SaberCraft Notation
SaberCraft Notation is the written movement language of the SaberCraft Standard.
It helps students, instructors, clubs, schools, and performance groups write choreographed saber movement clearly enough to teach, rehearse, review, and preserve.
Plain-English version
SaberCraft Notation is a choreography map. It tells each Saberist what to do at each step of a sequence.
What to learn first
Do not start by memorizing the full notation legend.
Start with the beginner core:
- six beginner target lines
- basic attacks
- matching parries
- the two-Saberist table format
- CM-A, the first core movement
That is enough to read and practice your first SaberCraft Standard sequence.
The full notation reference is available later in the Notation Legend.
The beginner target set
The beginner path uses six 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 |
These six lines are used in CM-A and give new Saberists a simple starting vocabulary.
For more detail, see Targets.
Attacks and parries
The simplest SaberCraft Standard notation uses numbers and the letter P.
| Symbol type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Number | Attack toward that target line |
Number + P |
Parry against that target line |
Examples:
| Attack | Matching parry |
|---|---|
1 |
1P |
11 |
11P |
3 |
3P |
9 |
9P |
5 |
5P |
7 |
7P |
This creates the first call-and-response pattern:
attack line → matching parry
For more detail, see Attacks and Parries.
The two-Saberist table
Most beginner SaberCraft Standard sequences are written as a two-row table.
One row belongs to each Saberist. Each column is one step in the choreography.
| Player | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saberist A | 1 | 11 | 3 |
| Saberist B | 1P | 11P | 3P |
Read the table vertically, one column at a time.
- Step 1: Saberist A attacks
1; Saberist B parries1P. - Step 2: Saberist A attacks
11; Saberist B parries11P. - Step 3: Saberist A attacks
3; Saberist B parries3P.
The table keeps both performers connected to the same timing.
First complete example: CM-A
CM-A is the first official core movement sequence.
| 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 |
CM-A teaches the basic attack/parry relationship across the six beginner lines.
For the full teaching page, see CM-A.
More than attack notation
The SaberCraft Standard can document more than attack targets.
As choreography becomes more advanced, notation can include defensive movement, body movement, turns, spins, jumps, locks, holds, flourishes, transitions, and other performance actions.
Beginner students do not need all of that at first.
Learn the six-line attack/parry foundation first. Then use the Notation Legend as a reference when choreography needs more detail.
What notation does not replace
Notation is powerful, but it does not replace live teaching.
A notation table may not fully show:
- speed
- distance
- acting intention
- emotional tone
- exact footwork
- safety adjustments
- camera angle or staging
Use notation with instruction, rehearsal, video, or coaching when