The figure eight motion plays an important role both offensively and defensively with the mountain axe as taken from Carpathian folk dancing. Not so much from the Hungarian method but since this particular method we are outlining is more of a Carpathian generic than a cultural specific one, it makes good sense to include it in our study.
Anyone familar with the Russian martial arts of systema or ROSS will be able to attest to the fact that the figure eight motion is often the basis for many of the techniques and movement theories in these arts and what Russian saber work we have been exposed to adds more credibility to the idea that the eight motion is a common one in Eastern European arts.
It also has an important role in western historical fancing. Huttons moulinets are an excellent example of how the figure eight can be done using the saber but it also works as a great exercise for the mountain axe as well. The above illustration taken from Roworths manual was swiped from The AEMMA site. Vist either link above for a larger version of the pattern….ie one that you can actually see:)
HERE is a link of the above moulinet being done with the mountain axe. Again this is not an axe specific drill but a western saber drill adapted to the axe.
Click HERE for a short clip showing a vertical rather than horizontal figure eight movement being done with the mountain axe. This movement comes directly from Rusyn folk dance. I will be posting some more on this vertical movement in the near future.
More text plus video clips will be added to this page soon.
Sabre work lends itself well to the Rusyn mountain axe. One move I like to call the Cossak Coil is taken from a sabre strike. It involves using a regular back plane strike but instead pulling the weapon in front of the body rather than allowing it to swing behind. The move is usefull in a quick backward strike or as a diversion to facilitate a power swing. The axe moves across the abdomen and is a little tricky to pull off with a Sokyra, being that it often has grandfather rings on the back. However, the strike does protect the vitals while acting offensively. It also works well for dual weapon wielding. I will post a video demonstrating this and other moves soon.
For those with a philosophical bent.
n Huttons moulinets we can see not only the figure 8 but also the horizontal pattern of the thundermark. This mark is said to have come to earth when Perun strikes at the Serpent. It is also called the thunderstone and the wheel(thundermark) rotates when the thundergod points his axe at the sun and moves the weapon in a circle. Being that it’s horizontal we can see the lying tree of life which signals death or defeat.
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The figure 8 appears subtly throughout the culture of the axe.