Which sword fighting style is great for defense and counterattacks?

Question

I stink at going on the offense during duals but I'm great on defense, is there a way I can use it to my advantage?

(I use boffers)

Answer 1

Well for practice in Schools or for competition I find Kenjitsu good, Ia-do is great for forms and sword drawing. Ken-do is ok too, I just don't like all the gear.

They make a Shinai made of bamboo that are great.

No id not use it in the street of course but I assume thats not your purpose.

Answer 2

my best bet for you would be fencing. You have to be quick with those counters as soon as you see an opening right after you parried your opponents attack, but have to be VERY SURE you can counter since the opponent usually attacks more than once in a sequence.

as for Kendo....to be honest, I never tried it (formally in a match), but just from seeing it and trying it like 3 times, you have much more control over your bamboo sword cause your holding it with 2 hands and its quite heavy, soooooo.....if your opponent misses big time, he'll have a hard time trying to stop the momentum of his bamboo sword and leaves him wide open for a stab (if he missed by swinging, MY choice)

but at any rate, its all practice, attaining good offense is not impossible, just keep practicing what you know and ask for help and advice whenever you need to, YOU CAN DO IT!

Answer 3

Since the sword is an illegal weapon, I would say NONE!

If you are talking about contests WITHIN THE DOJO / fencing club, then every style has both offensive and defensive techniques.

Answer 4

Defense is the Greatest Offense. Understand it, Know it and Practice it.

Try to be in The Now, with The Now!

Answer 5

All swordfighting styles are different. But, if you learn properly, you can use an attack oriented style for defense and vice-versa. If you're truly bad at offense, try to improve your stamina more than striking prowess, outlast your enemy with an overwhelming defense, and remain standing when he's exhausted. You cannot completely ignore offense though, try to train just as or even more hard on that then your stamina, if you have an imperfection, remedy it, but good thinking in using your strengths to counter your weaknesses.

Answer 6

Fencing, particularly the Foil and Epee styles.

Answer 7

Questions like this really frustrate me.

A weapon is an implement for fighting.

All weapons are used for defense and counter attack!!!

No matter if it's a sword or a stick or a pretzel!!!

There can't be that much ignorance in this world!!!

Answer 8

I like rapier, myself.  The defensive side suits my nature, as I very much like to attack from safety.  Parrying my opponent's blade out of the way before attacking lets me attack with impunity.

Another option is sword and shield.  You have offense in one hand, and defense in the other.