Level 4: Quick Draw with the Highland Broadsword

[gilbride100]

Not only will comments by idiots be removed without reply, but all comments written in text-message speak ("u" instead of "you" etc) will be considered idiotic by definition.

[gilbride100]

Just a quick note: on all our videos, comments by idiots will be removed without reply.

[Erdinger2003]

What kind of steel/sword are you using here?

[gilbride100]

It's a semi-custom broadsword by Donnie Shearer, aka the Mad Piper, with an antiqued blade.

[Erdinger2003]

What does that entail? Antiqued. Made recently or years ago?

[gilbride100]

Antiqued means it's recent but made to look old. It's just to make the weapon look cool.

[SeumasColm]

It does appear that both of you, but especially the smaller guy, at times let go of the sword with your left hand before the sword completely clears. It's hard to tell though for sure, though.

[gilbride100]

It's hard to avoid doing that, because everything is being done at full speed. However, we do this same exercise from the scabbard when we get the chance.

[SeumasColm]

I kinda figured that.

Unfortunately, my other comment didn't get posted--it praised your skill and "grace" within the limitations of the sword, the fact that you manage to draw into a good guard in one quick motion as the Gaelic lore says, and the fact that everything is firmly rooted in sound broadsword principles and techniques.

Using a weapon with authentic skill, and being true to the weapon and its history, is objectively graceful.

[korg20000bc]

The bouting also bothers me a little from the quickdraw. You release the sword from your left hand far before you'd be able to get it out of a sheath. To me, this would completely change the body mechanics of the movement. I realise it would take much longer than a video allows to put the sword back in a sheath for every technique, but this is your publicly posted curriculum. Mechanically, high-wristed techniques are weak. Do you find it so?

[korg20000bc]

You are right. I have no PRACTICAL experience in Historical broardsword fencing but I am interested in it. My experience is in korean swordsmanship. These fast draw techniques look quite different to the other stuff in your curriculum- especially in the "bouting" part. To me it looks "made up" and not "historical." I'm not trying to discourage but encourage you to re-examine your interpretation of the folklore. "Graceful" means the same now as in history, presumably. It looks self-concious.

[korg20000bc]

I'm sure you've trained hard and all but these look goofy. I understand you've tried to make them look "graceful and sweeping" but they appear less than that- especially the bouting which looks cramped and awkward especially in the wrist. To me, it needs more work.

[gilbride100]

Thanks for your honest opinion. Do you have a background in historical broadsword fencing? Every technical element in these forms was drawn from specific elements of the 18th century broadsword styles. If you're not deeply familiar with those styles, I'm not sure you have a basis for saying they "look goofy." Regardless, I appreciate your candor.