Basic Art of the Sword and Light saber Combat

I am a rapier swordsman, and fight close to the Niman style VI of light saber combat. Defense is the best offense. If we look at the fiction we see both European and Oriental styles. Vader's uses more of a long sword technique, Dooku is more of a rapier fighter and Maul deffinately fights with a bow staff (oriental) technique.

I've studied and blended so many fighting arts over the past 30 years I have difficulty telling where one ends and another begins...when training I constantly blend and shift styles so fluidly it becomes its own artform....when compared to the 7 saber forms plus the various lost forms it is easy to spot elements from all of them.

When I began learning the katana I began adding in fencing grips, thrusts, parries, and footwork...things a katana isn't intended for, but the element of surprise becomes very beneficial....I frequently change hands,grips, etc...being ambidextrous comes in handy....

European fencing a long, ling time ago...

About 15 years of field experience in padded sword fighting.

Dao training in Gong Fu.

Self taught two handed broadsword with heavy Japanese influence.

Leaning toward the staff now, though...easier to carry around with you and not look alarming...