Dussack Drills 4

The fourth drill for cutting describes changing off with cuts fluidly through diagonal and horizontal lines. Specifically it tells us that in this context, if we cut through a diagonal, then we should change off with a horizontal cut after it, and then another diagonal on the opposite axis.

For example:

• Cut diagonally downward from right to left
• Cut horizontally across from left to right
• Cut diagonally upward from right to left

Or:

• Cut diagonally upward from right to left
• Cut horizontally across from left to right
• Cut diagonally downward from right to left

This movement teaches us many things. Obviously it provides proficiency with the blade, but beyond this it provides an alternative sequence of cutting to the openings to the Meyer Square, and moreover gives us an example of how we might turn a cutting parry from above or below into a slice across through the face.

Meyer finishes this section with three example drills:

Example with Six Cuts

• Step and deliver a Wrath Cut (Zornhauw) diagonally downward from your right.
• Gathering step and fluidly deliver a Mittelhauw from your left to right
• Gathering step and fluidly deliver an Unterhauw from your right to the upper left.
• Gathering step and continue the momentum around for another Unterhauw from your left to upper right.
• Gathering step and cut a Mittelhauw from right to left.
• Step broadly forward and deliver an Oberhauw through his head or face.

Changing the Cross by means of the Middle Cut

In this drill the Mittelhauw should be cut with extended arm more strongly than the diagonal cuts.

Starting with the right foot forward.

• Gathering step and cut diagonally downward from your right.
• Gathering step and cut diagonally downward from your left.
• Gathering step and cut from your right with a Mittelhauw into Mittelhut.

• Gathering step and cut diagonally downward from your left.
• Gathering step and cut diagonally downward from your right.
• Gathering step and cut from your left with a Mittelhauw into Mittelhut.

Repeat this sequence.

A Cross Change

Starting with the right foot forward.

• Gathering step and cut diagonally downward from your right into left Wechsel.
• Slash back up with the false/short edge along the same line
• In the manner of a Wechselhauw let the blade go around and cut down diagonally from left into right Wechsel.
• Slash back up with the false/short edge along the same line

Continue this cross cutting driving repeatedly.