The Saber Legion: Official Training Syllabus. Love and represent your charters and who you are... Teach the ways of The Force to all...

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1 The Saber Legion: Official Training Syllabus. Love and represent your charters and who you are... Teach the ways of The Force to all... Through sabers all will be united... The Saber Legion 1

2 Contents. Introduction: Page 3 Explanation of Ranks: Page 5 Weapons of The Saber Legion Page 6 Examination Procedure Page 7 Internet Study Page 7 Syllabus Page 8 Padawan/Apprentice: i) Checklist Page 8 ii) History of TSL Page 9 iii) Members of TSL Page 9 iv) Rogue Squadron Page 10 v) Bows Page 11 vi) Saber Grip Page 12 vii) Shii Cho Page 12 viii) History Page 12 ix) Principles Taught Page 13 x) Stances Page 13 xi) Guards Page 14 xii) Marks of Contact Page 17 xiii) Sokan Page 18 xiv) Dun Moch Page 18 xv) Blocks Page 18 xvi) Parries Page 19 xvii) Development Page 19 xviii) Trajectory I Page 20 The Saber Legion 2

3 xix) Trajectory II Page 21 xx) Velocities Page 22 xxi) Written Piece Page 23 xxii) Shii Cho Summary Page 23 The Saber Legion 3

4 Introduction: The Saber Legion, (TSL), is a Custom Saber training group dedicated to the growth and continual improvement of its members, holding both the physical and personal development of its charters and individual members at the forefront of its mission. This syllabus has been created to ensure that high standards are maintained throughout TSL, and to provide a structured learning program and examination criteria for its individual members. It is therefore required that all members study the material within this syllabus to conform in uniformity of practice throughout TSL as a body and association. Within this syllabus you will find the internal grading system used within TSL, and the material and knowledge required to progress throughout the ranks therein. May the force be with you The Saber Legion 4

5 Explanation of Ranks. Initiate/Sith Acolyte: Initiate is the rank held by all new members of TSL. No prior knowledge is required at this point. It is to be considered the start of your personal Saber journey within TSL. Padawan/Sith Apprentice: Padawan is the rank held by those students that have passed their first official examination, or 'trials'. Padawans are expected to have a firm grasp of all the basic techniques taught within the first Saber form: Form I Shii Cho. In addition, all students must have passed their own personal trial given to them by their TSL Official Charter Representative, (TSL OCR). If a student is a solo distance learner, then the trial and examination will be assessed by TSL Founders, (TSLF), or members of Rogue Squadron, (RS). Knight/Lord: Padawans/Apprentices will progress to this level after having undertaken the respective examination. Again, each student will not only be given standard exam, but will also be given a test deemed to be both suitable and personal to each student. A student of this level is required to have a firm knowledge of the first four forms found within the TSL system. In addition to this, they are expected to have an advanced and personal knowledge of one of the four basic forms. Master/Dark Lord: Master/Dark Lord is a title given to advanced and experienced members of the TSL. A complete level of understanding of TSL is required, and this rank is only able to be bestowed by TSLF. A Master/Dark Lord is expected to have knowledge of all forms within TSL syllabus, though mastery of each form is not required. A Master/Dark Lord is expected to have chosen a personal form and weapon within TSL, and must display the utmost skill in both its practice, use and theories. An in-depth examination will be held, with all members of TSLF and RS as to the initiation of all members to this rank. The Saber Legion 5

6 Weapons of The Saber Legion. Members of TSL have many elegant weapons at their disposal that may be studied, each one with its own history, techniques, principles and practice. Below is the current comprehensive list of weapons that may be studied at this time. Saber: The saber is an elegant weapon for a more civilised age. It is the extension of the Jedi/Sith and his/her will, however it may manifest through the force. The saber comes in many variations. The general style is to be considered to be either of one or two handed grip with either a straight or curved hilt. A student may choose to use either one saber or dual wield, though a student is encouraged to learn the basics of each form with a single saber before attempting this. Though TSL recognises the whole weapon to be dangerous, TSL teaches only the use of the blade as a method of striking, blocking, or parrying. Saber Staff/ Double Bladed Saber: The staff or double bladed saber is a variation of the standard saber consisting of a large hilt measuring between roughly two to three feet. At each end is a saber blade of the length preferred by the practioner. The staff is an ideal weapon for both attack and defence against multiple opponents. Saber Spear/Halberd: The saber spear or halberd is a large hilt/staff measuring between 4 to 6 feet with a blade attached to the end. This is a very distinct weapon and favours both distance and accuracy. It is ideal for multiple opponents. The Saber Legion 6

7 Examination Procedure. Who: The student is able to take his or her exam or trial at the discretion of their TSL OCR. They must have a good knowledge of each area for the level at which they wish to be examined. The Examiner: The examiner must be the TSL OCR of at least Knight/Lord rank within the TSL system of saber combat. If a charter does not have a member of this rank, the examination will be taken by either TSLF or RS. Location: If a TSL charter does not have a TSL OCR of the required level to hold an examination the exam will be held either via a stable video link, or via of videos. Examinations and trials are to be considered to be private and a personal achievement, and thus we ask members to not post videos of their personal trials on TSL forum pages. Internet Study Long Distance Course. TSL recognises that students may be unable to either join a charter or may prefer to study alone, and will support these students with no differentiation held in the examination policies. With this in mind, TSL will hold examinations as and when required via video link or to support and train its long distance/internet students. The study material will be posted on TSL youtube tutorials page, and students are encouraged to post their training on the forum in order to receive regular feedback and instruction. This is to ensure that you the student will receive the attention you deserve, and ensures that the standards and quality of training and development within TSL remain to the highest standard. The Saber Legion 7

8 Syllabus. Initiate/Acolyte to Padawan/Apprentice: This section details the knowledge required to be learned in order for the Initiate/Acolyte to attempt his or her first Examination or Trail. Each of these requirements are expected to be understood on a proficient level to maintain a high standard within TSL. Each technique details not just the physical techniques that form the martial study of the saber, but also history and knowledge surrounding it. Requirements Checklist: Grip Bows Stances Guards Basic Cuts Basic Blocks Basic Parries Shii Cho Dulon History of TSL Members of TSL Mission Statement Physical Endurance Velocities Written Work The Saber Legion 8

9 History of TSL: TSL was founded by its two founding members Terry Birnbaum and Josh Linden in May It was created as a medium to bring saber fans together for the benefit and enjoyment of all! The Mission Statement: Love and represent your charters and who you are... Teach the ways of The Force to all... Members of TSL: Through sabers all will be united... The Founders: The Founding members of TSL are Terry Birnbaum, (Darth Gheis DaKaal), and Josh Linden, (Jedi Master Aldir Finn). Darth DaKaal Master Finn Jeedai Murishani: Leader of Rogue Squadron Training Team. Master Murishani oversees the development of TSL syllabus and deals with the TSL disciplinary issues. The Saber Legion 9

10 Rogue Squadron: Rogue Squadron are the Senior Support Team for TSL. They assist TSL Founders in the production and administration of TSL material. They also assist in the running of exams and trials. Glossary of Basic Terms Acceleration: A single movement exercise (e.g. Footwork, Stance, Cut, etc.) Velocity: A series of Accelerations to make a movement exercise set (Technique) Trajectory: A series of Velocities to make an extended exercise or movement practice Dulon: A series of Trajectories to make a complete exercise or pattern for a Form (Kata) The Saber Legion 10

11 Bows: Students will learn two bows for their studies. This will be performed in different ways depending on the students force alignment, and are expected to be performed in the required moments in training, sparring and duelling. They consist of the following: Informal Bow: The informal bow is a quick and simple bow used to demonstrate ones respect for the others around him/her. It is used at the beginning of charter meets, before sparring, and before drills. Formal Bow: The formal bow is used to focus the student and to demonstrate their acceptance of the situation they are about to face. It is a sign of respect to their opponent and is to be used in formal gradings/trials, duels and tournaments, and in Dulon practice and demonstration. The Saber Legion 11

12 Saber Grip: Shi Co is primarily a two handed style. Dominant hand (or power hand), should be near the top of the saber. The Control hand should be at least one hand width from the power hand for leverage. If you have a longer weapon your hand should be further apart to allow for maximum control and accuracy with the weapon. Your hands should be placed on the saber at a 45 angle. The student should not grab the hilt with their hands at 90. This allows for more power and control in cuts. This also allows the student to switch very comfortably from a firm to a light grip based on striking or blocking needs. Shii Cho Dulon: Yes No No Shii Cho is the first of the official saber forms taught within TSL. It teaches the basic movements required in all later saber forms and is considered the foundation to the fortress of saber skill. History: Shii Cho was the first saber form developed by the force wielding Jedi and thus is a simple to the point combat system designed to allow the wielder of the saber to move quickly and effectively from one side of the field of battle to the other. With this in mind, the form was designed to conserve energy and rely on major motor skills and bio-mechanics to ensure simplicity. Due to Shii Cho being the oldest of the saber forms, it forms the foundations for all subsequent saber styles. Shii Cho was not developed with long drawn out saber duels in mind. It was created for war where the wielder was required to cut their way through armies of droids and foot soldiers. Because of this it does not have the complex duelling tactics of Form II or the more advanced skills or mentalities of the other later developed forms. Shii Cho is however, a robust basic form and can be applied well to any saber scenario. The Saber Legion 12

13 Principles Taught: Focus Technique Footwork Mass Projection Mass Direction Stances: Front Stance: The body weight is placed primarily over the front leg. The front knee is bent and the back leg straight. Feet are spaced shoulder width apart. The distribution of weight is approximately 70% on the front foot and 30% on the rear. Rear Stance: Feet are approximately one shoulder width wide and one and a half shoulder width back. The front foot points towards the opponent with the rear either pointing directly to the side or angled slightly to the rear. Weight is distributed 60% on the rear foot and 40% on the front. The Saber Legion 13

14 Center Stance: Feet are spread two shoulder widths apart with the knees bent at 45. Weight is centered directly between the feet. Kneeling Stance: One knee touches the ground for balance in this low stance. The other knee is at a 45 angle. Guards: Standard Guard: The blade is placed in front of the body in a relaxed guard position. The arms should be relaxed and not braced stiff. There are 3 blade positions; Standard guard Tip to the neck, blade forming a V. Middle Guard Tip to the stomach, blade parallel to the ground. Low Guard Tip to the shins or ground, blade at a downward angle. The Saber Legion 14

15 Jedi Guard: The hilt is held level with the solar plexus the elbows and forearms horizontal to the ground. The blade points vertically upwards. High Guard: The blade is held vertically above the head with the forearms forming a triangle for the student to look through. Shoulders should be relaxed and not hunched up around the neck. Sith Guard: The blade tip of the blade is pointed horizontally towards the face of the opponent. Cross Guard: The hilt is pulled back across the face with the tip pointing directly towards the opponent. The blade is parallel to the ground. The Saber Legion 15

16 Rear Guard: The blade points directly behind the student with the point angled diagonally downwards. The arms are relaxed. Strikes: Directions of striking: This symbol represents the directions of striking and movement. Strikes enter into center from outside the circle while movement leaves the circle starting from the center. The red sabers represent the more powerful and straight forward cuts while the cuts the follow the blue sabers require more skill and finesse. Accelerations for both will be provided in video form. The Saber Legion 16

17 The Marks of Contact Various strikes are employed to attack the opponent s limbs and bodies. Marks of contact are used to illustrate the strike zones and strike lines to students. These are as follows: Sai Strikes: Sai strikes are sweeping powerful strikes and aim to cut through the whole of an opponent. Sai Cha: Severing the opponent s head. Sai Tok: Cutting through the entirety of the opponent's torso. Cho Strikes: Cho strikes are considered the standard controlled strikes focusing on causing the most effective damage with the least exposure of the combatant to danger. Cho Mai: Cutting and severing the dominant weapon hand. Cho Sun: Cutting and severing the limbs near the torso, (e.g. at the shoulder). Cho Mok: Cutting and severing the limb at the middle joint, (e.g. at the elbow or knee). Shiim: Shiim strikes are quick strikes inflicted with the tip or upper portion of the blade. Shiim strikes are perfect examples of quick and decisive counter strikes. Shiak: Shiak strikes are thrusting attacks delivered with the tip of the blade. A Jedi will often only use this strike for a direct hit to the heart, ending the fight mercifully. Shiak require great precision and control of the saber to hit key vital points. The Saber Legion 17

18 Sokan: Sokan is the use of the saber wielder's environment to his or her advantage. This could be demonstrated in the placing of ones back to the sun consequently causing the sun to blind an opponent, or the use of a corridor to funnel one's opponent's thus negating a number advantage. Students are advised to consider, study and understand their environment when using their saber. Dun Möch: This is the use of taunting one's opponent to a rash or dangerous decision so that the combatant may strike when the opponent is unfocused and open to attack. Blocks: Blocks are movements used to directly stop a blade or blaster fire connecting with the students body. The saber blade is placed in the way of the threat to disrupt the danger. Blocks are defined by the following: High Block: The saber is placed horizontally above the head to stop a falling strike to the top of the skull or torso. Mid Block: The saber is shifted in the mid guard to the left or right to connect with the threat and protect the torso or head. The Saber Legion 18

19 Low Block: The saber is orbited downward to connect with the threat and protect the legs or lower torso. Parries: Parries are orbital motions used to redirect, or guide the threat of the opponent away from the student. They are effective methods of entry into guards. FORM I Shii Cho, The Way of The Sarlac: Development: Shii Cho is the first form to historically be created by the Jedi of Typhon. Originally designed for use with Force Forged singled edged blades. The form was intended for use on the battle field and not one on one combat. Shii Cho revolves around the concept of simple and effective battlefield movement with minimal enemy expenditure. The strikes are simple and direct, as are the blocks and parries. Shii Cho is the foundation on which all later studies will be based, therefore constant vigilance to these fundamental principles must be included within every training session. There are not complicated flourishes or footwork within Shii Cho. It is Custom Saber combat at its most basic. However like the hammer on the anvil, its simple strikes carry immense weight. The Saber Legion 19

20 Trajectory I: 1. Formal Bow 2. Jedi Guard Move into Jedi guard back stance dominant with leg to the rear. 3. Sai Tok Step with rear foot and cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 4. Sai Tok Step with rear foot and reverse cross cut (from opponent's hip to shoulder). 5. Sai Tok Step with rear foot and reverse cross cut (from opponent's hip to shoulder). 6. Sai Tok Step with rear foot and cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 7. Step with rear foot into low guard front stance. 8. Sun Djem Step with rear foot and vertical rising cut into high guard. 9. Sai Tok Step with rear foot and vertical falling cut into low guard 10. Cho Mai Step with front to that same side into kneeling stance Horizontal cut 11. Cho Mai Turn 180 by pivoting to a kneeling stance on the other side Horizontal cut. 12. Shiak Step with your kneeling leg in the direction you started, kneeling stance Shiak. 13. Cho Mai Turn 180 by pivoting to a kneeling stance on the other side Horizontal cut. 14. Raise into cross guard back stance (do not switch your feet as you raise) 15. Shiak stab to the opponent's head. Dun Möch. The Saber Legion 20

21 Trajectory II: 1. Jedi Guard Swing rear foot behind at 45 and enter Jedi Guard 2. Shiim Cha Step with rear foot Front stance Shiim strike to the opponent's temple. 3. Shiim Cha Step with rear foot Front stance Shiim strike to the opponent's temple. 4. Sai Tok Step with rear foot Front stance Cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 5. Orbital Parry into Sai Tok Pivot rear leg behind to 90 parrying around the body, Front stance Cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 6. Shiak step with rear foot Front stance Thrust to the heart. 7. Sai Tok Double step Sai Tok Step with rear foot Orbital parry, Step with rear foot Front Stance Cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 8. Orbital Parry into Sai Tok Pivot rear leg behind to 90 parrying around the body, Front stance Cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 9. Shiak Step with rear foot Front Stance Thrust to the opponent's heart. 10. Sai Tok Step with rear foot Front stance Horizontal cut. 11. Sai Tok Step with rear foot Front stance Vertical cut (from opponent s head to floor) 12. Orbital Parry into Sai Tok Pivot rear leg behind to 90 parrying around the body, Front stance Cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 13. Sith Guard Raise blade to Sith guard 14. Shiim Cha Step with rear foot Front stance Shiim strike to the opponent's temple. 15. Shiim Cha Step with rear foot Front stance Shiim strike to the opponent's temple. 16. Sai Tok Step with rear foot Front Stance Cross cut (from opponent's shoulder to hip). 17. Block Pivot 90 into center stance Mid block and cover to the right. 18. Block Shift the hips to Mid block and cover to the left. 19. Cho Mai Step with rear foot Front stance cut at the opponent's wrists. 20. Sai Cha Pivot the rear leg behind into rear guard, Sai Cha taking the opponent's head at the neck. 21. Formal Bow The Saber Legion 21

22 Velocities: Velocities are combat sequences used within various forms. Whilst they are not techniques that MUST be employed, they teach the student examples of movement, parrying, blocking, attacking and counter attacking which are key examples of those used in each form. Students are to learn the key MENTALITIES of each form through the Velocities and Dulon of each form. Trajectory 1: Velocity 1: From Rear Stance Jedi Guard. Opponent waits in Standard Guard. With a Cross cut, beat opponent s blade aside. Press the advantage with 2 reverse Sai Tok Reverse Cross cut (alternating sides). Pause and reverse the pattern with a Sai Tok Cross cut (from shoulder to hip). Velocity II: From Front Stance Standard Low Guard Dun Möch. Opponent executes a vertical falling cut. Shift the rear leg back at 45 into rear stance, Cho Mok Vertical raising cut. Step Cutting Sai Tok Vertical falling cut. Trajectory 2: Velocity I: From Rear stance Jedi guard, Opponent in Standard Guard. Extend your blade into the center to press your opponent back. Step with your rear foot and orbit overhead to Shiim Cha. Step with your rear foot and orbit overhead to Shiim Cha. Opponent attempts Sai Tok Cross cut (from shoulder to hip). Step with your rear foot and Orbital Parry Sai Tok Cross cut (from shoulder to hip). Velocity II: From Rear Stance Standard Guard, Opponent in Sith Guard. Step with the rear foot Shiak, Opponent retreats to high guard. Opponent Return with Sai Tok Vertical Falling cut. Step with rear foot and Orbital Parry Sai Tok Falling Cross cut. Velocity III: From Rear Stance Standard Guard, Opponent in the same guard. Step with rear foot Shiak to press opponent back. Step with rear foot Sai Tok Horizontal cut (beating the opponent s blade aside). Step with rear foot Sai Tok Falling Vertical cut. Velocity IV: From Rear Stance Standard Guard, Opponent in same guard. Shift to Front Stance - Raise blade to Sith Guard (Pressing opponent s blade up). Step with your rear foot and orbit overhead to Shiim Cha. Step with your rear foot and orbit overhead to Shiim Cha. Step with your rear foot and orbit overhead to Sai Tok Cross Cut (from shoulder to hip). Velocity V: From Rear Stance Mid Guard. Opponent in High Guard Opponent cuts Sai Tok Vertical Falling cut (cutting through the center of the head and torso). Step diagonally with your rear foot to the side of the opponent, raising the blade to deliver a Cho Mai to the opponent's wrists. Pivot, delivering a Sai Cha to the opponent's neck, severing the head. The pivot ends with the student in a Front Stance Rear Guard. The Saber Legion 22

23 Written Piece: The student is required to write a small piece expressing his or her understanding of the above material in the syllabus. This is to be a small piece of writing in which the following format is to be used: Introduction: This is to be a small section expressing the focus of the essay, e.g. Shii Cho Its History and Principles It should include a short introduction on the material which will be contained in the body of the essay as described below. Body: The body of the essay is to include the following: History of Shii Cho, its development and how/why it was developed. Principles taught in Shii Cho, what this means with regards to the form, how this affects you and your movements and what it means to YOU. Basic strikes and blocks, what the strikes are with examples of how you would apply them. Explanation of Sokan. Examples on how you would use them and why. Explanation of Dun Möch. Examples on how you could apply them and why. Summary: This is to be a short paragraph to close the essay and may include any personal insight the student feels has come to them through their study of the form. It is primarily to finish and close the essay. Students should not feel intimidated by the written piece. If for some reason the student is unable to provide a written piece then the examination may be held via a live link with instructors from Rogue Squadron. Shii Cho Summary: Shii Cho is a basic but comprehensive part of The Saber Legion syllabus, therefore do not worry if you are asked to study it in depth before you are allowed to take the trials. This is only in place to ensure that YOU, the student, are at the best level you can be before you promote to more technically demanding forms. Therefore do not rush; take your time and absorb what this form has to teach you, for when you do grade you will be ready to tackle the next forms with a solid grounding in the basics of this syllabus. The Saber Legion 23