RSW 2008_01_06a (Katana vs European bastard sword on grass)

[Karofaar]

Attack the attack, don´t defend with that ...

[amadeus987]

you shoyld use the bastard sword offensively. Youe bastard sword is longer than the katana. Take advantage of that.

[gregbreinholt]

Solid comment.

[KnightsHawk]

All sword techniques have the same principles!.unless you know of any race having more joints and arms than any other race??

[NixeonDead]

its called the bastard or hand and a half sword because it doesn't fit into the one handed or two handed family, Thus its a bastard.

[supajero]

Three questions:1.wich one is you? 2.What park is that it looks so awsome?3.Its acttualy called a basterd swoard?if it is that is the worst thing ti call a swoard

[gregbreinholt]

I'm on the right, in dark colors, using the Bastard sword... and this is a local park in Singapore where we train.

[supajero]

were is that park it looks awsome and the swoard is actually called a basterd swoard that so messed up

[samuraijake1985]

How much katana training have you had?

[gregbreinholt]

I'm using the bastard sword.

[shmurklamashas]

Yeah... but it looks like you are using similar techniques.. and that doesn't look like bastard sword at all.... You see in older days people were using long bastard swords, almost as high as man size, to make more easy to pail opponents armor. I don't want to break this to you but actually would not get a chance to stand with real bastard sword against your friend with real katana.

P.S. sorry for grammar mistakes.

[Futil3]

Sure, in that age they trained for their entire lives to use these weapons, but really I think Braveheart is a HUGE exaggeration of sword and shield combat. Those were easily some of the bloodiest wars in the history of mankinds, where men were literally hacking at the enemy with EVERYTHING they had? There is nothing Hollywood could do to bring that to life.

[Reinhul]

Actually it is not that bad. in fact the weapons used were quite accurate. The armor and some of the clothing were way off but the weapons and fighting were well done.

Honestly, if you were to go into a battle, especially after being trained, you're natural instincts would uses the techniques learned from practice (things actions repeated and memorized are considered important for survival to your body and are naturally drawn upon when needed automatically.)

[kalelandre]

hem.. sorry.. where is the bastard sword????????? I can't find it.. Anywhay, there's no medieval tecnique is not fair..

[cerkuenik]

Where are the european techniques?? Talhoffer will haunt you at night!!!

[gregbreinholt]

Yeah, I know :-)

I still have much to learn.

[cerkuenik]

I suggest you to read Christian Tobler´s books.

First things are the footwork and the guards.

You move very straight, try to cicle around your opponent. The kendoka will get very angry! hehehe

And you should move more between the guards, You keeo always in only one, that makes easy for him to defend.

Good Luck!

[SlayrAbraxas]

I train with Christian every Tuesday and Thursday. He's an excellent instructor. I'd recommend you pick up "Fighting with the German Longsword." by Christian Tobler. It's on Amazon for $17 right now. Alternately, you could pick up Guy Windsor's "The Swordsman's Companion" for $22.

Christian teaches the German tradition stemming from the master Johannes Liechtenauer while Mr. Windsor trains in the Italian art taught by Fiore dei Liberi. Both are closely related so the choice is yours. GL!

[Reinhul]

Praise be to Talhoffer!

[xx1004]

I practice with a Mokuju,a wooden rifle. For bayonet fencing. Bet i could own you all :D

[gregbreinholt]

That's what everyone thinks, until they try :-)

If you're ever in Singapore, come along and spar!

[Darkhand689]

Er... your Katana is rather short unless your a giant. The Bokon I practice with at home is longer. I practice both types of sword play and have to say that the Japanese fighting style is generally better. The European bastard sword had to be mass produced and the Katana was considered to have a mind of its own. Generally Katanas were better made and lighter as well due to clay tempering and folded steal. Don't mean to hurt fillings but that's the way it is. Nothing but love 4 yall.

[SenjiroAkechi]

There is very little difference in the weight of a katana vs a standard bastard sword. I'm sorry but the post you make here is of the typical misinformed mass that believes in some fantastical mysticism with Japanese swordsmanship and craftsmenship, which isn't the case. European smiths folded their blades as well, only their quality of iron was much higher, the techniques of Japanese smiths were just compensation for low quality iron. Katanas aren't as durable as most European blades.

[dandepapa]

what I find funny is that when you check this video taht your both using the same fighting style with the swords. the european longsword will use completely diferent fighting techniques then the katana since its design is so much diferent.

[Caliburnis]

Not as much as you'd think :P

[Aleolex]

actually, quite a lot of difference is between the style. A double edged sword can do more than a single edged one

[quixoteknight]

Just a quick observation, I've used practice swords for both Western and Japanese sword practice and I know from the way you seem to be moving that the weight distribution of your practice swords are way off. I'm not talking just about center of gravity but also the distribution of weight which seems to be equally distributed through the weapons. This isn't the way a real sword should be. most of the weight should be just in front of the hilt. This makes for better control and a quicker blade

[Kunstdesfechtens]

@ gregbreinholt: remember to use your Master Strikes to close the distance. Do not wait for the opponent to set something up. If he's going to wait in Chudan like that, throw a Schielhau, close the centre line and thrust him in the chest or face. Don't wait in Pflug like that. As soon as you get into Pflug, thrust... that's what it's for. Throwing a zorn from Pflug is less than optimal. Remember to use passing footwork, and step offline. Take the fight to him and force him to react.

[painet1776]

Although some might see it as cheating now, back in the old days grabbing a sword or spear was a very commendable thing to do. When youre close enough dont be afraid to bat away the sword with your kote. Dont do it while its swinging but while its static for obvious reasons. Just a quick tip for ya ; )

[CrimsonCrux]

The Bastard sword is not being used to it's greatest advantage. The waster used is a poor imitation I'm afraid as the Bastards tend to have side rings or often a compound hilt with which to trap and bind your opponents blade. This'll never be a serious study of fighting technique as the 2 styles used could not be more disimilar.

[tinashane]

no matter the style or blade type try straight lunges. They get to the target faster and many people accustomned to slashing don't anticipate it. I've won several contests with these both between styles and among the same style.

[annihilationnegitive]

alright...i have to admit...its hard to tell who is who by combat alone...the only way i can tell is by the guards...yet again, i see a lazy katana...BE MORE ACTIVE...not to mention yor compleatly passing up many many chances to take a win...do you not understnad the concept of a ripose? nor do you understnad the importance of critical wounds? IE. disablements, such as a thurst into the hand...you cannot wield a sword without fingers

[gregbreinholt]

Easy to be an expert from the comfort of your computer :-)

These videos are so that we can learn from our mistakes and improve our weaknesses.

"Train in the morning and practice in the evening". No one is an instant master.

(PS I'm wielding the bastard sword)

[annihilationnegitive]

i am far from an expert, but i am quite knowledgeable in most forms of combat. if you are learning, then learn to ripose. counter attacking skills are the most valuable to have in any situation.

[TheForkOfTruth360]

I'm pretty sure you meant "Riposte".

[quixoteknight]

German longsword is done in single time mostly which means defending and attacking in the same motion. the Reposte is used primarily in double time sword technique. However learning proper body mechanics would help to be a bit quicker in transitioning from one guard to another. The trick is to move around the blade, not to move the blade with brute force. Likewise try pivoting your blade around the center of gravity instead of forcing it to go where you want. No need to waste energy with force.

[kurowaltsu]

agreed !

its easy to be anything from behind a computer , i'm no expert but i know how to use a katana.

this was a nice video thanks for posting it , its nice to be able to see a match, its an odd feeling to be watching and not taking part in it