JKD. 5 Ways of Attack
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Direct Attack·totallycompleteJKD
JKD 5 Ways of Attack - Sample, Direct Effective Dawadah's JKD Training
Direct Attack
Genusディレクト攻撃(Direkuto Kōgeki)
HybridTranslation: direct attack
Overview
The Direct Attack is the simplest offensive action in foil, consisting of a straight thrust delivered in the same line as the fencer's blade engagement, without any change of line or blade deception. [1] The direct attack is executed by extending the arm fully while maintaining the blade in its current line position, then delivering the touch with a lunge, advance-lunge, or fleche. [1],[2] Despite its simplicity, the direct attack is highly effective when the opponent's blade is not covering the line of the attack, and it forms the foundation upon which all other foil attacks are built. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The direct attack (coup droit) is the most fundamental fencing action, present in every historical fencing tradition from the earliest treatises. [1] It is the first attack taught to beginning fencers and remains effective at all levels of competition when executed with proper timing and distance. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
The direct attack is the foundational offensive action in all fencing traditions, taught as the first attack in every fencing school. [1]
Competition Record
Direct attacks are common in all three Olympic fencing weapons, particularly effective in sabre where speed overcomes defensive reactions. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cutting, thrusting, or striking with a bladed weapon — edge alignment and trajectory determine cutting effectiveness
Joints Involved — Wrists (edge alignment and rotation), elbows (extension for thrusts, chambering for cuts), shoulders (arc of the cut), hips (power generation)
Force Vector — Varies — downward diagonal cut (kesa-giri), horizontal cut (yoko-giri), thrust (tsuki), or rising cut (kiri-age)
Weapon Mechanic — Edge alignment (hasuji) is critical — the blade must travel along its cutting plane for effective cuts
Position & Entry
From en garde position — Establish distance, extend the blade toward the target with a lunge or advance-lunge, recover to guard
As riposte (counter-attack) — Parry the opponent's attack and immediately riposte with a thrust or cut to the exposed target
From distance (preparation) — Use blade work (beats, feints, engagements) to create an opening before the final attack
Variants
Simple attack — single blade action (disengage, beat, or direct) to score
Compound attack — multiple blade actions (feint then disengage) to create an opening
Riposte — immediate counter after a successful parry
Counter-attack — attacking into the opponent's attack with priority or right-of-way
Videos
How to Fight with Chinese Broadsword 22- Direct Attack
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Direct Attack·Taoist In Black
In this video we talk about the mechanics of throwing a direct attack whether from the original ready position, or as a …
Filipino Martial Arts Training: Machete & Sword 6 Count Drill
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Direct Attack·Budo Brothers
Learn The Filipino Martial Art Pakamut: https://bit.ly/3b16ZDX Using a sword or a machete is foreign to most people. Bu…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
Direct attack in weapons practice refers to the initiation of an offensive technique without prior defensive engagement. Taoist In Black emphasizes that direct attacks with the broadsword begin from the waist as the power source, with wrist control directing the cut along various angles and lines. The instructor stresses economy of motion through smaller circular movements—preferring wrist-driven circles over larger shoulder or elbow circles—to maximize speed and efficiency. Maintenance of a tight elbow position near the body allows rapid return to defensive stance if the attack is parried or missed. Importantly, the instructor cautions against "chasing the hit," where attackers continue pursuing a target without responding to the opponent's defensive or counter-offensive movements. Budo Brothers presents direct attack within a six-count flow drill using machete and sword, demonstrating alternating strikes and defensive responses that train practitioners to recognize when an attack has landed or been blocked, then flow into the next offensive or defensive action. Both instructors agree that direct attacks require immediate readiness to defend or adapt based on opponent response, rather than committing entirely to a single offensive trajectory. The emphasis across instruction is on controlled, efficient motion driven from the body's center with limb-based directional refinement.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Taoist In Black — How to Fight with Chinese Broadsword 22- Direct Attack: Detailed mechanics of initiating basic cuts by generating force from the waist and controlling with the wrist; emphasis on maintaining tight elbow position for speed and defensive readiness; discussion of continuing attacks when opponent defends but does not counter-attack; caution against 'chasing the hit' without responding to opponent actions.
- Budo Brothers — Filipino Martial Arts Training: Machete & Sword 6 Count Drill: Practical six-count flow drill integrating direct attacks with defensive responses; demonstrates alternating strike sequences and the importance of flowing between attack and defense; emphasizes developing multiple application options from direct attack positions.
- totallycompleteJKD — JKD. 5 Ways of Attack: No substantive content provided; transcript contains only music notation without verbal instruction on direct attack techniques.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Modern sport fencing uses blunted weapons and full protective gear; injury rate ~2.5 per 1000 exposures (Harmer 2008)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— FIE — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for...
FIE Rules of CompetitionPDFHEMA — Legal in historical fencing competition {src— various organizations
Training Notes
✓The direct attack in foil is the simplest offensive action — a straight thrust from the en garde position directly to the opponent's target without any blade movement around theirs (Evangelista, The Art and Science of Fencing, 1996)
✓The direct attack is the fastest foil attack: the point travels the shortest possible distance from guard to target
✓Execution: from en garde, extend the arm with the point aimed at the target, then lunge to close the remaining distance — the arm leads, the body follows
✓The direct attack in foil establishes right of way: the extending arm with point threatening creates priority over the opponent's actions
✓The direct attack works when the line is open: if the opponent's blade is not in the way, the straight thrust is the optimal choice
✓The direct attack is the measuring stick for all other attacks: if the direct attack can succeed, no more complex attack is needed
✓Testing the opponent with the direct attack: the first exchange often uses direct attacks to gauge the opponent's defensive responses
Common Mistakes
!Attacking when the line is closed — the direct attack requires an open line; if blocked, use disengage or beat
!Not extending the arm before lunging — the arm extension establishes right of way and maximizes reach
!Aiming at a specific spot too precisely — the target is the torso; over-aiming causes hesitation
!Using the direct attack predictably — if always used first, the opponent will anticipate and parry
!Not maintaining point alignment during the extension — the point must stay directed at the target
!Lunging too short — the lunge must close the full distance to reach the target
!Not recovering to en garde after a missed direct attack — the recovery must be immediate
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1En Garde — assume the fencing ready position with proper blade presentation
2Advance/Lunge Preparation — close distance with footwork
3Attack — execute the touch with right-of-way (if applicable) and proper point/edge
4Recovery — return to en garde after the action
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Art of Fencing (Luigi Barbasetti, 1932)
1BookThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Alias sources — [1] FIE Rules of Competition [2] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014) [3] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
2BookOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996) [2] FIE coaching manuals
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationThe Art of Fencing (Barbasetti, 1932)
Alias sources — [1] FIE Rules of Competition [2] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014) [3] Classical Fencing (Rogers, 2014)
5CitationOn Fencing (Nadi, 1943)
Effectiveness sources — [1] The Art and Science of Fencing (Evangelista, 1996) [2] FIE coaching manuals
Community
Athletics
Requires
explosive lunge speed, finger/wrist dexterity, cardiovascular endurance
Favours
long reach (tall, long arms), fast-twitch legs
Key muscles
quadriceps (lunge), calves, forearm/finger flexors, core
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I generate power in a direct attack with the broadsword?
Lead the motion from your waist to generate force, then control the cut from your wrist. This approach prioritizes economy of motion and speed, since smaller circles from the wrist are faster and more effective than larger circles from the shoulder or elbow.
What should I do if my opponent defends my attack but doesn't counter-attack?
Continue attacking and press your advantage by maintaining circular momentum with your cuts. Keep your elbow tight to your body and use your waist to pull the sword into other cuts, rather than chasing a single hit.
Why is it important to maintain an angle on the blade during a direct attack?
A sharp object cuts most effectively when pulled rather than struck flat with pure impact. By keeping an angle to the blade and striking while drawing through, you maximize cutting efficiency, especially with curved blades like the dao.
How do I avoid getting hit while attacking?
After you attack, you must be ready to defend if your opponent counter-attacks, then return with your own attack. Chasing hits without defending leaves you vulnerable, since both you and your opponent can end up struck—an ineffective approach in sword fighting.
How does the Direct Attack work?
The Direct Attack is the simplest offensive action in foil, consisting of a straight thrust delivered in the same line as the fencer's blade engagement, without any change of line or blade deception. The direct attack is executed by extending the arm fully while maintaining the blade in its current line position, then delivering the touch with a lunge, advance-lunge, or fleche.
Where does the Direct Attack come from?
The direct attack (coup droit) is the most fundamental fencing action, present in every historical fencing tradition from the earliest treatises. It is the first attack taught to beginning fencers and remains effective at all levels of competition when executed with proper timing and distance.
Is the Direct Attack legal in competition?
FIE: legal — Legal fencing technique — governed by FIE rules for foil, épée, and sabre; HEMA: legal — Legal in historical fencing competition
How dangerous is the Direct Attack?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — modern sport fencing uses blunted weapons and full protective gear; injury rate ~2.5 per 1000 exposures (Harmer 2008)
How do I set up the Direct Attack?
The standard setup chain: En Garde → Advance/Lunge Preparation → Attack → Recovery.
How do I defend against the Direct Attack?
Standard counters include: Parry (Absetzen) — deflect the incoming blade with a counter-displacement / Void (Step Back) — withdraw from measure to avoid the cutting arc / Counter-Cut (Nachreisen) — strike into the opponent's opening during their attack.
What are the variants of the Direct Attack?
Common variants: Simple attack (single blade action (disengage, beat, or direct) to score); Compound attack (multiple blade actions (feint then disengage) to create a…); Riposte (immediate counter after a successful parry); Counter-attack (attacking into the opponent's attack with priority or rig…).
How effective is the Direct Attack in competition?
Direct attacks are common in all three Olympic fencing weapons, particularly effective in sabre where speed overcomes defensive reactions.
What are common mistakes when doing the Direct Attack?
Top errors to watch for: Attacking when the line is closed — the direct attack requires an open line; if blocked, use disengage or beat / Not extending the arm before lunging — the arm extension establishes right of way and maximizes reach / Aiming at a specific spot too precisely — the target is the torso; over-aiming causes hesitation / Using the direct attack predictably — if always used first, the opponent will anticipate and parry.
What are other names for the Direct Attack?
The Direct Attack is also known as Direkuto Kōgeki, Coup Droit, Straight Thrust, Direct Thrust.