Ren identified that it must've been some kind of magic, attempting to make himself hard to hit he'd rush towards the man, side stepping on occasion before eventually feinting to the right, attempting once again to drive his dagger into a chink in the man's armor, this time trying to stab him him with the full length of the blade as apose to cutting. 

"Ralph! Rally the others! this guy is a threat big time!" he'd shout as he rushed towards him and performed the aforementioned actions.