Mastering the Art of Parrying, part 1

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When it comes to swordplay, parrying is one of the most difficult aspects to master. After all, it’s not about just raising your blade and hoping to deflect the enemy’s attacks. If there is no strategy, no thought behind it, a more experienced opponent will notice. And use this knowledge to dispatch you in an expeditious manner.

First of all, you need to learn how to parry in such a way that it doesn’t cost you much energy. If you simply block the hits while the enemy keeps on pummeling you, soon you won’t feel your arm. But if you hold your blade at a proper angle and use it to glance your enemy’s attacks, you will have to use much less strength. And this is just the first advantage of learning how to parry.