All in the Wrists

I’ve always had a bit of a weird time with application vs form. Like, the whole concept of it never seemed to fully resonate? I think this is probably because I aim to keep my intent consistent with techniques. It’s a whole rabbit whole I’ll save for another blog though, I don’t really wanna get into it yet. 

Swordbreaker, however, very much draws a definitive line. Like my other techniques, my intent remains consistent between form and application, yet the lack of a physical barrier to stop the momentum of the weapon very much changes the style of how it manifests. Right now, in the form, I’m doing all these turns and flicks and spins and whacks because I’m a slave to the momentum of the weapon. None of this is extremely applicable though, I think. The swordbreaker, in application, would be very much “swoop, smack, next”, I think (application has yet to be field tested, if anyone has a sword they’re no longer attached to, feel free to reach out (just kidding (sorta…))). 

I’ve reached the same conclusion I have with my other swordbreaker-related ponderings; it comes down to how effectively you control the weapons momentum. I think this is true for both a form and an application, although it manifests just a little differently. 

I’ve noticed with my form that repeated consistent use of the weapon puts strain on my wrist. Which is saying something, because I have pretty flexible wrists. Over the last week or so, I have started using a wrist brace with my weapon. It’s a pretty simple solution, I’ll admit, but it appears to be effective. That little bit of extra support has made managing the momentum significantly less taxing on my wrist and easier in general. 

Another approach I am considering is wearing a gauntlet or something similar on my offhand. I intent to trial this out slowly with some old sparring gear first to see if it is feasible, but my train of logic is that I am not committing to my techniques because of the need to control the momentum via natural dissipation/the lack of a physical stopping barrier. If I provide myself with a surface that I can use as a hands-on approach to directly stopping the momentum (pun intended), my possibilities open up. And for those more concerned with my physical wellbeing more than I am, my intent is not to wear armour as the soles means of stopping my armour-breaking weapon. It’s more so, like an extra tool yknow? Cuz right now I’m stopping it with my bare hand occasionally and I can’t keep doing that.

Alas, sourcing a gauntlet might not be the easiest thing I’ve done, so if anyone knows a decent way to do so, please reach out (for reals this time). I’m not looking for anything fancy or elegant, just effective.