Double Blocks (Combat Style 1)

by Oric of Holden

Blocking the enemy's blade with a two-handed weapon is a method used by strong fighters to stop the impetus of attacks and to force their assailants to abruptly end their assault combinations. This can only be done if you're brawny enough to absorb the brunt of the blow with your muscles, which is something that none but the most powerful of men can boast. The Paladins are known to be able to do this, although they are aided by the Fire Lord.

The usually resulting halt of the opponent's movement is an opportunity to take the initiative and defeat the enemy with skilled strokes. Going on the counter-attack is important once you've established a block or a parry with a two-handed weapon, as even though you might have been able to stop the first blow, the second and the third are sure to wind you due to the weapon's unwieldy nature. It is thus wise not to allow the enemy to gain any more advantages.

Galib al Marhan, the writer of the Art of Defense, is an advocate of evading blows. This is, of course, what you should do if you are attacked. That is, if you're not strong or skilled enough to parry the attacks coming your way. After all, everyone can step out of the way of a blade - but only a master can make it move aside.