Ataru - Pro's and Con's

[Bluesky]

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

[Darth Nonymous]

We have had a lot of good discusion on Ataru here already. Just so you don't go over old topics already discussed at length:

General Ataru talk:
http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=6403.0

The "multiple opponent" issue.
http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=9899.0

[Bluesky]

Thank you Master Nonymous

Kind Regards
Bluesky

[Bluesky]

Hi there from Australia 

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

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JCo3ap5tkQ" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JCo3ap5tkQ</a>

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

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmk1iStpovo" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmk1iStpovo</a>

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

[Bluesky]

Hi there from Australia;

I have been meditating upon Ataru and am looking at it as a widely as I can.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7YaHBylX4g" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7YaHBylX4g</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Iyj9LZxwbg" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Iyj9LZxwbg</a>

Kind Regards
Bluesky

[Bluesky]

To help me please post Ataru videos here! Thanks guys! Theory pending!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbQy7XhrdVA" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbQy7XhrdVA</a>

Kind Regards
Bluesky

[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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-szfbOLS_KY" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-szfbOLS_KY</a>

Sar Suk Jar Kai

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

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVEQD6J7nas" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVEQD6J7nas</a>

I will share as much as I can when I can

Kind Regards
Bluesky

[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

[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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqa_M9MIM4s" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqa_M9MIM4s</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGN4yFAeNAs" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGN4yFAeNAs</a>

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

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtQHnIJEm4" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBtQHnIJEm4</a>

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

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8leUqNJY1M" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8leUqNJY1M</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuLkNFoZJBk" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuLkNFoZJBk</a>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ5UVbSaMJI# (Embedding disabled, limit reached)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFwRHuj3E-I# (Embedding disabled, limit reached)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMO-ZIok6dg# (Embedding disabled, limit reached)

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

[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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxk1Gtj5b1w" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxk1Gtj5b1w</a>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx6y-tbQvuE" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx6y-tbQvuE</a>

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

Kind Regards
Bluesky

[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...

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkzv2yEERE" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhkzv2yEERE</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qlk2xa-auc" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qlk2xa-auc</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OutDB9_MVJ4" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OutDB9_MVJ4</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqWnpNULkLA" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqWnpNULkLA</a>

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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpSQcfxo9Q8" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpSQcfxo9Q8</a>

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 (Embedding disabled, limit reached)

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

Kind Regards
Bluesky

[Master VorNach]

Personally I think allot of Ataru is either not martially sound or is timing sensitive.... How many times do you actually use Ataru?
....
Kind Regards
Bluesky

As with all the Forms our approach is to view it as a set of principles that guide how a practitioner can respond in some situations and applies some techniques.
You could say the pretty much any approach is timing sensitive but it's no less martially sound than any of the other forms. It is tactically unsound in some situations but the underlying martial principles are valuable and have a great deal of use. We've talked about this (at length), check here if you'd like to see where we're coming from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64GIuicwQBI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFL3KaL2RLA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2dkeKBjv1c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKoLKnlOdr0

[Bluesky]

Thank you Master VorNach

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.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhfZV2DN964" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhfZV2DN964</a>

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

[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

[Bluesky]

Ataru - Sar Suk Kai 1

Ataru is a martial form that draws upon all martial arts and traditions. No one art has possession of all truth.

Ataru is a attack style that has refined for thousands of years and the Jedi are the pinnacle of that knowledge. (Well I'm sure the Sith would disagree )

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OVfatWjkOM" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OVfatWjkOM</a>

This video below is a good place to start for a inclusive martial practice.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNWQnVHei9k" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNWQnVHei9k</a>

The Great Ataru Master Yoda used it to overwhelm his opponents before he tired; martial practice gives you the fitness to sustain your attacks.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9swVmOxS6hQ" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9swVmOxS6hQ</a>

Kind Regards
Bluesky