RSW 2007_12_30a (Sparring Katana vs European bastard sword)

[IronCoredKnight]

this kind of match always results the same... the katana guy gets owned

[a1z58o]

@IronCoredKnight i'll tell you why. Everyone thinks "oooh, European sword, heavy. slow speed" THEY ARE DEAD WRONG. They may look heavy, but they are well designed. A broadsword also has the advantages of both slashing AND thrusting, where the katana can thrust, but it is really only is best at slashing.

[ajseary]

every one should go larping

[zapomarrano]

i have been on medeival fencing, kendo and kenjutsu and none of them is "good" for combat... i have lernt more about combat doing vulgar fights with my friends... so i suggest to you to pick a bunch of friends and start fighting by yourselfs... but it is also a good option to lern from someone....

[zapomarrano]

leave the fact that he doesen't know how to fight... to start they aren't using real swords at all...

my personal opinion about what is best for close combat it's not all about teichnique, i think it's 60%speed and strength and 40& skill and teichnique.

and about kendo, it is not suitible for combat anymore, neither kenjutsu,

kendo is the deportive version of kenjutsu and the real kenjutsu style was lost during the tokugawa peace so there's no way to confirm if that teichnique is best

[Naughtybro]

The guy with the Katana is too slow.

[CountArtha]

What's the difference between a European bastard sword and a German one? Is it the cross-section?

[MattiMartyr]

i think geman swords were longer but thiner... but in my opinion there were not such a big diferences between all europena kinds of long sword

[gregbreinholt]

Wood?

[Mikazukinoyaiba]

el que trae puesto el uniforme de kendo ni siquiera sabe pararse en cambio el otro se no ta que tiene mucha mas experiencia

[0puest0]

Yo creo que los 2 tienen el mismo nivel, son nobatos con conocimiento.

Yo uso las espadas bastardas : )

[Spartiatai300]

A Longsword vs a Katana would be a interesting matchup. Though both users should be masters of it, European Martial Arts are far more advanced then most people seem to think nowadays.

[drkcloud123]

blame hollywood for that.

too bad that the wooden examples are near impossibnle to actually simulate the fight

[akeris40000]

this tells absolutly nothing

the swords are both the same weight, length and material

in a real fight between these two types of sword the bastard sword would be longer and heavier than the katana, because was constucted differently to make it effective at smashing thought plates of steel.

would be quite an interesting fight though, power and protection vs speed and precision

[kalelandre]

what is this???!! a japanes sword will never defeat a armored soldier!! beleve me: try to fight against a medieval soldier with a katana.. everybody is able of simulating.. sorry for bad engl

[Knobbyboy88]

This is kind of a stupid match up. Two unarmoured oppenents would never fight with bastard swords anyway.

Bastard swords were meant to be used by fully armoured Knights and Men at Arms.

[CrazyJOG]

I counted 7 moments, when "Japanese" was in a position to do a lunge, and win

And in general this battle proves nothing. these fighters are dilettantes.

and another. that gladius, about which spoke in comments did not conquer a world. and only his little part. Is it possible to obtain the European sword from scabbards at a speed of sound? no. and Japanese it is possible. sorry to bad English.

[Dasol]

the one in the kendo armor is very sloppy and very uncontrolled in his footwork/swordwork, seems a bit cowardly almost

as a fighter the bastard sword user is clearly better in this case

[gregbreinholt]

Always happy for a fight.

[gregbreinholt]

Almost every week I upload movies after out training.

Not to prove whether I am good or not, but to help us improve. Can you understand that?

Not everything is about showing the world how great you are.

[f22raptormx]

thats not kendo movements bastards sics you

[shintogunjin]

this is my saying on this if your the warrior type and brute the european swords if your the assassin type like to be swift and fast the japanese katana is your thing

warrior=europe

assassins=japane

[Caliburnis]

Brute? No, not really. European swords were generally designed to be highly agile and precise weapons /not/ meant for 'brutish' combat. The European is likely to be as swift and agile as the Japanese.

[orion49]

Japanese Katana's are over-hyped thanks to Hollywood. European swords are greatest swords ever created. The Roman Gladius is known as the sword that conquered the world. Pit some Tabi booted Samurai against Roman Centurions or Spartan Warriors and the Samurai would throw themselves on their own katana's before the fight begins. The Arabian Samshire/Scimitar is a deadly and much better aerodynamic sword than a Japanese Katana.

[Caliburnis]

To be fair, there is no such thing as a 'best' sword. Not even the Europeans developed such things. In the Katana's favor, it's a very good cutter, and very good to use against softer armors and such.

[gregbreinholt]

No, you'd discover who was the more skilled swordsman, and not which is the better weapon.

And you would learn this only once :-)

[troanova]

stuff like this is better disided on that one persons skill if u get a master with a basterd sword vs a newbie katana user the basterd sword will win get a basterd sword ves a 7 level dan the katana master will win

[gregbreinholt]

Agreed, but the point here is not to show that any particular weapon or style is superior.

These videos are to help us see where we could improve :-)

[troanova]

i think that all weponds are asome in there own way ^_^ and as long as this vid isnt saying one is better then another i completly agree with u my persanal opinon i am a student of iaido and i spar agents all kinds of weponds i have the most trubble with rapiers and spears

[gregbreinholt]

Me, I love using a very short Lakonian (sometimes with small shield), and short spears are great too :-)

[Hyperpulsehammer]

No halfswording. No throws. Can you even call this longsword combat? There's not even aggression. Stuff like this only exist to inflate nippophilia and this incredibly widespread martial shame amongst the West.

[gregbreinholt]

Take a deep breath. |Hold it and let it out slowly. Feeling better?

No one makes any claims, but you. Calm down; the world is not there to get in your way.

[Hyperpulsehammer]

Don't misunderstand. I'm not upset. Just disappointed. There's another user out there putting similar stuff up, and I had hoped to see a more accurate representation.

Kendo exists as a sport, after all, but longsword combat is a ghetto, self-taught affair.

[gregbreinholt]

No problem, I appreciate your comments.

Note it's not a long sword, but a shorter hand-and-a-half bastard sword.

[Hyperpulsehammer]

Bastard swords are longswords. It's a modern convention that separates them. The term 'longsword' encompasses everything from the hand-and-half to the enormous bihander (erroneously referred to as the zweihander).

[Jackson1010]

Katanas are not heavier, the average is about a pound, there curved for cutting not stabbing, and this has nothing to do with anything but personal skill, a type of sword does not make you a better fighter

[kierasdakota7792]

are those just wooden swords?

[gregbreinholt]

They are RSW weapons. Google it!

[fullmetal153]

But...the made of wood.....No offence but it seems a glorified term for "Wooden sword" to me XD Still nice video. Lol, I was hoping to get some kendo moves here but nothing much. I recently bought a few nice katana's I've been practicing with. Sence them my doors have been unlocked. I want someone to break in X3

[gregbreinholt]

No wood, but certainly practice weapons for sparring.

Actually metal core for weight and balance, and then padded.

[JacenBorn]

Thanks for posting!

Nice setting too.

[MasiukA]

the only flaw that a katana has is that the blade is curved, so it is very hard to forward stab/thrust, you can basically back stab, but basically only slashing, they each have pros and cons, the european swords are good because they can thrust stab with great ease, and cut just as well, the katana has bad thrust, good cuts, and excellent handling, n extra long handle is always a pro, the west europe swords were hard to handle because you always hold it like a baseball bat

[NoOne3234]

ricasso?

[familledemolder]

wow..bastard sword man needs to improve the fucking defence ....but nice fight anyways ^^

[gregbreinholt]

Always working to improve :-)

[zupantrzyglowa]

can any body tell me why they are both using rubber ???????

[gregbreinholt]

Eh.... I can tell you that they are both NOT using rubber :-)

RSW weapons are metal core, and padded; gives good weight and handling. Google "RSW swords"

[Dasol]

kendo guy needs way more training

[archerman81]

the bastard won (haha bastard) the katana is a good offensive weapon but it just doesn't have the versatility of a bastard sword

[kAmi9teen8y5]

It's funny how the Kendoka tries to bring on his moves in a actual fight^^

I'd like to see this with a Kenjiutsu fighter.

[katanasam1]

The Kendoka needs lots more training. He's too heavy on his feet and his movements are sloppy. It makes me wonder just how much training if any he has had. Even though Kendo is just a sport it can be very effective. I agree though, I'd like to see a Kenjutsu stylist fight in this match. Ah well.

[lokilolz]

well im not a martial arts expert and a samurai or watever but i think using a katana wud be better becoz not only its lighter its designed for speed and control and u can do alot of moves out of it u can outsmart an opponent that wields a broad sword if used properly while broadsword is an effective weapon but still is heavy and slower with only a mid section slash and straight one, but well it can destroy a katana but once ur guard is down ur sure dead well thats what i observed =p

[zupantrzyglowa]

not artial arts expert, so shut up!

[gregbreinholt]

I have no idea what you're ranting about here.

What's the point you want to make?

[MasiukA]

katanas are horrible for stabbing and thrusting, since the blade is curved, it is a great strain on your wrists. the weapon i would use instead would be a long ninja sword, because it is as long as katana (i have one) and it can cut almost as good as katana, the handle is the same. but you can thrust just as good as a rapier. that is good thing, and it can cut pretty good but not as good as a katana.

[Arcanavii]

Katanas and bastard swords were typically the same weight, and a bastard sword's trust is faster than any slash if you want speed. If anything, the katana was heavier to improve its cutting power.

[Caliburnis]

There is no such thing as a 'broadsword' outside of a few post-renaissance designs, and no, European swords are not heavier than Katana. On average, they weigh roughly the same. As well, there are just as many techniques(Potentially more when you consider the use of the Cross-guard and the false-edge) that can be utilized with European swords, so it's not limited to one 'horizontal' and one 'verticle' cut. You can cut from as many directions(Technically more, with the false edge) as a katana.

[3rchoas]

U BASTARD(sword)!

[wheyez]

your do himo is undone!

nice try, keep training (you obviously need it)!

[Hawaiianstile]

if someone wants to pit euro martial arts against japanese ide make a better candidate than this joke of a wana be fighter, but so would many people XD

[gregbreinholt]

Don't be so defensive!

This is not saying that any style/weapon is better... just 2 guys sparring and trying to improve.

[Hawaiianstile]

well that's all well and good, but if he really wants to improve he should join a dojo, because from what i see here he knows literally nothing about it and has never set foot in a dojo.

[gregbreinholt]

Oh dear, you're wrong again. Shame.

[Hawaiianstile]

lol then i feel sorry for the dojo hes embarrassing right now XD

[Taggerattack2]

Indeed, the endless stories of Hawaiian martial prowess are overwhelming in their constant reference to the skill and power of the katana-wielding islanders.

Even the grand masters hailing from Japan's very heart feel a little embarrassed, confronted with the superior swordsmanship of a Hawaiian. Have mercy.

What you see here is just two guys with fake swords having fun. If you want to be a condescending cocksucker, try making your own videos. Until then, plz, ceasefail.

[effigytormented]

I could say the same about yours

[Kynos1]

When you compare medieval European fighting style with Japanese fighting style you should also consider that European knights wore heavy armour which could often only be penetrated either by using brute force or by finding a weak spot.

[DrakeNovum]

And often not even that. One fighting style using zweihanders consisted -entirely- of two heavily armored guys clubbing eachother with swords until they passed out from blunt trauma.

[Caliburnis]

One style of zweihander use consists entirely of guys clubbing each other with them? I don't think so, or at least it's not historical. I've never heard of something so ineffective. If they were intending to fight other armored persons like that they're better served using hammers or other impact weapons. Armored combat with swords revolves around halfswording, Mordhauen, and grappling with your opponent. Not 'clubbing' your opponent with a sword.

[Caliburnis]

Generally the only 'brute force' that would be used would be from hammers and axes. When you have a sword you can't produce the same level of concussive force as you can with more 'impact' oriented weapons. When you have a sword, you're much better served striking at the gaps in the armor while using grappling techniques. Armored combat relies upon Half-swording for this very same reason.

[august0rein]

Caliburnis i am no expert on weapons so if what i am saying is wrong please corect me but, i always thought that even though swords of Europe were crafted more for skill and percision it still would have involved significantly more power, because of the fact that chain armor in particular is very hard to avoid. and to be able to parry such weapons of brute force(hammer, ect...) would caust so manner of streangth in its own right unless you want to be completly smashed

[Hawaiianstile]

man at least get a guy that knows how to use a katana a litle, giving some dude a keikogi and hakama and showing him some anime isnt enough.

[darkrathamantis]

Just to finish, greg, you said you practice a European freestyle, but I guess it is really no that effective, considering you score no points during the whole match... You would be a great kendoka, as Chudan No Kamae (middle stance) is natural to you...

[darkrathamantis]

Also, it is important to know that Kendo does not only uses/teaches Okuriashi (the so much hated footwork"), there are lots of different Ahisabaki styles (footwork styles). Okuri Ashi is better for when the floor is flat. Tsugi Ashi is good the get close to the opponet really quick, but it is also good for then you are in unleveled ground (like the one on this video).

[darkrathamantis]

Learning a way (or "DO" in japanese) is the only way to be like water. As Miyamoto Musashi says: "an expert in martial arts behaves like water", meaning he can adapt to all situations. But in order to act we have to practice lots, until the movement becomes natural. Same in sparring, if you don't follow a "DO" you will never flow like water, you'll behave more like lots of big rocks. It doesn't matter how little the are, rocks will never totally adapt to any situation.

[va1ha11a]

The man with the better fighting spirit wins. In this case it's the european swordfighter.

Now I'd like to see Katana vs. Rapier weapon :)

Or Katana/Wakizashi vs. Rapier/Dagger ...

[iamfromjapan]

what the hell was the katana guy trying to do with his feet, it looked like kendo foot work at the beginning and i don't know where it went after that

[Vikverjar]

As for the katana vs bastard sword discussion, all I can say is I don't want to be hit with either of them.

As a student of Fiore dei Liberi in my SSG class, I recognized some of the stances by the Bastard sword, and as a practitioner of Kenjutsu (I am not good yet,) I could relate more to this vid. I have to say, no matter how much you practice techniques and counters in class, on the field you are lucky to get one tech in half-decent, hehe.

Cheers!

V.

[ShakunaBat]

The person with the katana has no fucking clue how to block or how to glue the blade... this is kind of lame..... block slide counter etc etc.... shit if you cant take out his body because his length is too good... take out his hands

[Gilmaris]

Like douggers said, the sabre derives from the scimitar, not the katana. It bears no resemblance to the katana whatsoever, and to say that it is a "rip off" is just silly. On the contrary, the Japanese ripped off the European sabres in the 19th and 20th centuries, as they gave European style fittings to traditional Japanese style blades (such as kyu-gunto swords and other cavalry/police/parade sabres from that time).

[2771]

you are both wrong, the sabre was based on the Indian talwar not the shamshir or the scimitar or the katana, except some 19ch japanese army swords were katanas with a european hilt.

[Kiarj]

Then again, after the Meiji revolution, Policemen all over japan were given sabre (which indeed derives from the tulwar) and used sabre fencing. Katana were removed from the oficial field since it reminded the populace of Tokugawa Regime and samurai oppression. (I don't want any enemies, not all samurais were oppresive, but the majority was. Exactly like the "knightlery"(not-a-word,I know) was.

[Zwietracht]

Why is there a kendoka? Shouldn't there be a Iaidoka fighting with real swords?

[Narkodas]

No one said there would be real swords... And iaidoka's don't always use real swords, I hope you knew that.

Iaidoka's also don't hit eachother, even with bokkens, kendoka's do. Maybe thats a good reason why there isn't a iaidoka there?

~Nark, a iaidoka

[douggers]

I think its more likely that the sabre is derived from the scimmitar.

[youngaikidoka]

technique of the kendoka sucked! haha, sorry but it's true, if he could actually fight then yes, he would win!

[gregbreinholt]

Charlie, you're expressing an opinion; that does not make it 'true'.

[youngaikidoka]

wow, you bothered to find my name, i guess i should put a rather sensible comment now!

when you look at the kendoka, it seems he is only trying to hit his opponent, and completely forgetting about defense, and i must say, you see this a lot in Kendo...

if the Kendoka was using some other kind ryu, then it would have been more likely that he would have won! the bloke with the bastard sword, he kinda knew what he was doing, he was defending and attacking!

thanks,

Charlie

[gregbreinholt]

Now that was sensible comments :-)

Greetings from Singapore!

Greg

PS I'm the guy with the bastard sword.

[youngaikidoka]

haha, very good, actually i'm glad you weren't the kendoka! that would have been embarrasing! keep it up!

greetings from England!

Charlie

[xtubbie]

haha..Easy to label me"just another arm-chair critic"eh? and keyboard critics as well for another guy? i mean c'mon..the video showed 2 guys who display improper footwork & freestyle sparring instead of kendo style sparring? this is not critic but a positive comment.Unless ur not a popcorn critic urself who loves criticising other people's comments here. :D well,strictly no offense..It doesnt matter much what sword ur wielding. if the swordsman has the experience, he could easily win. regards

[gregbreinholt]

OK.. that was a fair critic ;-)

[gregbreinholt]

Just out of interest, why do you think they should NOT be using freestyle... I have NO intention of using Kendo footwork :-)

[xtubbie]

thats because this is kendo sparring so it has to be kendo footwork. why would anyone use freestyle? can u picture wushu sport being sparred with a taekwondo style(non-wushu) or even the karate,kata event sparred using capoera? watch this "Kendo vs. Naginatado" & see what i mean. sparring is done according to the arts they learn. sparring like that in video for a 5yr old is aceptable but this is somewhat non-professional if they showing kendo sparring.. too bad :) i bet amateurs can do better.

[gregbreinholt]

Take your blinkers off!

The whole point of this sparring is to use different styles, different weapons and anything that works in a fight. It is NOT to ridgidly enforce one "right" way of doing it, and then dismissing anything that does not fit into the neatly ordered world.

As it happens, I do have a lot of experience fighting with swords, and based on your age. a lot more than you ;-)

[xtubbie]

at the end of the day,here the video is stil indicating kendo sparring & i'd never even heard of kendo sparring being free-style, unless ur not interested in the true art form. suit urself. but to be frank, age is not a matter if ur opponent has the upper hand than u in terms of experience. btw, dont be too proud of ur experience in terms of age with mine. remmber, even the best would fall from the top because of arrogance & ovrconfident.

[darkrathamantis]

To the litthe comment on freestyle: if you run for to hares you are going to catch neither. Many Kendo practitioners do Karate or jujitsu, but Kendo is so broad, they usually quit their other martials arts to be competent at Kendo.

Me for example, I was 1 Dan Tae Kwon Do, and I had to quick just because the beuty of Kendo made me realize all I was missing from it by practicing Tae Kwon Do...

[gregbreinholt]

...and I do not practice Kendo.... but a form of European freestyle - see my other fights with the short Greek Lankonian sword.

Why are you so against mixed style fighting... what are you scared of?

[xtubbie]

there's no point being the best if ur cant even master ur discipline yet 1st. i can see that u have more pride than ur discipline. no wonder u like freestyle better. cant complain. but this is kendo, not any other form of art of sparring if u get what i mean. no point of holding a shinai & sparring like that & calling one's self a kendo student like in this video. ;-) so, its stil whatever suits ur taste. but my pointstil stand regrding on wrong form of sparring. u have ur point, i have mine.

[gregbreinholt]

PS I agree about age; most of my opponents are 10 to 20 years younger than me... and it's motivation and skill (which can increase with experience) that counts.

[dado93bl]

in 16th century no way that samurai will kill full plate knight

[Kiarj]

Ever heard of Kikou armor? Ashigaru Plate? Kabuto?

Ever heard about how you could pierce a plate mail with a strong trusth? Spears? Pike? Estoc? 'Tsuki', maybe?

Please, I dislike samurai's 'deitation', but I dislike european's 'al-mightation' just as much. And if the plate mail was SO strong, how would fully-armored knights kill fully-armored knights?

I hope my comment could help you grow a little wiser, even if I am not so wise myself.

[Zacq768]

they aim for under the arms, and where the joints fit u tard.

the european plate metals were actualy very strong.

[snowboarderx3x]

knights almost never kiled eachother thats whyn there were maces and axes.

[Southern661]

During the times where they where fully armored, with chain mail under plates, a war hammer was favored, a good smash to the head with the hammer and when the enemy was stunned then stuck with the pick in their head.

[roninpenguin]

1) Not a lot of Knights had full plate armor, usually it was a combination of plate and chain.

2) Most armored combatants of the European field of battle were not cut by the swords being swung at them. They were typically knock out, or given heavy internal injury, and then the squires with spears (or stakes)would finish them on the ground.

There are stories of knights being held down while stakes were nailed through their helmets eye holes. *shutter*

[DrakeNovum]

Well, Knights -were- the ones with full plate armor simply because they could afford it and the horses. Chaimail was reserved for wealthy footsoldiers and leather was pretty much another word for "My armor is my good coat".

[Nightrider1367]

That is true and I just want to add, for those who don't know that the Armour was normally black and not a shinning silver like it is so often depicted due to all the dirt and such that stained such.

[effigytormented]

well, that's a knight errant. It's a form of rustoleum, I'm sure normally knights either polished it or painted it in regards to their tastes, family colors and what tunics they wore. FABULOUS -snaps-

[MasterShake77A]

Well it depends on what time you are talking about. By the late 1300s AD plate armor was becoming common. By 1400 AD plate armor was very common

[Caliburnis]

To kill a person in armor you use a weapon which defeats armor(IE; Guns, hammers) or strike him where there is no armor or the armor is not 'proof'. This would explain why Harnischfechten revolves around striking at gaps in armor.

As for piercing plate with a strong thrust. Perhaps, but it would have to be an incredibly dedicated strike which might not even penetrate properly and as such generally not advisable. None of the Fechtbuch advise a strong thrust as a method of fighting against armor.

[conqueror101]

quien le dijo que la bastarda es mas pesada que una katana?el peso no es problema si tiene un buen punto de equilibrio.

[gregbreinholt]

Can you ask that in English please?

[conqueror101]

was the bastrad sword heavier?-no- but anyway,balance is more important than weight.saludos desde miami

[bittysnack]

Here's the problem with this picture. The two test swords seem to be evenly waited which would prove to be inaccurate. Katanas where built lite for speed and slashing. The bastard sword was heavier. Also these two are novices at there fighting style yet. Now I don't mean to fan boy but, in technical aspects the Katana is considered the ultimate sword. So, if you had this same match with two skilled swordsmen using the real deal... well I don't even have to tell you the outcome.

[frenchjacques]

Actually, katanas aren't particularly light, a bastard sword would be slightly heavier but it would have quite a bit more reach. And european sword arts used all the parts of the weapon to strike, not just the edge.

[Caliburnis]

Being considered something is not the same as being something. The katana is not a superior sword by any means, and in fact, the katana won't be any lighter. The average weight for a katana is in between 2 and 4 pounds. The average weight for a Bastard Sword(Which is a modification of a Longsword) would be in between 2 and 4 pounds. Likewise, the european bastard sword was /also/ designed with speed in mind, though it was designed, often, to cut /and/ thrust. Often in equal measure.

[TheVanadium]

Sorry for my 3 times replay. I just posted 3 times the same thing -.-

Btw I can agree to u feraydun, I don't know all the potiential of bastard swords.

I was just arguing about the differences between wood training swords and iron training ones (or real ones, ofc).

But ok, gratz for the nice video ^^

[Feraydun]

Just look at how aggressive the kendo guy has to be in order to get into the european-guy defense. Very good video greg!

[Feraydun]

Thank you rugger1186

[TheVanadium]

Omg how to compare like this? In real katana is something incredible, so light, flexible etc. For a medioeval european cavalier was quite impossible to kill a skilled real samurai.

Different thing if u compare old ages warriors with shields like romans or greeks.

This video is only funning, no more.

[gregbreinholt]

Sorry you think this is for the sake of comparison.

Maybe its just about people who like to fight with different swords and styles. It is not a comment as which one is better... interesting that you see it as an attack on the Katana.

The Katana is 'just' a sword, and the person wielding it a swordsman.

[TheVanadium]

Hi Greg. I wanted only to give an advice to all the people. I'm not saying that ur not making seriously there. My meaning was that 2 wood swords with only the look of katana and bastard, take people in error. A real Katana is light, strong, balanced, u can use speed and techinque at his max with a katana. But with a bastard...how much should be the weight of a real bastard sword? And the balance?

A real fight with iron swords would be different depending also on the swords used by the swordsmen

[BalorCM2]

A bastard sword is called a bastard sword because it dosen't fit in the two hand or one hand catagory. A SLIGHTLY longer blade, and a SLIGHTLY longer hilt. Its called a hand and a half sword for a reason.

For speed and balance it dosen't come much better. ALSO speed is relative to the fighter not to the weapon. I've seen guys that could swing a great sword faster the some can wield their sabers.

[TheVanadium]

I'm not attacking u greg, sorry. ^^ and it's true that I love Katana. Btw is not my love for it that made me argue about a real Katana-Bastard sword fight would be really different, depending on the characteristics of the swords. Katana is made to reach the perfection of the sword. Is difficult to find swords like those, and bastard was not at same level. Swordsmen skills are essentials, ok, but a katana allow a swordmaster to truly express himself. Btw as I said, vs old heavy troops..no wayXD

[Feraydun]

The Vanadium, no offense but you have'nt red enough on european martial arts to say this, «bastard swords» as you call them were of actually high quality and size-to-weight LIGHTER than katana, it had a definite adventage of reach and was used primarily to thrust, unlike the katana. None were better over the other, only very different in their use. Hands were positioned to emphasis different techniques used. Katana was used for swift cut wereas «bastard» had to work against plate and mail armor

[salagadula84]

You're right. All you said about bastard sword is true, since I practice with it. I don't say nothing about the katana (which is a remarkable weapon, indeed) because I never wielded it. IMO a duel between so different weapons is interesting but not totally balanced: way too different cultures, periods and use on duel or battlefield for them. but anyway, culturally speaking, katanas and bastard swords hade a very similar role in their society, culture and symbology

[TheVanadium]

I trust u greg. Only, as others said here, real katana and bastard should have really different weights etc. So a good katana swordsman can be really quicker in real than in your experience than a bastard swordsman. A real advantage for him. That was my opinion. Dunno if wood swords can really give u a good experience about those swords and styles. May be are good to practise the styles, then I think may be good to use iron swords to make an higher level experience. May be.

[Feraydun]

Hand and a half sword: 30to 40 inches blade, approximate weight 3and a half pounds. Katana: 27to 31 inches blade

approximate weight: 2and a half to 3and a half pounds.

[Gilmaris]

"Only, as others said here, real katana and bastard should have really different weights etc."

Dude, people here have been telling you the exact OPPOSITE. The weights of katana and longsword should be near-identical for near-identical sizes. The katana is by no means a faster weapon. It isn't slower either, it's just a Japanese longsword with a bit of a curve. Japanese and European swordfighting are far more similar than they are different.

[Kiarj]

There, I have to contradict you, and beg your pardon for info. flaws. However, it is a fact that the katana was lighter, faster AND quite shorter than the bastard sword. A bastard sword averaged between 115-145cm, whereas a katana wouldn't exceed 120cm. Also, the bastard sword would weight an average of 2½ to 3½ lb, while the katana would not be heavier than 1½ (5-7*00 grams, if my imperial measure is incorrect.)

What leaded to this? Ore rarity, needed sharpness and lesser average strength.*Cn

[Caliburnis]

A katana would not be heavier than 1 and a half pounds? That's simply not true. I know of several examples in the Higgins armory that weigh more than that, and several others in Auction houses and antiques dealers which weigh more than that. I know of one which I believe is made in the Shinshinto style in particular which weighs 3 pounds, 11 ounces. I can link you to that information if you so desired.

[BalorCM2]

I like how you say "impossible". Not every samurai was a masterful swordsman and not every knight was a slouch in a sword fight.

[wraith444]

Funny, people have been doing it for thousands of years... What's your excuse?

[gregbreinholt]

What a surprise, another expert!

[wraith444]

Just yankin' your chain, lol :)

[gregbreinholt]

;-)

[nucleargiraffe]

the "kendo" fighter is using terrible footwork... even if you are using this for a comparative analysis, this shouldnt be used because the kendoka is not good. also not using any technique.

[gregbreinholt]

Lighten up :-)

Keyboard critics are so easy...

[kyoso0150]

sigh this is kidna painful to watch. but all in good fun i guess. i can only i could atleast do better then that kenshi

and as for the arguement about the swords.. they are too close, or too ambiguous to judge their effectiveness or speed based on the sword itself. look at the user and the usual techniques. man wish i had more friends who liked playing like this haha

[animematt]

A bastard sword is a type of longsword.

When facing a katana, you only worry about winning? You sound like you think the katana is some kind of super sword.

Just youtube some "Longsword techniques" and you will see what I mean.

[gregbreinholt]

No, when I face anyone, with any sword, and any style, I am thinking of winning. When you use traditional longsword techniques, the risk is higher that you will loose, cause the opponent with the Katana will strike quicker. You have to change your style to beat your opponent

Sorry, but there is no single correct way to use any sword. Try one and find out.

[animematt]

HAHAHA

katanaphile ahoy!

Katanas were no faster (and in many cases slower) than a long sword

[gregbreinholt]

I'm not going to argue over the use of swords, that may never have clashed in history.

But my experience has been that an opponent with a Katana using BOTH hands, is quite likely to strike quicker than someone using a hand-and-a-half sword. It's a simple equation of weight and grip; assuming the skill of the two fighters is the same. Get one, train lots, find an opponent and then I might put some more weight to your point-of-view.

[animematt]

The sword weighed the same. A long sword was weighted more near the handle, while the katana was weighted nearer the middle and curve of the blade.

[gregbreinholt]

I'm not going to argue on the weight. Two swords with the same weight, but one with a full two-handed grip.

This has been my experience; guy with Katana can attack quicker. Does it mean they win more often? Certainly not! Looks at the videos.

[animematt]

Longswords were two handed.

It is my experience that when someone posts videos on youtube with longsword vs katana, it is either rigged, or the longsword guy has improper form.

There are many different cuts, and positions. Many also have you grip the blade with your off hand, thus making it a deadly close range weapon. Many of the longsword techniques use every part of the sword, even the hilt as a club.

[gregbreinholt]

Then finally we agree :-)

Unfortunately the Bastard Sword I am using, is a hand-and-a-half; which is why I suggested the guy with the Katana "could" be quicker.

However, in most of the films - I'm the one using the Bastard Sword, and I win most of the engagements. Posting videos does not make me a master; they're posted so that myself and my opponents can see where we need to improve. I obviously do not use all the available techniques for the sword... which is why I keep practicing.

[animematt]

hand and a half, yes. But it is still ment to be used two handed. Much like a katana actually. You swing with both hands, but you can also effectively swing with one hand.

There are plenty of videos on youtube that show proper longsword technique, from footwork, to slices, to the different hand placements

[zupantrzyglowa]

you have no idea what you are talking about, portugese knights were enjoying samurai fighting in winter in japan for many years...

and whats this? Eh.... I can tell you that they are both NOT using rubber :-) RSW weapons are metal core, and padded; gives good weight and handling. Google "RSW swords"

they are not swords at all! Go and learn combat with real swords, then offer an opinion ;-)

[gregbreinholt]

So much anger.... you're must have a very frustrating life.

No one said RSW is the SAME as metal, but they are good for practicing. Why do you assume that I do not also train with metal blades?

Maybe you should learn to think before offering your opinion?

And I have no idea about your comment on "Portuguese knights and Samurai". Who are you addressing that to?