Scythe Stance
Before arcs, before flow, and before blade mechanics, there is the stance. This is the simplest and most essential foundation in the entire Scythe School.
What Makes the Scythe Stance Unique?
Even though the scythe is an uncommon weapon, the stance is not complicated. It’s actually built on the same logic as good boxing stance and striking stance fundamentals:
- stable base
- light, athletic weight distribution
- lead side forward
- rear side primed for power
The only difference is that the scythe is a longer lever, so your stance must be slightly more grounded and slightly more angled. That’s it. No mystique. No complexity. Simple, solid, stable.
Foot Placement (Simple Version)
Stand like a boxer:
- Lead foot pointed forward or lightly outward
- Rear foot angled 30–45 degrees
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Weight 60% on the balls of the feet
If someone tried to push you, you shouldn’t wobble — that’s the test.
Upper Body Position
Keep the upper torso relaxed. The scythe is long and travels across the body, so tension slows you down.
Shoulders relaxed. Chin down. Spine tall but not stiff.
Why This Stance Works With Any Scythe Size
Because the stance isn’t tied to the weapon — it’s tied to your balance. Once the stance is stable, the scythe simply becomes an extension of it.
This is why the Scythe School stance is intentionally simple:
- easy to adopt
- easy to maintain
- easy to adapt into footwork
- works indoors, outdoors, tight spaces, wide-open fields
The First Drill
Stand in your stance. Bring the (real or imaginary) scythe to the lead side. Shift it to the rear side. Your feet should not move.
If your balance breaks, adjust your foot angle or widen your base. This simple drill builds the instinctive grounding that all scythe flow relies on.
Stance = Survival
You don’t need fancy technique at the start. You don’t need arcs. You don’t need rotation.
You need one thing: A stance that never collapses.
Master this, and the rest of the Scythe Discipline will rise naturally.