FORT AND FEEBLE.
The half of the sword-blade next the hilt is called the "fort," because it is the strongest place on which the cut of an adversary can be received. Always parry and guard with the fort of your sword, as, if you try to guard a cut with the "feeble," which is the remaining half of the blade, your guard will be forced, and the cut take effect.
DRAWING CUT.
The drawing cut is made best with a curved sword, and is executed by placing the edge of the sword on the object, and drawing it over it until it is severed. A good large mangel-wurzel is capital practice. Place the root loose on a table, stand at arm's-length from it, lay the edge of the sword lightly on it, and slice the root by repeatedly drawing the sword over it. This is very difficult, although it looks easy enough, and is sure to jar the arm from the wrist to the shoulder the first time or two, while the sword glides off as if the root were cased in polished steel. However, a little practice will soon overcome the difficulty. This cut is much in use among the Sikhs.
GENERAL ADVICE.
Never look at your own sword, but watch the eye and sword-wrist of your opponent.
Remember that the great point in this exercise, as in fencing, is to gain time. Endeavor, therefore, to advance your point nearer your adversary than his is to you.
Begin the assault out of distance, so that neither party can complain of being taken by surprise.
If the two parties exchange a cut or a thrust at the same moment, the one who gave his cut or thrust in the third position is victorious.
When a cut or thrust is made, the one who receives it passes his sword, i. e., stick, into his left hand, and his opponent comes to inside guard.