CM-A
CM-A is the first official core movement in the SaberCraft Standard.
It teaches the most basic relationship in SaberCraft Notation:
attack line → matching parry
CM-A should be the first paired sequence taught to new Saberists.
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.
Prerequisites
Before practicing CM-A, both Saberists should understand:
If either Saberist does not understand those basics, review them before practicing.
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 |
Step-by-step reading
| Step | Saberist A | Saberist B |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Attack target 1 |
Parry 1P |
| 2 | Attack target 11 |
Parry 11P |
| 3 | Attack target 3 |
Parry 3P |
| 4 | Attack target 9 |
Parry 9P |
| 5 | Attack target 5 |
Parry 5P |
| 6 | Attack target 7 |
Parry 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.
Training method
Practice CM-A in three phases.
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.
Completion standard
CM-A is complete when:
- all six steps are performed in order
- each attack follows the written target line
- each parry matches the written attack
- both Saberists maintain safe distance and control
- the sequence can be repeated without verbal correction
A fast CM-A is not automatically a good CM-A.
A good CM-A is clear, controlled, and repeatable.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Performing the steps out of order | Return to the table and read one column at a time |
| Swinging too hard | Reduce speed and focus on line clarity |
| Parrying the wrong target | Match the number before adding speed |
| Treating the drill like sparring | Keep it choreographed and repeatable |
| Staying in only one role | Switch roles so both Saberists learn both sides |
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.
Once CM-A is clean, it can become the foundation for longer combinations, telegraphed calls, and more advanced movement sequences.