut has passed through the intended target, raise the point of your sword to get to the inside guard.
Cut 6
Start in the outside guard. Lower the point of your sword to the left and at shoulder height. direct your point in a cutting motion horizontally left to right. After the cut has passed through the intended target, raise the point of your sword to get to the outside guard.
Videos which include these cuts with recovery