Ellington

The choreography of a ninja and the slice of a Samurai is what you learn during a duel with Gabriel Gordon, 31. Gordon has sword fought since he was 7, when he trained under his uncle who taught Kendo, Japanese fencing.

Gordon's style is a mixture of Spanish and Japanese fencing. Spanish fencing focuses more on geometrical angles such as footwork, attack and defend, or parry. The Japanese style of fencing includes a two-handed wooden sword, designed from the ancient fighting swords of the Samurai. Kendo means "way of the sword."

Though he prefers a mix of the two, Gordon says: "I don't hold anyone to any style. They develop their own style through the practice of swordplay."

If you are interested in swordplay, it is not difficult to undertake. For starters, you need a practice sword and an opponent with a practice sword. Study a book or two—"The Big Book of Fencing" is a great book for beginners. Miyamoto Musashi's "Book of Five Rings" is more of a philosophical book for beginners to study.

After reading the books, pay attention to the movements of nature. Miyamoto Musashi, known as the greatest Samurai sword fighter, learned to sword fight from the birds in the trees and by the way the wind swept through the trees as they swayed back and forth. He learned from the mountains also. He went on to fight 60 duels and never lost one.

Studying and practicing are necessary, but knowing how may be more inherent than you think. "I believe that your being comes in the world already knowing how to swordplay," Gordon explains. "All he or she needs is that one person to remind him or her of the swordplay or someone to practice the art with."

Once you find your partner, try these beginner exercises: One partner holds his practice sword up to block the sword strikes from the other. Don't be afraid to move your body or sword while blocking the strikes. Alternate with the striking and blocking exercises. Once you feel comfortable with this exercise, then both of you can compete in a duel where you are both striking and blocking. Gordon even recommends an exercise that will improve your swordplay by 50 percent.

"The type of exercise I have is multi-cultural/national and has existed almost throughout the history of swordplay," explains Gordon. It has different names, but he calls it the "form" because it improves the constant state of attacking and blocking by 50 percent. During this exercise, the mind is in a state of attack and constant motion.

Choosing the right sword is also necessary. The Japanese katana sword is the universal sword. You can fight with it when Spanish fencing. In fact, there are Spanish fencers who prefer the katana sword. Gordon uses the Indian scimitar because "the more curve of the blade, the easier it is to slice."

"With a broadsword it's easier to make the mistake while defending yourself because there are two edges to look out for," he explains.

Practicing the art of swordplay brings a person closer to nature. While in swordplay, you feel the other person's presence and the nature rather than think about it.

Competing against Gordon is a physical and mental challenge. During a duel, you cannot take your eyes off the opponent. By watching his body and movements, you get the feel of what he is about to do. While you are focusing your attention on the sword, it throws your focus off. This is the prime opportunity for the opponent to strike you.

For more information on swordplay lessons, contact Gabriel Gordon at (601) 497-2907.