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Ataru - Pro's and Con's

Ataru seems to be for me about always attacking and dynamic mobility. The work here is excellent. Here is what I am practicing and developing. Your videos are excellent because they break everything down.

It is the Yoda/Qui Gon Jinn style that stays on the offense; always looking for ways to attack.
It is important to know when to back down because it is very exhausting. I think too much is made of its jumpy, flippiness!

I am posting this to explore how to move and attack in the most dynamic way possible and to explore its theory.

Many of my friends want me to write about it so I hope this contributes. I hope that the theory is discussed here and I learn a whole lot myself.

The Way of the Hawkbat

Ataru are broad and kinetic attacks. The Suma rotations Spinning, Flipping and Cartwheeling have many flurries and flashing leaps.
“Use your entire body as a weapon.”

Stances:

1/ Guard Stance: FG – Two hands on the hilt aligned with the heart or head – Right foot back. “Ataru does not defend unless it prepares for the next attack at the same time.”
2/ Attack Stance: Left leg lunging left blade up in high parry, weight 70/30 over the left foot.
3/ Running Stance: One handed grip with the blade pointing across the body to the left.

Well Known Attacks: Speed and Agility are key.

The Saber Swarm: Attacks and thrusts designed to force them into a defensive posture.

The Hawkbat Swoop: Step forwards with your rear foot and then jump around to their side and attack.

Martial Attacks: Back fists, kicks, elbows, knees and throws.

The Ataru Form for me is about attacks that chamber first into a block position than a power cut/thrust combined with movement.

Cuts that are fluid and flowing one to the next; lunges and charges/strafing and attacks that change lines of attack with every attack cutting at the opponent’s body, not their blade.

Ataru does not fair well against multiple opponents, it is exhausting and taxing and can be hard to pull out of. Broad strokes don’t block well…

What are your favourite Ataru Attacks and Footwork?

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Hi there from Australia 8)

Ataru Summary: A Place to Begin.

Flow on your feet! I want to share my body of work on this subject and provide a platform for technique to develop and share. There is already so much here that is excellent...

“Using the principles of the circle from Soresu, in our style at least, you follow through and enlarge your arc to intersect with the target. The spin is just a way to let your body commit and be able to recover and counterattack with one fluid motion. The draw back to Ataru is that its techniques leave you exposed and over committed, so you best attack and get out quick or keep the pressure on so they do not have time to recover. Either method require you to flow uninterrupted into your next technique, be it evasion or attack.”
– Master Nonymous

“You're really getting that one important concept down - continuity. I like how the attacks flow into one another.” – Master Nero

“a more full body version of shii cho, where rather than the standard strikes, you modify them by changing footwork, speed, power and the momentum of your body to provide variable attack planes, still making use of the wide sweeping strikes.” – Knight Commander Veldryne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JCo3ap5tkQ# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JCo3ap5tkQ#)

I am not going to walk over old ground - TPLA does an excellent job with their video's. Rather I will share the Techniques that I have found are the most effective and draw from many different disciplines. I hope you enjoy ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmk1iStpovo#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmk1iStpovo#ws)

Food For Thought

Thank you Knight Commander Veldryne for an excellent summary:

"The Ataru form of combat is agressive, but focused. You must never rely solely on the weapon, bur rather embrace the idea that your whole body is the weapon. use the force to spin, jump, to overpower your foe" - Luke Skywalker

Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat: A Discourse

-Developed for times when violence was necessary, sometime after the development of Form III Soresu
-helped combat new threats like the rising prevalence of the Mandalorians
-second most kinetically active form
-focus is on speed, acrobatics and power
-wide, fast attacks from all angles
-flowing combinations
-offensive form of Soresu, nonlinear mindset, tactical acumen
-complete and total use of the body in attack
-barrage of energy
-single target form, well suited to open spaces
-effectively able to attack from any angle
-fast and adaptable reactions
-weak vs. blasters
-hampered in close quarters
-easily fatigued
-end conflict by striking a mark of contact early, before an enemy can accurately respond
-effectively a hard form of martial arts
-practitioners are likened to dancing tornados

Wookipedia entry on Form IV Ataru

-leaping strikes for attack and defence
-quick spinning strikes, saber, whole body, or both

JediHolo.net

-greater sequences to open up an enemies’ defences
-based on the notion that few duellists have perfect defences, so one side will always be open
-the practitioner should always be in motion
-adapt, flow with the motions of battle
-controlled, precise footwork
-not directly confrontational
-covers weakness of physical ability by means of agility and body usage
-increases range of attacks through body mechanics
-multi-layered strategies to confuse and mislead opponents
-avoid or redirect attacks
-not designed to counter head on attacks of greater intensity
-frustrate and irritate opponents, opening up psychological weaknesses
-quick to dismiss ineffective strategies and methods in a fight, and alter their plans on the fly

Saberforum.com Form IV Ataru Thread:

-constant movement and continual attacks
-kicks, foot stomps, leg sweeps
-too much focus on cartwheels, jumps and flips (no force powers makes this diffucult to truly capture form wise, should be left out to make the form easier to teach to new practitioners)***
-solid footing and balance more important than jumping attacks***
-footwork used for defence instead of blade work, conservation of energy
-evasion is the goal defensively
-redirection of body momentum to rebound into the next strike
-push into the ground, focus the force of the blow into the opponent by using mass and inertia
-course changing, footfall, controlling the stride, all should be a focus
-power speed and agility at the cost of defensive recovery, hence evasion being a focus

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - The Art of Attack 1

I have considered all the videos and Ataru attributed materials online and given the whole topic a fresh perspective. These are my thoughts and techniques that I have put together drawing upon a vast array of martial back rounds.

Personally I think allot of Ataru is either not martially sound or is timing sensitive. What I mean by this is how often do you turn your back in a sparring session? How many times do you actually use Ataru? Ataru is cursed by its nature in that it requires almost a choreography level of anticipation.

I think this will be very interesting...

Ataru Fundamentals

1/ Suma
2/ Mobility
3/ Strategy:

1. Sound Martial Preparations.
2. Sound Physical Preparations
3. Practical Applications and Disciplines

4/ Anticipation:

1. The Art of Anticipation has clear guidelines and signs that we can learn to wield and perfect.
2. By using anticipation a greater level of control is archived.
3. By controlling the Space you are given more time and you defend by position: 'ahead of time'. Blocking without intending to block... Good positional technical mechanics built into your motions.

5/ Ataru Sar Suk: "Blade Suma"

1. Chakras: 7 Two handed Arcs related to constantly harnessing the momentum and kinetic power in your attacks.
2. Arcs: One handed Blade Arcs that perfect the blade control of both hands. Instruct in Cutting and Attacking and eventually prepares the way for Duel weapons specialization.
3. Meridians: Specific Spacial points and patterns of movement that defend and gain leverage. Attacking the space as opposed to attacking/blocking/defending their blade. One hand and two hands; the Meridians are not blocks or parries or even deflections. They are attacking the space itself like on a chess board initiating a strategy to control the dark squares, that simple idea can destroy an opponents ability to attack or defend. So rather then thinking of Obi Wan or Qui Gon blocking in the Duel of fates with his Ataru, rather think of it like Attacking the Space defeating their attacks and allowing control of the Attack Flow.
4. Channels: Specific Cuts from Guards
5. Sar Suk: "The Unending Blade" - Constant power, motion and control - "Peace in Attack" - "Mastery of Blade Inertia"

The Attack Flow

The Attack Flow is awareness of Time, Initiative, and the Momentum Stream. Like a river it ebbs and flows and at the right time bequeaths victory upon the wielder who uses it.

The Ataru Grip

Because of the constant motions and demands upon the wrist and body a wide grip has less sensitivity and mobility. That is why for myself the Ataru Grip is a forward Grip that is close; the rear hand up behind the lead hand.

Sar Suk Kai

The ability to strike, kick, and throw while using a lightsaber.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-szfbOLS_KY#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-szfbOLS_KY#ws)

Sar Suk Jar Kai

The duel wielding style that incorporates Ataru principles and motions and Sar Suk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVEQD6J7nas# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVEQD6J7nas#)

I will share as much as I can when I can ;D

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Sar Suk Mar

Sometimes called the "First Attack" because it would be the first Ataru lesson in Attack.

Starting in the Guard Stance: Left or Right

(Guard Stance: Ataru Grip – Two hands on the hilt aligned with the plexus, heart or head - Lead leg opposite to Guard. If for example it was a Right Guard then the left leg would be lead)

(Mar = Thrust)

There are 5 Mar that launch from Guard and return. Each Mar can return to Guard 2 ways; Retracing back along its path into Guard or Replacing (Raking) through into Guard.

Starting in the Right Guard Stance: Quadrants change sides when the Guard stance changes sides.

High Mar 1 (Number referring to Quadrant) - Outside Line (Blind side): Attacks the head from the left hand side. Unless it is the Mar Ku: (Straight thrust at hands) Each Mar folds so that it naturally forms an angle. If the blade had an edge it would be thrusting with the edge horizontal. Possibly forming a fluid riposte but that is not the reason to do it. It is merely closing down the quadrant as it thrusts.

High Mar 2 (Number referring to Quadrant) - Inside Line: Attacks the head with a thrust from the right hand side. Folding as it extends to thrust with a natural angle. Quicker then Mar 1 because it extends straight out as it folds around. Make sure to be horizontal and not over fold and hang the tip of your blade.

Low Mar 3 (Number referring to Quadrant) - Outside Line (Blind side): Same angle thrust as Mar 1 but instead of the head it is aimed at their hands/weapon.

Low Mar 4 (Number referring to Quadrant) - Inside Line: Same angle thrust as Mar 2 but instead of the head it is aimed at their hands/weapon.

Mar Ku - Fast Straight thrust into their hands/weapon. Out and in back to guard.

Sar Suk Mar Drills

1/ Practice every Mar with both Retracing (rebounding back into guard the way it came) and Replacing (rake with follow through back into guard)

2/ Practice with Lunge

3/ Practice with Passing Step: The lead leg steps across and forwards to the left or to the side; and then the rear leg steps forwards and through.

4/ Practice with Side Step: The Rear foot steps forwards and across and the lead becomes the rear leg.

It teaches how to advance while also stepping off the line; lunge into thrust, how to thrust from Guard Stance, the 4 Spacial Quadrants, the 5 thrusts of Ataru, thrusting from both Left and Right Guard Stance, and 2 ways to return to Guard: One retraces back the way it came quickly, the other way follows the track of their thrust around and through into Guard.

Things of Note:

1/ No spins, flurries, flashes of brilliance or complexity. Simple, efficient, and has 3 disarming attacks and 2 killing attacks.

2/ Teaches reach and timing and static (No Footwork) and dynamic (With footwork) Thrust Attacks.

3/ All the Mars angle themselves as they extend to thrust around any defense except Mar Ku.

If you like to try out new things or just love Ataru; give this a go. I have given this considerable meditation and experimentation. Please let me know what you think and how you found them?

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Mobility: "Projecting Force"

There are already wonderful works in TPLA and other videos on the Ataru Suma. Mobility is the ability to threaten at a distance.

I have broken down Mobility into three levels of Skill:

1/ Learner: Competence with one of the Mobility Disciplines.
2/ Proficient: Competence with two of the Mobility Disciplines.
3/ Attained: Competence with three of the Mobility Disciplines.

Each can be practiced individually or all together. If you become Attained then your Ataru; under what I have devised; you become 'Mobility Competent'.

Mobility Discipline 1 - Learner

This Mobility Discipline teaches the Learner how to move, advance, turn and shift like a Cobra.

1/ Break down each motion.
2/ Take note of how the upper body moves in relation to the lower body.
3/ Notice how the front foot moves across before the rear leg steps through and how when stepping backwards the rear foot steps across before the front steps back. They step inside onto the line and also outside the line as I tend to do.
4/ Notice the little bunny hop. This art is one of the oldest martial disciplines in the world, everything has its place, even what you think is unnecessary.
5/ Learning these steps with and without a blade will change your entire way of moving and fighting. As if out of nowhere you will find they save you and give you a tempo over your opponent. I first saw this in India and thought "Oh look they are dancing with sticks." Then I saw the two guys go at it and decided it was a deadly art worthy of attention. It did not suit my Western model of battle but every so often I would come back to it over the years and it comes out of me surprising even myself. I found this video and think it excellently gives you the core movements.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqa_M9MIM4s# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqa_M9MIM4s#)

Mobility Discipline 2 - Proficient

This Mobility Discipline teaches the Proficient how to Flank, advance, retreat with a rhythm. I also applied this to the Oramac guards in the Reverse Grip - Pro's and Con's but this was my original use for it.

1/ Proficient is a level of evasiveness that is battle practical.
2/ Everything must move naturally and seamlessly.
3/ Avoid rushing from Proficient to Attained; I recommend these steps until they are reflexive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGN4yFAeNAs#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGN4yFAeNAs#ws)

Even though they apply to Boxing they are universally practical movements.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtQHnIJEm4#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtQHnIJEm4#ws)

Practice the Foot work until it is like taking a walk. Practice with the Ataru Guards and without.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8leUqNJY1M#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8leUqNJY1M#ws)

Mobility Discipline 3 - Attained

Take your time with these and break them down into their elements...

1/ This art harnesses the Sar Suk of their Blades.
2/ This instructs on the Arcs.
3/ Take your time and enjoy.
4/ This may seem like allot but really you will find they repeat fundamental spins, turns and motions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuLkNFoZJBk# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuLkNFoZJBk#)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ5UVbSaMJI# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ5UVbSaMJI#)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFwRHuj3E-I# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFwRHuj3E-I#)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMO-ZIok6dg# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMO-ZIok6dg#)

There is allot to think about, learn from and discuss; I hope everyone enjoys this post as much as I have researching and developing it.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Meridians

Meridians are key angles and points in space that ancient arts use to control the space and attack.

I have reviewed probably over 40 clips and videos to elect the very best to teach about the Meridians. Think about this not in terms of attack or even the defensive section. Think of this as controlling lines of energy and points in space. Practice these always with both hands. This level of control will reflect in your attacks and blade control.

If you control the lines of energy in the space, the angles and points, you will be controlling the battle at a level most people are not even aware exists. It is about spacial, positional understanding; they just see it as cut and thrust; you will begin to see it how the space dominates motion and time. Think about this as you practice the Meridians.

Each Meridian is practiced slowly at first and then with ever greater speed. Start with the first video and then progress to the second. Avoid favoring one hand over the other.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxk1Gtj5b1w#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxk1Gtj5b1w#ws)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx6y-tbQvuE# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx6y-tbQvuE#)

Rather then attack or defense this is about control of the lines of force all around you.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Sar Suk Hara

Controlling the center is very important. Centralization of your breathing, gravity, blade and intention. Especially against someone with a range weapon or longer reach or a range style. (Lunging) For example 11 minutes in...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkzv2yEERE#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkzv2yEERE#ws)

Swinging your blade over your head, spinning, high guards and low guards can all give openings that are not recoverable if they have the advantage of reach.

Staying in the center with your attacks and hilt is very important.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qlk2xa-auc# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qlk2xa-auc#)

In my understanding of Ataru it does not block so much as control the space around it. Always looking to attack and move to new angles. Attacking the space is defense ahead of time. Blocking is concerned with equal and opposite reaction to their attack. For myself when Ataru blocks it is attacking the position, where the tip finishes into that point in space. No lukewarm motions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OutDB9_MVJ4# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OutDB9_MVJ4#)

The Hara is important for body mechanics, opening and closing your hips and center will create power and rotation. Leverage come from breaking their center by merging your own, the Hara begins and finishes with your breath.

The Suma turn around the center and require the full commitment of their enemy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqWnpNULkLA#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqWnpNULkLA#ws)

By not over committing, by rolling the blade through and around back into the center constantly; you can vary your attacks and punish any weakness in the center.

In this video you will see someone in the Ataru guard stance who had no intensity or control over the center. One should know how to cut with the wrist and with the body and somewhere in between.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpSQcfxo9Q8# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpSQcfxo9Q8#)

What was his weakness in his Hara?

His blade was in no-mans land trying to parry and all the attacker had to do was vary slightly his line while cutting. Here is the video that is the essence of Hara and how to attack with Ataru (In my opinion only)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae7XwIE6cWw#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae7XwIE6cWw#ws)

Sar Suk Hara (Centralization) will serve you well and prepare you for the intensity of attacks you will face.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Thank you Master VorNach ;D

I was going to ask permission to post those.

You are exactly right Master VorNach; what I meant was some techniques are more situation and time dependent then others. Take for instance the Meridians. They are reflexive and less time dependent then say the Suma. Still you are exactly right. Thank you for posting these; I didn't want to do it myself.

I still think much that is out there is choreography Ataru not martial Ataru. Take for instance the CAP footwork, it is very combat oriented though it looks like a dance. Much that is shown for Ataru may even look combat effective but is really a performance based set made to appear like combat. I hope my meditations and thoughts about Ataru enrich the whole field of Ataru for everyone.

Gatka:

"Gatka is a weapon-based martial art associated with the Punjab region. It has also traditionally been practiced by other ethno-cultural groups in India and Pakistan. The word gatka properly refers to the wooden sticks which were used for sparring. It might have originated from the Sanskrit word for sword (khadga), or it may derive from the Persian khat. While it is primarily an armed fighting style, gatka also incorporates pehlwani as part of its empty-handed training component.

Gatka can be practiced either as a sport (khel) or ritual (rasmi). The modern sport originated in the later 19th century, out of sword practice in the British Indian Army during the 1880s. It is played by two opponents who spar with wooden staves intended to simulate swords. The sticks may be paired with a shield. In a stricter sense, gatka may refer specifically to this sport. The various other weapons are taught in the ritual aspect of the art. These are demonstrated in preset routines. These older techniques should more properly be called shastar vidiyā (ਸ਼ਸਤਰ ਵਿਦਿਆ, from Sanskrit sastravidya or "knowledge of the sword"), but today gatka is often used to refer to Panjabi or Sikh martial arts in general. This is considered slightly inaccurate, however, as gatka and its related methodologies of shastar vidiya have been historically practiced by other ethnic and religious groups for centuries."

Gatka looks like a dance and appears ritualistic but some of the most deadly swordsmen in the world come from tiny villages practicing Gatka. This is why its footwork is my Attained level of Ataru Mobility.

Much that appears as "Ataru" (Just in my opinion; I may be completely wrong) is not combat effective although it looks great. Gatka practitioners may be the closest equivalent to Force assisted Ataru in the world but not many people are even aware of their prowess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhfZV2DN964# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhfZV2DN964#)

What do you think about the my take on Ataru so far?

Do you have any questions or need for clarifications?

What have you learnt which was new for you?

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Sar Suk Par 1

Sometimes called the "Second Attack" because it would be the second Ataru lesson in Attack.

"In golf, Par is the pre-determined number of strokes that a scratch (or 0 handicap) golfer should require to complete a hole, a round (the sum of the pars of the played holes), or a tournament (the sum of the pars of each round). Pars are the central component of stroke play, the most common kind of play in professional golf tournaments."

Pars are blade strokes that are the most common and fruitful. Learning these attacks will allow even a complete novice to Shake and Bake victories even against skilled opponents. I have a great frustration when I see people trying to be clever and brilliant when a simple, efficient attack would have not wasted their time or energy.

Each Par attacks specific guards and targets following the principle: "Closest Weapon to Closest Target."

Just using these techniques you can cause grief and frustration to people who love to attack interrupting their plans and defenders who love to counter find they don't have the time they thought they had with vicious reach attacks that release the lead hand. Give these a go and throw them without hesitation into your sparing. Even with these Pars masters will find you extremely fortified; each Par is not unique; they are just the most common and efficient way to attack. Sar Suk Mar lays down many of the foundation stones so that your Pars are well timed and ranged.

I guarantee and promise you that once you learn these you will use these; most people do at one point or another.

How many Sar Suk Par can you get in one sparring match?

Par 1

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Quick Advance as your guard extends out closing the quadrant into...
3/ Descending Cut Left - Target: Hands/Hilt - (Direction tells you which side it is cutting too/finishing)

Par 2

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Feint at the Head....
3/ Horizontal Cut Right - Target: Hands/Hilt (Two hands and Released: Lead hand releases and the left hand uses its extra reach.

Par 3

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Slow Advance into... (Perfect time to fake high)
3/ Horizontal Cut Left - Target: Hands/Hilt (Two hands and Released: Lead hand releases and the left hand uses its extra reach.

Par 4

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Slow Advance into... (Perfect time to fake one side and cut the other)
3/ Descending Cut Left or Right - Target: Hands/Forearm

Par 5

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Jump and switch over to the Left Guard Stance - Changing lead legs neither advancing or retreating.
3/ Released D-cut - Target: Hands/Hilt

Par 6

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Attack Guard Right (Possibly blocking or chambering) into...
3/ Released H-cut Left - Target: Leg/Knee/Hand - The speed and extra reach takes their leg off at the knee.

Par 7

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Drop Block Left.
3/ D-cut Head rolling around into...
4/ D-cut Head into...
5/ Released H-cut Left - Releasing the lead arm swing through at their lead leg with the left hand only on the hilt.

Par 8

1/ Starting in the Left Attack Stance. Right leg lead. Same stance as guard but now the blade is lifted up over your head as though blocking a strike.
2/ Lead Backwards Spin - The lead leg spins backwards/Anti-clockwise while...
3/ Released D-cut Left flows with the foot work.

Par 9

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Attack Stance Right into...
3/ Front kick with lead leg

Par 10

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Switch into Left Attack Stance. Right leg is now the lead. To switch sides you can step but jumping is quicker.
3/ D-cut Head while lunging.

Par 11

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Attack Stance Right rolling left into...
3/ Left Drop Block rolling into
4/ D-cut Right

Par 12

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Quick advance while left shoulder chambering (The blade lifts over the shoulder like carrying a sack of potatoes) This also deflects away attacks with he false edge or back of the blade.
3/ D-cut Right - Target: Hands/Hilt

Par 13

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Lift into Attack Stance Right in response to their D-cut at your hands/head.
3/ A Slow Retreat just out of range at the same time that you lift allows for them to exhaust their energy and motion.

Par 14

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ D-cut Left - Stopping in the center
3/ Close the right high Quadrant
4/ Lift into Attack Stance Right
5/ D-cut Head

Par 15

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ D-cut Left - Stopping in the center
3/ H-cut Left
4/ Released Low Mar 4 - Target: Heart

Par 16

1/ Starting in the Right Guard Stance. Left leg lead.
2/ Attack Guard Right (Possibly blocking or chambering) into...
3/ Released D-cut Left - Target: Hands/Hilt

If you love attacking jump right in and start playing with these you wont be disappointed. Remember you can reverse these and practice them in their opposite stance and movements. Each Par is simple and devilish to use and stop.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Quote from: Bluesky on April 03, 2013, 05:00:18 AM

Thank you Master VorNach ;D
I was going to ask permission to post those.

TPLA videos are produced under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Please feel free to re-post and share.

Quote from: Bluesky on April 03, 2013, 05:00:18 AM

I still think much that is out there is choreography Ataru not martial Ataru....[] Much that is shown for Ataru may even look combat effective but is really a performance based set made to appear like combat.

That may be true for some sources out here. Our videos show our interpretation, which is very much as a martial application. We are offering martial arts applications, but that's our interpretation. Anyone is free to develop their own whether for application or choreography or use someones practical application to develop choreographed material.

Quote from: Bluesky on April 03, 2013, 05:00:18 AM

What do you think about the my take on Ataru so far?
Kind Regards
Bluesky

I have not had time to go through most of what you have written here, beyond what I have replied to.

Thank you Master VorNach ;D

As much as possible I am trying base my understanding upon attack and world wide variety when it comes to attack. If you find anything you like please share with with me or others; that is why I am posting.

My Ataru is like a tool kit; all the tools neat and in their place. Your videos are an excellent source that definitely inspired my research and development.

In fact TPLA videos really are the bench mark when considering martial Ataru and that is what I am interested in as well. The choreography Ataru is not a bad thing; in fact I think it looks amazing. I just prefer the martial aspects over performance like yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZPZ4cl1x98#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZPZ4cl1x98#ws)

I have covered so far in summary:

1/ Sar Suk Mar: Angle Thrusting + Stop Hit
2/ Sar Suk Kai: Martial Practice
3/ Sar Suk Par: Fundamental Attacks
4/ Mobility: 3 Levels of Competence - Learner/Proficient/Attained
5/ Meridians: 12 Angles and defenses all teaching spacial control.
6/ Sar Suk Hara: Centralization
7/ The Art of Attack 1: Review of Ataru Elements

Each tool in my Ataru tool kit is designed to fit nicely with any other Ataru system. They are simple and effective and helpful whenever you need them.

I hope everyone uses whatever catches their eye and shares what they found useful ;D

Kind Regards
Bluesky
PS - Thank you Master VorNach for your excellent work on Ataru. Your work on Ataru is the standard.

Ataru - Sar Suk Par 2

Sometimes called the "Second Attack" because it would be the second Ataru lesson in Attack. Please work through Sar Suk Par 1 for a explanation of the Pars.

Attacking the Guards and space; the Pars have seconds to accomplish their task. They attack the quadrants and center line with power like a bird of prey perching in the tree launches into flight. In any exchange of strokes few people are prepared to defend after attacking; their reflexes significantly slow against counter attacks. Bull mentality is similar to siege mentality. Both significantly narrows the focus. Good Hara means you are always returning to the center or closing a quadrant (High Left/High Right/Mid-Left/Mid-Right)

Tiers of Attack/Exchange

Tier 1 - Attack/Defense
Tier 2 - Attack/Defense/Attack
Tier 3 - Attack/Defense/Attack/Defense
Tier 4 - Attack/Defense/Attack/Defense/Attack
Tier 5 - Attack/Defense/Attack/Defense/Attack/Defense

Each Par follows this basic tempo while looking for the initiative to attack twice in a row. Tier 1 s the most common and Tier 5 is the least because the deeper the order of strokes the deeper the complexity and resulting errors. Forms are excellent for discipline and skill but can create the illusion of higher order mastery. In chess; calculation and anticipation of a number of moves deep requires plans and themes to organize the troops together. In Ataru; an attack centric form; the main emphasis is Tier 2 and Tier 3 orders of complexity. There is a number of reasons why for this:

1/ Simplicity and efficiency.
2/ Error reduction.
3/ Control of the Hara.
4/ Accuracy and speed.
5/ Attacking their choices by closing quadrants.
6/ Probable effectiveness as opposed to slavery to form.
7/ Highest Percentage of victory.
8/ Training Gains: Many people train for year with very little success or gain often becoming frustrated. Train for success; achieve success. Train for perfection; achieve frustration. (Victory is often not pretty)

If you only have 3 hours a week to become truly proficient; you need to get the most from every session:

1/ Interval/Cardio
2/ Work smart not hard.
3/ Get a teacher.
4/ Cross train different arts.
5/ Have fun; activate your creativity (Play music while you train!)
6/ Teach others or have a training brother or sister - Helping others helps yourself - The teacher learns twice...
7/ Organized preplanned sessions. Go into your practice with a clear list of objectives.
8/ Don't stand around waiting fro your turn; work the basics and keep warm and moving.
9/ The right equipment; make sure you are safe and stretched. Don't develop habits of just jumping straight in. Stretch and protect your body.
10/ Don't train in areas where you could damage or injure the property or people.
11/ Before swinging around; look around quickly for anyone accidentally getting close; also like a chef; ALWAYS say "Back" to let them know you are near.
12 Be humble - When I was young armoring up and whacking away or winning fencing meets I was very full of myself. Trust me, if you are humble and teachable you will learn faster and not be laid on your .....

The world is full of different styles, skill levels and unusually talented people. Be open and good natured as well; show respect, courtesy and honor.

We see here in this video some examples of Luke in Ataru Guard Stance closing the quadrant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzu9VEHV-98# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzu9VEHV-98#)

If you have any thoughts or Ataru techniques please share.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Sar Suk Par 3

Each Par has an innate ability to overpower and dominate and sit over their positions and attacks like a blanket. Although they seem simple they are established and natural attacks. Anyone with any style can use them and become unmatched with them.

Because they are simple and powerful they don’t need Over-thinking – At all times you must have an attitude of unrestrained aggression. You need to not only just dominate but make them feel whatever they throw at you is turned against them. If they set any guard the Pars don’t sit around and wait they pound on the door. Any time they try to extend and occupy the center line (Makashi/Fencer) It closes that door and attacks them, their hands and their ability to react.

Modern Fencing closes the Blindside Mid-quadrant because it means the larger inside quadrant is the natural, power quadrant.
The Ataru Guard Stance closes the Power, Inside Quadrant opening the Lead shoulder/arm/flank. This means some very important technical features must be understood.

1/ Closing the Inside quadrant is like the Fools guard. The weakness of the open chest/body targets encourages their attacks and overextension and exhaustion. All you have to do is advance aggressively and they will fire out at your targets and you can then retreat/Block and counter attack.

2/ The two center files of the chessboard are the most important files. Closing one file you open the other. Prophylaxis or over protection is the concept of over defending because you know that is where they are coming for you so you want to get their ahead of it with extra resources. How does that work in the Ataru Guard Stance? Like a corral (Horse Enclose) you can know the gates around the center are open and close them powerfully and violently, attacking the space; a very important Attack concept of Ataru (As I have conceived and researched it)

3/ Footwork and distance control is very important to use the stance.

Closing the Gates

1/ High
2/ Middle (Hanging/Drop blocking or Mid-guard)
3/ Center
4/ Low

Many of the Pars attack these gates violently; a counterpoint to their attacks. For example; the moment they centralize attack their hands with a released cut. Make them choose guards away from the center; this gives you more time. A good exercise is every time they centralize run in a circle around them like a horse around a corral! Good for fitness and good for becoming center sensitive.

Ataru does not just attack with force assisted spins and flips and acrobats. It is methodical and clinical in its approach to Attack. It leaves no stone unturned when it comes to overwhelming and defeating a skilled opponent. Useful techniques are easily learnt and applied.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Sar Suk Haragei 1

Sometimes called the "Third Attack" because it would be the Third Ataru lesson in Attack. "In martial arts circles, Haragei refers to those arts which supposedly enabled the practitioner to sense threats or anticipate an opponent's movements." - wiki

In my understanding Ataru is very center sensitive and has specific responses to thrusts and center attacks. The Pars are strokes that attack the center, their blade; their hands; and their plans. (Interrupting attacks)

There are 32 Sar Suk Par - The Pars are so effective that even beginners can learn them and cause serious grief to their teachers!

There are 5 Sar Suk Mar - 4 Thrusts that angle into the quadrants and one stop hit thrust.

The first two attacks address cutting and thrusting attacks and the third focuses upon the center. These movements are effective against spear or thrusting attacks and how to move, counter and defeat them. Each Haragei is best practiced with a partner thrusting a staff at your center. Learn to wait and watch the attack and then respond once it crosses a threshold of distance set by your speed and timing. If you learn to wait and watch you will increase your Hara awareness and sensitivity.

When training by yourself, imagine the thrust coming violently at you and then respond, not before. Most peoples center weakens at some point while attacking or defending. Learn how to always come back to the center and gaze at the mountain sight (Solar plexus)

Haragei Special Practices

1/ Practice staring and activating your peripheral vision.
2/ Practice looking left and right or up and down without moving your head.
3/ Practice against a long range weapon like spear/staff.
4/ Practice both sides and practice with left hand in lead as well as right hand.
5/ Practice deep breathing, holding and expelling as you execute.
6/ Understand the space, the meridians, and the Hara.
7/ Teach someone else the Sar Suk Haragei - This will perfect your training when you pass it on.

Each of these attacks seems simple; the Mars are range attacks; the Pars are simple attacks from guards and the Hara's are counters to center attacks. As any teacher will tell you skill is built from the basics; especially if the basics have built in structure and efficiency. Ataru is the Science of Attack; this is its overwhelming compulsion and nature. I believe Ataru is a perfect compliment to Form 3. I believe that Ataru is a wonderful reason to re-examine attacking with the sword. Even though this is Sword Dancing - I believe this to be a good look at attacking. The spinning only came in once the opponent was injured and less mobile...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdZJUQ-s-Zc# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdZJUQ-s-Zc#)

Only Stage Ataru allows for abandoning the center. Common success is not common. To maximize survival one must be simple and repetitive and clear cutting as opposed to dazzling and wild.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhFiNpTTHI#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJhFiNpTTHI#ws)

Haragei or "Stomach Sensitivity" is about defeating them through the center and defeating their attacks through the center. A variation on Haragei is Harasao or "Blade Control" - Haragei deflects/intercepts or absorbs their center attacks while Harasao controls their blade to open their center. "Sao" in Chinese means; "to sweep, to wipe out, broom, to whisk..." So Harasao literally means; "Sweeping the Center!"

In the below video they regularly use all three Ataru Guards: Attack/Guard/ and Running. They also scoop and have some sense of blade control.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OulRd4yvIM# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OulRd4yvIM#)
"Without a Strong Hara and mastery of Haragei; the Harasao will be Weak and without Vitality."

I enjoy attacking and pressing my advantage the moment it presents. What I have learnt over the years is that you don't have to out muscle your opponent. If you have a simple organized disciplined center much just falls into place.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Ataru - Sar Suk Hara 2

Where does the concept of the Hara come from?

The Japanese word “hara” is variously translated as: : abdomen, bowel, belly, gut, mind or courage. It is a very important concept in both Chinese and Japanese culture – even in their religions. Below I offer a a playful linguistic romp to introduce some of the uses of “hara” in Japanese culture:

In Japanese it can be read as either “hara” or “fuku”. In Mandarin Chinese it is read as: fù (4th tone–falling). Japanese is tough that way; each character may have multiple readings — 3 or 4 readings per character is not uncommon. The Chinese language, on the other hand, is much easier– each character usually has only one reading.

Like many Chinese characters (the source of Japanese writing), “hara” is composed of several parts: On the left side of the character is the radical for “meat”. And for this character, the right side of the character only gives it the sound “fuku” and has no meaning related to the word.

Since the hara contains the vitality of an individual, a famous way to commit suicide is to “cut the hara” or “Hara-Kiri” (abdomen-cut). When Americans pronounce “HaraKiri” they ironically slaughter its pronunciation by saying “HariKari” (Hairy-Carry).

The characters for HaraKiri are 腹切りbut interestingly, if you change the order of the words, you get a more classic samurai word for this type of suicide : 切腹 “Seppuku”. This is one of the many difficult traits of Japanese — the pronunciation for a character depends on context.

Apparently, not only is the cutting open of one’s hara very painful, but one then dies slowly and painfully. Thus, to save “face”, a samurai committing harakiri will have a friend stand behind him so that once he has slit his belly open and sealed his fate, the friend would quickly chop off his head to save him a groveling and groaning death.

With the hara being the center of vitality, it is from the hara that anger arises. A common expression for “getting angry” is “Hara ga tatsu” or (“stomach stands/arises”). As the stomach stands, heat rises to the head! A very visceral description of anger.

So those were two unhealthy uses of the hara, let me end with two healthy tips on how to use your hara.

8/10 Hara

Don’t eat until your stuffed! Or, as they say in Japan, “腹の八分” (Hara no hachibun) which means “[only fill your] hara 80%”. In the picture to the right we have the good boy (symbolized by the “0″) eating small portions and the bad boy (symbolized by the “x”) who is stuffing himself.

Here is another picture showing the 8/10 hara idea in more literal terms. Before leaving this notion of eating small portions, I must tell you another common Japanese saying used to steer people away from obesity. It is said that if you eat right before going to bed you will turn into a [fat] cow. It turns out that this is partially true. When your body digests food, it does not produce human growth factor which is primarily made while sleeping. This in turn slows down your metabolism and thus causes weight gain. Or so I have read.

Hara Method of Breathing

腹式呼吸 (Hara Shiki Kokyū) is Japanese for “diaphramatic breathing”. This breathing method is taught in meditation styles of Zen, Yoga and many others. Here your lower abdomen expands with each inhale and contracts with each exhale. The chest does none of the breathing. Try it by lying down and placing a book on your abdomen. Then place one hand on the book and the other on your chest. Now, try to breath by only moving the book and not your chest. Once you have mastered is lying, it is easy to do while you are sitting. This sort of breathing is very calming. If you don’t believe me, try breathing only from your chest and watch your mood change!

Hara Dueling

Controlling the Hara is seen in all great Swordsmen. There are 2 Ways to Control the Hara:

1/ Occupation: Makashi/Angles/structure/Interception/Feinting/Reach

2/ Tension: Form 5/Kinetic/strength/Blade control/Threats/ Attacking the center from chambered positions for more powerful strokes.

2 Examples of Hara Dueling occurs in this video; watch it for the differences between Occupation and Tension:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmIkpRkgaZk# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmIkpRkgaZk#)

Watch as Luke dominates the center with Harasao: Lifting/Beating/Throwing from High and Mid-parries/ and Sweeping (Wide sweeping arcs that are weak at the end of their motion but can be hard to take advantage of if the attacker has the initiative. Once Vader's Hara was destroyed by losing both blade centralization and balance, he could never recover...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RFvAeSJgjc# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RFvAeSJgjc#)
I could of found just the fight but I wanted the full context of the fight as well.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Hi there from Australia ;D

Absolutely! - Obviously I draw from as many sources as I can - I will improve that but my point still stands about the Hara.

Thank you. To me it was no different as posting a video example; I am trying to pull all my thinking and research together; it was not to take credit for someone else's work; in fact I try my best in the time I have to share allot of information and ideas. People sent me messages about where I came up with the name so I shared my research showing I did not make it up; I should have been more rigorous and disciplined with my posting but I do my very best. You will notice that the Hara dueling was not mentioned in the article; just history and examples; positive and negative. As far as academic rigor I will try to improve as best I can. I give sources where ever I remember to.

I should have given my source/link! I actually learnt the concept of Hara in martial arts years ago but found this article summed up its history nicely. Like the title said; 'Where does the concept of the Hara come from?'

I will use as many sources as I can; my Hara research found this was the most comprehensive; showing where I got the word Hara "Stomach" / Center.

I do the very best I can but obviously everyone needs to research for themselves. The post before the last one was almost all my material except the wiki quote :o

I am not sharing this like a text book but will do my best in the future; you are exactly right about giving sources. I felt in the moment it was apparent but now see you are right. If you word search my entire posts you will find little is quoted from others but I do like to short cut the writing processes if I can with video and text. Thank you for helping me make this better; I will give all my research links in the future! (Ahh more typing!)

If there is any other ways you think I could improve please let me know - I can see I screwed up in my haste ;D

I am sharing this because I do take this martial side of the Jedi seriously; in the second last post I even quoted wiki... I hope you enjoy my thoughts and take it in the spirit it is given. I have been trying to improve my posts steadily; what do you think of the attacks I am developing for Ataru?

Kind Regards
Bluesky
Thanks Tanq ;D
Send me a message about what you think!

Hi Tanq ;D

I didn't take it as criticism; more as helpful advice ;D

I was trying to make my thoughts clear - I believed at the time it was obvious that it came from somewhere else because of the foreign language. I try to throw up other videos as much as possible to help share the concepts and just thew up the relevant text with the same abandon. I was grateful you picked me up on it actually. It is something I need to improve on in my haste.

I think if you reread what I wrote you will see I thank you more then once. I was just letting everyone know that my heart is in the right place, I screwed up and I will get better at it ;D

I have been getting better at posting and breaking up my research and thoughts and techniques but definitely know I am not perfect. Knowing I was grateful; reread what I said and you will see that I know I need work!!! I make it a point to, as best I can, provide the information so that everyone can get some benefit. The concepts about the center actually was what I was addressing and where I got the concept of Hara in my Ataru; the only thing that disappointed me was that it distracted from the theory.

I thought at the time it clarified the concept leading into my thoughts about Hara Dueling. I don't like just posting links generally because people have to go to another screen and many don't bother, I was actually trying to help :-[

For me it is about sharing all my years as best I can with some people who can use it. All mistakes are my own and I am very sorry. I know I am a bit of a long winded old guy; I hope you enjoyed the theory and spirit with which I am posting.

Kind Regards
Bluesky

Saber Forum

Way of the Saber => Saber Combat => Topic started by: Bluesky on March 21, 2013, 07:32:30 AM