CM-A
CM-A is the first official core movement in the Saber Standard.
It teaches the most basic relationship in Saber Standard Notation:
attack line → matching parry
CM-A should be the first paired sequence taught to new Saberists.
Notation
| Player | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saberist A | 1 | 11 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 7 |
| Saberist B | 1P | 11P | 3P | 9P | 5P | 7P |
Read each column vertically. Saberist A performs the attack listed in the top row. Saberist B performs the matching parry listed in the bottom row.
A plain number is an attack toward that target line. The same number followed by P is the parry that receives it — so every column of CM-A is the same line answered on both sides.
Telegraph
Fist pointed out at your opponent (ASL-A).
The telegraph is the silent signal that calls CM-A before an exchange begins. See LUMINA Games for how telegraphs are used in play.
The six target points
CM-A runs on the six beginner target lines:
| Target | Beginner description |
|---|---|
1 |
High / upper center line |
11 |
High opposite line |
3 |
Side line |
9 |
Opposite side line |
5 |
Low line |
7 |
Opposite low line |
Targets are named from the attacker's perspective: the clock face sits on the partner, and the number is read from the attacking side. A target number does not mean "hit this body part" — it means "move toward this choreographed line."
These six are enough to read and practice CM-A. Fuller explanations live in Targets, Attacks, and Parries; the complete twelve-line reference is in the Notation Legend.
Purpose
CM-A is designed to teach:
- the six beginner target lines
- the meaning of
Pas parry - the two-row notation format
- safe attack/parry timing
- role awareness between Saberist A and Saberist B
- clean repetition before speed
CM-A is not a performance sequence by itself. It is a foundation drill.
Training method
Phase 1: Static walkthrough
Move one step at a time.
After each step, pause and confirm:
- both Saberists know the target line
- the parry matches the attack
- distance is safe
- the movement can be repeated
Do not rush this phase. This is where the pattern becomes clear.
Phase 2: Slow continuous flow
Perform all six steps without stopping.
Keep the movement slow enough that both Saberists can read every line.
If either Saberist loses the sequence, stop and restart from Step 1.
Phase 3: Role switch
Switch roles.
Now Saberist B performs the attack row and Saberist A performs the parry row.
Both Saberists should learn both sides of CM-A.
Teaching note
CM-A should be taught as a language drill, not as a fight.
The teacher's job is to help both Saberists understand the notation, recognize the target lines, and build safe timing together.
A fast CM-A is not automatically a good CM-A. A good CM-A is clear, controlled, and repeatable — all six steps in order, each parry matching its written attack, performed without verbal correction.
When CM-A is clean, continue to CM-B, which takes the same attack-and-parry relationship into the four angle target points.