After training with the staff, it becomes difficult to wield the Indian saber in a manner that deviates from its traditional technique. The unique design of the Tulwar handle is inherently forgiving; it naturally guides the hand into the correct position and virtually eliminates improper grip or alignment.

In essence, the core technique of the Indian saber can be described as follows: the hand is fixed in the hilt, it can only move in conjunction with the forearm. The blade is positioned to maintain an angle close to 90 degrees relative to the forearm. The elbow remains predominantly fixed, only fully extending in exceptional circumstances. To put it simply, the resulting motion is a circular rotation of the arm, which is bent at the elbow, originating from the shoulder joint.

This circular rotation of the bent arm from the shoulder generates the distinctive cutting strike characteristic of the talwar — a powerful drawing cut.
The distinctive cutting strike of the talwar is generated by a powerful, circular motion of the bent arm from the shoulder. This biomechanical action creates a devastating “drawing cut”, slicing through the target with tremendous force.

In its basic form, defense relies exclusively on the shield. As the practitioner’s skill develops, the shield’s role evolves from a purely passive blocking tool into an active, offensive component. This movement towards the attacker mirrors the defensive-meets-offensive principle found in unarmed combat techniques.

In talwar fencing, defense is executed by deflecting the opponent’s blade. This can be done by guiding it away (a taking or accompanying parry) or by striking it to knock it off-line. A deflection can be made with the back of the saber, or, in specific situations, by using the edge of the blade to hit the flat of the opponent’s blade.

Nevertheless, the foundational defensive principle remains evasion: moving the body out of the line of attack. The shield and saber serve as supplementary insurance. However, without a properly developed foundation in footwork, which is systematically cultivated through the practice of pentra, these evasive maneuvers can easily degenerate into uncontrolled and inefficient movement.

Initial training for the talwar focuses on developing this fundamental footwork and coordinated movement. Key exercises include paired drills for simulating offensive and defensive actions, as well as synchronized movement exercises, either along a line or within the pentra structure.