Cutting the Clock Drill
Basic Footwork Drill
7 Guards Drill

Cutting the Clock Drill
	Purpose:	Repetitive practice of basic cuts
	Procedure:	5 cuts are made from High Guard (Roof) to each target line (see diagram) cutting from the end of the line (where the numbers are) into the center of the circle and following through. Beginning stance is reset after each cut. Cuts are made with a passing step. Making sure to switch from strong stance to weak stance after cut #4. Note: as a cutting drill, remember to cut properly: lead with your weapon, follow with the body, extend arms fully, and end in a new guard in a ready stance.
	Options:	start from other guards use shuffle step instead of passing practice cutting with the short edge through each target line increase number of cuts from each position

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Basic Footwork Drill
	Purpose:	Repetitive practice of basic footwork
	Procedure:	Place sword (or other straight object) on floor at a 45º angle (from straight ahead). Place your left foot (right-handers) above the sword 8-10 inches from the back end and a few inches to the left to allow the heel to turn. Step forward, over the blade, with a passing step. Then retreat back. Then, step out to your right with a passing step (do not step over the sword). Then retreat. Repeat 5 times. Then turn the blade and practice with your right foot forward.
	Options:	remove the sword or line from the floor; it is only a guide perform drill with blade changing from various guards use shuffle step instead of passing (forward foot starts behind blade instead of in front) increase number of repetitions

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7 Guards Drill
Pattern: Begin in High/Roof Step forward to Low/Fool Step back to Ox Step forward to Mid/Plow Step back to Nebenhut Step forward to Barrier Shuffle to Long	Purpose:	Repetitive practice of primary and secondary gaurds Practice transitioning between guards (as cuts and displacements)
	Procedure:	Drill begins with fighter in a strong High/Roof guard (right side for right handers). Fighter follows the pattern of guards listed to the left, advancing to one and retreating to another. When you reach the Barrier, make a shuffle step to the long guard. From here, the drill may move to the other side by moving the hands to the High guard position without moving the feet.
	Options:	Combine this drill with the footwork drill, stepping forward or out for each guard Complete drill with high intensity, as if actually cutting or displacing a blade

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