Sword grips and information

When using the sword with two hands the terminology can be quite similar to the staff as they both have 'Open' and 'Closed' strikes. This is of course in reference to the forearms. If they overlap or cross each other then they are Closed. If not then they are Open. You can then eliminate the need for left and right when doing strike training. You can just use either Open or Closed and it will all depend on the primary and secondary hand.
The primary hand is the one closest to the guard of the sword when you are gripping it. 
The below examples are working on that the right hand is the primary hand.

---

The first strike comes down vertically down the center line. Even though most think it is the easier one because it is only coming straight down it is one of the harder strikes to control as it descends.

Moves Open top to Open bottom down a horizontal line

The second strike comes from top left to bottom right.
Or: Closed top to Closed bottom moving diagonally

The third strike comes from top right to bottom left.
Or: Open top to Open bottom moving diagonally

The fourth strike cuts up from bottom left to top right.

Or: Low Closed to Closed top moving diagonally.

The fifth strike cuts up from bottom right to top left.

Or: Low Open to Open top moving diagonally.

The stab is an Open strike where the sword is thrust forward from many different points. The one shown here is from a prepared stance and the move is kept short and.. to the point.

What is not shown here is the needed twist at the end to withdraw the blade. Those movements will be included in the Lessons page