| There is almost as much variety within the types | | | | defense. |
| of two-handed swords as there is within weapons | | | | Most of your attacks with a two-handed sword |
| as a whole; broadswords, katanas, zweihanders, | | | | are going to be slashes. A quick wrist snap should |
| and more are all part of this subtype of swords, | | | | start your attacks, and you should be slashing, |
| and while there is a broad range of | | | | not chopping; you want to sort of drag the blade |
| weapon-specific techniques there are also a few | | | | powerfully across your opponent, in theory |
| basic skills that will help anyone looking to learn | | | | creating a deep and long cut; a chop is less |
| how to wield a two-handed sword, and that might | | | | effective and risks breaking certain kinds of |
| even apply to a few other weapons. | | | | swords. |
| The first thing you should learn is an appropriate | | | | And don't broadcast your attacks; there is no |
| grip. A key to a powerful sword swing is similar to | | | | reason to raise a sword far above your head for |
| a powerful punch; you want to make sure your | | | | an vertical slash, etc. Similar logic holds with |
| wrist is lined up well with the cutting edge much | | | | regards to thrusts; less is more. You shouldn't be |
| like how a straight punch is more powerful. You | | | | aiming to run someone through like you see in |
| can achieve this by lining up the back edge of the | | | | movies; you'll overextend yourself with absolutely |
| grip so that it crosses diagonally from the base of | | | | zero practical effect. |
| your index finger. Both hands should have this grip. | | | | For defense, you should still aim for a minimal |
| This might feel awkward at first; both wrists | | | | movement, and avoid direct blocks, as they slow |
| should be twisted somewhat outward, placing | | | | your counterattacks. Defensive movements differ |
| your wrists directly behind the edge of the blade. | | | | from attacks in that where with an attack you |
| Your second goal is to get good leverage; this | | | | want to move the tip of the blade, with a |
| involves placing your hands a decent ways apart | | | | defense you should move the base and handle |
| from each other; in fact, on swords with | | | | first. You want to keep the blade in line as much |
| pommels that make it reasonable, curling your | | | | as possible, and for low attacks where this is |
| lower hand's pinky under the base is often a good | | | | impossible you want to drop the blade straight |
| idea. Your goal is to get enough leverage to allow | | | | down your center before rolling it outward to |
| quick snap motions, allowing for quick attacks and | | | | block. |