Introduction to Direct Attack

This lesson addresses a fundamental question in Chinese broadsword (dao) combat: how to execute and sustain an attack when the opponent is not actively engaging. While previous lessons have covered defensive responses and counterattacks, this segment focuses on offensive continuity and pressing the advantage.

Power Generation and Control Mechanics

The practitioner initiates cutting power from the waist while maintaining fine control through wrist articulation. This approach leverages three progressively smaller circles available at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist—with smaller circles enabling faster, more efficient movement essential to effective swordplay.

Blade Angle and Cutting Efficiency

A sharp blade cuts most effectively when drawn across the target rather than struck flat against it. The dao's natural curve facilitates this pulling motion, and maintaining a slight blade angle ensures maximum cutting efficiency while delivering strikes.

Proximity and Elbow Position

To maximize speed with the relatively heavy dao, practitioners should maintain cuts close to the body rather than extending fully outward. This compact elbow position enables rapid transitions between offensive and defensive postures, and permits quick recovery if the attack fails or meets defense.

Avoiding the Chase-the-Hit Error

A common beginner mistake involves pursuing unsuccessful strikes without responding to the opponent's defensive actions. Effective swordplay requires practitioners to defend after their attack is repelled, rather than mindlessly pursuing contact, which can result in both fighters being struck simultaneously.

Sustaining Attack Momentum

When an opponent has defended but not counterattacked, the practitioner should continue pressing the advantage through sequential cuts. Using hip and waist rotation to steer the blade while maintaining the tight elbow position, the practitioner can execute continuous circular cutting patterns without losing control or balance.

Sequential Cutting Patterns

Practitioners can chain multiple cuts on the same or alternating sides by maintaining waist-driven momentum and wrist-directed precision. This circular continuity—exemplified in threshing wheat and figure-eight drills—enables fluid, economical sequences that sustain offensive pressure without telegraphing movements.

How to Fight with Chinese Broadsword 22- Direct Attack

Taoist In Black

Direct Attack

2 min read·7 key moments·PT5M35S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Direct Attack
•Power Generation and Control Mechanics
•Blade Angle and Cutting Efficiency
•Proximity and Elbow Position

In this video we talk about the mechanics of throwing a direct attack whether from the original ready position, or as a follow up to an unsuccessful attack.

Related Techniques

Beat Attack Coupe Attack Disengage Attack

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about direct attack?

This video covers introduction to direct attack, power generation and control mechanics, blade angle and cutting efficiency. It provides detailed instruction from Taoist In Black.

How long does it take to learn direct attack?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.