The sword offers two tools - edge and point. Weather you cut or thrust you must observe the time of advantage - when your sword is more near and more ready to strike than the enemy's. As you hit home you will prevent the fall of the enemy's sword. If forced to defend from any edgeblow, parry with the strong part of the blade, close to the hand.
Thrusts are the most perilous blows.
To be ready for a thrust, stand at the ready, so as not to loose time in reaction or preparation. If you stand awkwardly you will need to prepare for a trust by drawing back the arm, shifting the feet, leaning the body, or other dangerous motion which will invite an attack as you prepare. The blows of the sword are strongest the further from the hand, much as the force at the rim of a wheel is stronger than at the spokes. Dividing the blade into four parts, the two nearest the point 4 and 3 are to be used for striking. 1 and 2 are to be used for wards, since nearer the hand they are strong to resist any violence.