so in short, if you're not Ahsoka or Vader's secret apprentice, Starkiller, the reverse grip is "probably not great" But it does look cool, so that's a big plus right

Now the unbeatable argument: REVERSE GRIP IS EPIC.

Whenever I subscribe to a channel like this, I have to stop and realise that yes, I am so terribley nerdy that I am learning the Jedi arts online XD

My friends and i have found that a shorter blade wielded in reverse tends to be better at defense than attacking. However trials are still being conducted.

Here are my 2 cents... As a practitioner of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu, and several other martial arts since I was 7 and I'm now 36 (29 years practicing martial arts), I have used the reverse grip many times and I think I can shed some light on the subject. First, the reverse grip was used as a way to conceal the weapon and surprise the enemy. Second, it would be most effective as a moving forward attacking motion while dodging an attack. In the video, I see the reverse grip trying to be used the same way as a standard grip. It's a completely different technique. I know that the purpose was precisely to show the disadvantages of a reverse grip on a one-on-one situation and, of course, if you try to use the same techniques, or at least, use the techniques the same way as in a standard grip, you'll be at a serious disadvantage. Third, When I use the reverse grip in a one-on-one situation, I use it with two hands, always! The strength of the grip using this method is immense (I can easily throw somebody down just by pushing the blade against that person)! Using only one hand to defend power strikes is very inefficient and dangerous. But then again, so it is using one hand standard grip with one hand... But, I would not use the reverse grip exclusively! Unless I'm focusing in training the reverse grip exclusively, I would alternate between standard grip and reverse grip, depending on what the situation calls for. This constant changing of technique confuses the enemy and since different attack techniques require different defense techniques, the chance of creating an opening is bigger. As in any new technique that differs greatly from the ones we already know, using the reverse grip effectively and finding it's best uses requires a lot of work and time. To everyone: don't ditch the technique! Practice it and use it in conjunction with your main ones and you'll be surprised how effective it can be. ;) Anyway, great videos and thank you for talking about and demonstrating the subject TPLA.

Reverse saber is a technique for those who are extremely quick on their feet and for those who can read their opponent.

I kinda feel like you're missing on major factor about this technique. Starkiller and Ahsoka Tano, 2 Characters that use it, are Jedi, which means they have the force and it would give them better reflexes than a normal person. Also watch the way Starkiller uses his blade, he doesn't always hold it reverse in combat, and bring it forward at some points.

KZfaq searching "how ahsoka holds her blades" brought me here 6:15 PM 3/25/2018

Both Ahsoka and Starkiller didn’t always have their sabers in reverse grip. They toggle in between both techniques depending on who and what they are fighting, but their predominant and chosen grip is reverse.

What about Jar Kai, one saber reverse grip, one standard grip?

I believe that in order to master the reverse hand grip, you must be extremely agile. It’s all about full body movement. That is why Ahsoka Tano is always flipping and dodging most of the attacks when she is in a lightsaber duel.

"Reverse grip is bad because when you try to use it in the same way as hammer grip it's just not that effective. Never you mind that you'd probably use an entirely different style with reverse grip than with regular, but hey, good enough for youtube."

Reverse grip is not a stationary stance it is meant to be used with 2 sabers and with spins, kicks, and jumps. If you stand still and fight with simple swordsmanship you will get massacred. Of course it also only works perfectly if you are a force user in amazing shape.

reverse grips are supposed to be used like a Karambit styled knife, used for quick slashing attacks, which is why it would be more useful in the hands of a quick "assassin" typed person. you have to be fast in order to control it

Starkiller didn't constantly hold the saber reversed, that was just his default stance. In combat he moved the saber all over. You are making this style look far more incompetent than it is.

When I practice, I use two sabers. There are two options: a)I use two sabers with the same blade lenght and I'm constantly changing grips with orbital techniques. That is really fast and takes a LOT of practice. It is also really unpredictable, because you are constantly moving. The opponent can hardly see what you're up to. You can strike at any time with any grip. b)I use two different blades: one short 26 inch blade in reverse grip for defence, the other is a normal 36 inch blade in regular grip for offence. This one is really simple. The short one is kind of a defensive knife technique, and it works perfectly, while the other is purely offensive. These techniques take some time to get used to, but when you master them they are very powerful! Try them out sometimes :D

Thank you. Because I was definitely considering using a reversed grip. Thanks for putting things into perspective. Sticking to my standard Djem So grip.

Doesn't Starkiller from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed uses reverse grip? Not to mention Ahsoka Tano from the Clone Wars? I mean those two know how to use the reverse grip pretty well from what I know from playing both Force Unleashed 1 and 2 and watching the entire Clone Wars series

In short, slipping in and out of reverse grip can be beneficial but do not use as primary grip. Reverse grip is better for defense. Reverse grip can be unreliable especially if you are not using jar kai. Reverse grip still looks cool but there is a tone and place for it:

This guy doesn't understand human anatomy. I'm glad he likes star wars thought. Thank you for putting the video out there!

in your example i see someone undedicated, undecided, stagnant and without will. No i'm not saying it's something someone should star out with in battle but it is a handy skill. It's more violent and takes more energy.

The last example was quite intriguing. Reminded me of Ahsoka. 6:22 PM 3/25/2018

Reverse grip is meant for defence. One can wrap it around the body, but it is meant also for Form V

I can use reverse grip just fine... In fact I prefer reverse over conventional... I guess it depends on how long you've practiced with it. I also came up with twirls so that I can transition from reverse grip to conventional very easily.

Reminds me of Ahsoka, but she's so good at it

I feel like you're making look even worse than it actually is. In the hands of skilled person.... it works.

One really important thing to keep in mind is that the people using this are performing at superhuman levels (Revan, Ashoka, Starkiller), and thus real world logic and combat doesn’t always apply. Revan and Starkiller both use adaptive fighting styles that change based on the situation, and that situation may call for a reverse grip. Lightsaber fights can also be long and brutal, and switching to a reverse grip would throw off the rhythm of the battle, since it is unorthodox and rarely used. It would be like a boxer completely changing their stance in the middle of a battle. It would throw off the opponent, which can often cost someone a decisive blow.

The most useful part of reverse grip is the unorthodox counters you can pull off. That's pretty much it. It works really well in your off hand while dual wielding.

The Reverse saber technique is lightsaber form V which is more for battling opponents with blasters and reflecting laser fire. If you ever notice Starkiller and Ahsoka always switch to a standard grip when duelling.

So in summary, Reverse Grip is not a full duel technique, but rather a quick tool that can help in small situations

Ok, so I think something needs to be made clear. Starkiller used the inverted form of soresu for defense and juyo mixed with bits of Shien for offense. This was essentially his own style as it was very unorthodox, but it works. Tight blade work is a known staple of soresu. This allows for a great defense and fluidity inside that defense. The inverted grip is well suited for this type of blade work as it stays very tight naturally. He also uses the inverted Shien form which is used to strike out of the Soresu defensive stance. These are strikes that are very quick, and very close. Outside of these quick strikes that are only used in very close quarters, he switches to normal grip juyo form or the normal grip Shien/djem so form. This gives him a very adept dueling form that is very aggressive and he can use in tandem with his force abilities to overwhelm a single opponent. From what I can tell, he doesn’t really use the standard form of soresu, just the reverse grip. The part that needs to be expressed is not fighting exclusively in an inverted grip, but switching it up depending on the situation. I personally believe that the most effective DEFENSIVE form is an inverted grip Soresu, but the difficulty is striking out of that form

I want to train at your place. Looks super dope as a martial artist that would love this

Reverse-grip isn't meant to be held out front. You're supposed to hold it more behind you and wait for the opponent to make the first strike. It feels more reactive, and while the style itself isn't faster, the users definitely are. Reverse-grip requires high speed, reflexes, and good flexibility. If you're flexible, you can bend your arm and strike at your opponent from an unexpected angle. Wait for an opponent to make the first strike then react. A combo I always use starts with a diagonal slash to the lower left, then spinning so your back is to the opponent, then do a thrusting attack behind you, sliding towards your target. Follow up quickly with a slash upwards to the right, then finish with a spinning slash around you.

If you swap between the hammer and the pick mid-fight... it could prove useful for catching someone off guard, or it could provide enough momentum to break the guard of your opponent. Using a shorter blade would assist with acrobatic ability.

Reverse grip has limitation! But if you can compensate for those limitations it wouldn't have any. You can use this limitation against normal grip users. Switch hand position with wrist dexterity&agility from reverse to normal, and vice versa will throw your opponent off guard. From a certain vector, if your opponent is going for a overhead slash. You can clip the wrist to disable your opponent.( those that uses two-handed grip)

What are your though on the guard shoto aka lightsaber tonfa?

I still think reverse grip is situational and you guys just showed it,thanks!

Would it be a good method to use jar kai with one of the blades as a backhand grip and the other as a normal hand grip while using form 4 ataru and form 3 soresu as lightsaber combat

Reverse grip is a versatile starting position, the way it should be use is to switch off to other styles easily during combat, this can easily catch the enemy off guard

What you don't see is that when they attempt to disarm you with reverse grip, you can easily get a kick right in there to break their guard and deliver that finishing stab blow in attack 2 or 3 where you spin around and stab.

I think the reverse grip was used for daggers and people said “bigger” and it didn’t work

If you're going to use reverse grip keep in mind it's pure defensive with very minimal offensive capabilities, that's what I've learned through practice anyway. I dual wield, normal grip in my right hand (strong arm) and reverse grip in my left hand (off hand). I switch them around to throw the opponent off but yeah it only really serves to guard my back if I'm fighting two people at once.

reverse grip is good for hidden short blades....

Yeah I have a saber, I’m good defending with forward but I seem to do better offensive with reverse grip.

I want to know how it is good

Where do u get ur cool sabers and how can I acquire one?

reverse grip works best and is more utilised ONLY when the user is very fast and out paces there opponent. Also the reverse grip really ISN'T suited for 1 on 1 duels as it is a technical use of shien a lightsaber form suited for mostly BLASTER DEFLECTION. Ahsokas a prime example, she's quick and Skinny and she very rarely uses the reverse grip to fight 'tough,' opponents with one lightsaber, and if she does, she usually uses a significant amount of her force powers. she does use it when she has two lightsabers which is imo where the reverse grip can really be used in a combat scenario in a practical sense. My point is that if your going to use the reverse grip,its best uses are for blast deflection. Or if your more intuned with the force. IE starkiller. hell there's even example outside of starwars like Ventus from KH his reverse grip fighting style works because his affinity with the wind makes him nearly, 3 times as fast, and he dodges and gives a powerful counterattack. This proves my previous statement that the reverse grip works best when the user is a 'very' fast fighter.

This is The main reason you see the reverse grip used in blast deflection and situational dueling scenarios. I would argue it’s a better defensive technique than a better offensive one. What we see in Star Wars media (movies, television shows, comic books, video games etc.) where characters have the reverse grip, it’s mostly in the context of Blast deflection. After that when they have to engage in a light saber duel, maybe they *OPEN* with the reverse grip, but they always finish with the regular grip. Possibly one of my favorite fights where this occurs, is the Ahsoka versus Vader fight in rebels or the ahsoka vs anakin and obi wan fight in Star Wars the clone wars. Just pay attention to how she uses her sabers in those fights, and just how ahsoka uses her sabers in general. I’d argue that ahsoka tano is possibly the best example not only for the reverse grip, but also the jar’Kai style itself. Now, when one looks at those fights, one has to look at not only the fights themselves, but the situations surrounding them and take an objective look

I can see it used as a defensive method in addition to wielding another sabre using a traditional grip.

Yea respectfully I disagree the most important aspect is weather you train using reverse grip or not because when you train using a specific form and technique you learn to adapt to the problems and issues of that technique and of course you develop the right dexterity for it but also its better to be versatile like starkiller his main stance is reverse grip but during combat he'll switch it up depending on what he needs to do

if you had any recommendations, where do you suggest one to buy a saber specifically for dueling?

To summarize, reverse grip doesn’t give you many options in fight and can make your moves very predictable. The hammer grip on the other hand gives you much more options and many small movements to parry your opponents sword. But, you can alternate between the two. You can use hammer for the majority of the fight. When you have an opening you can switch to ice pick, giving you the chance to stab your opponent. Overall, you shouldn’t start a fight off with an ice pick grip and rather should use it when you have the chance to push the sword down and stab.

Tis true that reverse grip is not all that logical in combat but i love the unorthodox nature of the form. But you know though based on real styles it is still a fictional form of combat used by fictional characters in a work of fiction. And I love it so much, thank you for the content TPLA!

Here’s me two cents. 1st I’ve use the reverse grip every time I hold a lightsaber/sword and (for me) it’s a lot easier and more efficient. 2 you have to use it in its unique way rather then try to use it like your holding it the regular way. 3 the reverse grip is easier if you switch it up (Front back back front)

Reverse Grip are for Shii Cho or for Soresu Defense Forms only

What I am about to say is not founded on any evidence but I feel that a reverse grip is more effective at offense. Like I said this isn’t based on any evidence but I just have a hunch that being really aggressive and quick with your attacks would work better when you use a reverse grip but not that great at defense.

I think the theory that it is stronger has to to with the motion of swinging resembling a punch more than the traditional style, and that may be true that the sweeps are stronger, but holding that strength when met with a parry is surely more difficult to maintain

I always do this Reverse grip style ALWAYS

the real problem is transitioning back into standard grip on the fly, switching to reverse grip is easy and your hand has a good range on the hilt. but going back to standard grip leaves you susceptible to getting disarmed or struck out, sometimes even hurt

IRL it's a useable knife defensive use, not in pretty much any other situation would you use it

Where can we get those lightsabers from?

What about ventress' style like the 2 of them

i think the Reverse grip would work best as part of a Jar Kai style form like have the lift hand as the forward grip (attack) and the right as the reverse to (defend) and keep switching between the two but thats just my pov

What if you had two blades, the one in your main hand in conventional grip, the one in your offhand in reverse grip? Would that be effective at all?

not sure why there's so much hate. I'm a black belt and have had plenty of trained weapon experience in both Iaido, kendo, fencing, and other weapons trainings and I have to agree with TLPA. When handling a weapon of great length like a sabre, it's merely just ineffective to use it in a reverse grip. With a Shoto sabre, or an even shorter blade it'd be excellent. That grip style is mainly there for defensive maneuvering with knives and to increase power in stabs and give different angles for slashes upwards that'd very challenging in a tradition grip. It also makes certain orbit patterns far easier and intuitive. In conclusion, in the hands of a sword practitioner, no, this grip simply isn't as efficient and effective as it's traditional competitor. Can it be pulled off? Yes it can, it's useful when handling two blades, and in the hands of someone who simply has a stylistic or martial preference it CAN be made to work, but to say it's simply not as effective off the bat is a very reasonable, and to be blunt, correct way to put it. Reverse grip is not effective generally speaking. If it was, you would see it in the hands of plenty more historical fighting styles. Hopefully this put it to rest for some people. Again, not to say "it's bad it doesn't work", I'm merely saying that TLPA is not wrong in saying that it simply faces some pitfalls where traditional practices work. It can be done, be it with a shorter blade, a second sabre, or even just in the hands of someone who can pull it off, but in general it's a style that will not benefit most people. anyhoo, thanks TLPA for another informative video

The problem is that you don’t have a second lightsaber like Ashoka tano

Reverse grip is for powerful attacks, lightsabers are heavy, and very powerful swings can slice the opponent

Reverse grip are better for much shorter blades, like 16 inches-ish. It can be good for a quick attack or defense, though I prefer a traditional dual wield.

I usually just use the reverse when I’m blocking

"For consideration this matter to Jedi Master ZATOICHI should be taken" says Yoda

This is a sword technique used by ninjas with a short sword, the objective of which is to get inside the swing of a samurai's long sword.

when i try reverse grip i hold and fight as if im punching someone with jabs and hooks

The grip could be good for a certain block or shunt block.

The reverse grip is an offensive combatstyle to strike your opponent as quick as possible down. The perfect example in this is Galen Marek. He has agility and also Strikes quick and confrontate his enemies with close combat, where you are at advantage. I think Ahsoka Tano has a similar style, but not sure of that. Last but not least good reverse grip users are switching their grip while combat to make their more effective with more slashes and not stabbing and fluently combostrikes. The fact is its a unique and hard skilled style to master, but not useless!

If You Dual-Reverse it is pretty good, you just need to be fast enough, but one handed reverse... no 1. Parrying is almost impossible, no standard position, just attack. 2. Swings take longer and are easier to parry 3. Swings are awkward I only use reverse grip when my saver is sheathed

Reverse grip is the most awkward grip I ever used second to the saber staff

To me it does feel light and blocking seems easy and retaliating slashes seem easy.

I seen so many swordsman try this grip and no one has used to to any kind of effect. Now that said their is a reverse grip method in longsword fighting that is semi effective, but its very different and it wouldn't apply here. Since you'd have to grab the blade and you'd need a cross guard.

Off hand reverse grip with shoto only use to saber lock and parry normal grip with standard saber for close jab and slash

I have had no formal training and I am by no means a strong fighter, but I would never consider this grip with a single blade. It always felt too awkward to use in an aggressive fashion. That said, back when I used to Boffer LARP, I would sometimes fight Florentine with both blades down in larger fights. During these battles that had the cohesion of a barroom brawl, I could focus on blocking or tying up (sometimes multiple) opponents blades until my more skilled/talented allies could cut them down. That's just my limited experience, your mileage may vary.

With the reverse grip. It is about the transferring with the blade from hammer stance, to reverse grip stance. It is about confusing the opponent by switching to reverse grip. By the way, reverse grip is faster because the person cannot see where your gonna hit if you mastered the grip effectively. AKA Switching to reverse grip for a block and back to hammer grip.

don't light sabers bite. so they cant slide?

Who else is learning this so you come prepared to a sword duel to your brother

maybe try and study Asoka's light saber form

I always saw reverse grip as a very aggressive way of fighting. Pretty much rely on you're agility to dodge attacks, while getting into your opponent's space when they are open, and rending them to death.

If you don’t have hands as a hit zone and can’t grab opponents’ sabers the reverse is fun. From what I’ve seen in my group, reverse is not designed as an aggressive style, more of wait to get into their guard.

Am I the only one who finds reverse grip easier than normal grip?

I feel like icepick grip is an "advanced saber technique" which basically means oh crap im in trouble i need to know how to last long enough to get back to the conventional grip

hmmm i feel a reverse grip would be better suited for a long handle as it gives a lot more room for overwhelming as a quan dao would

Real lightsaber duelers don't stay in teh reverse grip position if they need to do a strike to counter the enemy. Usually you switch back to holding it forwards then back to reverse after the strike is done.

Ahsoka makes it look so easy lol. Then again she is a Jedi with a heck of a lot more training and the Force at her side

When Ahsoka uses it it seems pretty effective. BTW what sabers are thise

Please invited me over to redo this video I’ll teach you how and why reverse grip is better than standard form you’re underthinking, just because the blade is behind you doesn’t mean you’re limited. It’s all about fast thinking and using you’re agility as well as your entire body as a weapon like Starkiller and especially Ahsoka. I could easily show, I’m quite trained with reverse grip. Just because you don’t know how to use doesn’t mean no one else can. There are disadvantages of the standard form to as using both hands on the one blade too much gives you a lack of variety and the opponent can overcome you

Reverse grip is great wielded right as defense when using two sabers against a single saber or double ended staff saber or against two saber opponents. 👌💯⚔👊.

"Hit My hand" kylo's Saber seems to help v;

for the reverse hand look up ahsoka tano vs and watch all videos

the reverse grip works best when the wielder is proficant with the Artuu (Acrobatic) form of lightsaber combat.

Form 7 only few have mastered it. Fewer can do it reverse grip as you say it.

I use a reverse grip very heavily in my lightsaber combat group. Like any form, it has its disadvantages, but a reverse grip makes for excellent defense, very fast leg strikes (which many people are not used to), and works really well when pared with a traditional Makashi grip (you can flip back and forth to exploit more angles and have more momentum). I would imagine it would also work very well for deflecting blaster bolts from multiple angles because you can cover your right side and back with a turn of the wrist instead of a full turn at the waist. In action: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g7CBd7l_u9_OZIU.html

I find your lack of video coriographing desturbing.