@Djemps I recently found myself interested in the German longsword and was looking for sources on the guards and how they were used since most only show the guards themselves; I come across this and find them, as well as the transitions. It was more than I was hoping for.
Have you tried switching between left and right grips? My instructor always emphasized this. To supplement this, I often have "left hand" days where I try to do everything with my left hand.
Training with the off hand is not talked about in the original sources. It's complicated enough just understanding the differences in fighting from the Left and Right sides. A weapon like a Pollaxe or staff is more likely to cause situations where the grip is reversed, but not so much with the Longsword.
I should point out that my background is in Japanese traditions. a few of our manuscripts (three that I've seen) from the 15-1700's have mentioned this as "essential teachings (gokui; 極意), which for two of those manuscripts is like secret teachings. One of the purposes for this is is to confuse the enemy, although I practice it because ambidexterity has tons of useful applications. I just found it interesting and though I would share it.
@Onikagenokageyama if i remember right, one of the fencing books clearly says that you should use your main hand and just learn to use that from both sides
1. explore having your left hand off the pommel and letting the pommel "swing" (doebringer's advice, especially useful with the hanweis IMHO).
2. Use more forward weighting - front leg bent, back leg almost straight, and push off your left foot when you pass forward. this helps minimise telegraphing. At the moment your stance is not dynamic - not ready to move!
OTOH, showing some good form. what are your sources? CHeers!
"Fighting with the German Longsword" by Christian Tobler is a great resource. Its' becoming harder to find these days but I think you can still snag one from Amazon.
Actualy there is a local sword vendor in my city called The Steel Source. They have a website, but carry much of the same stuff as other sword vendors. Anyhow, I had them order the sword and I picked it up at the store. I think I payed $120 after tax? Can't remember exactly, but it was a decent price.
The best I've seen. Clearly demonstrates each guard as well as simple cuts from them.
ChishioAme 10 months ago
@ChishioAme Thanks for the positive words! I'm glad to know people are still watching this and getting something out of it.
Djemps 10 months ago
@Djemps I recently found myself interested in the German longsword and was looking for sources on the guards and how they were used since most only show the guards themselves; I come across this and find them, as well as the transitions. It was more than I was hoping for.
ChishioAme 10 months ago
the best online demonstration/explanation I've seen
tmsods 1 year ago 2
@tmsods Wow. Thanks for the kind words.
Djemps 1 year ago
Have you tried switching between left and right grips? My instructor always emphasized this. To supplement this, I often have "left hand" days where I try to do everything with my left hand.
Onikagenokageyama 2 years ago
Training with the off hand is not talked about in the original sources. It's complicated enough just understanding the differences in fighting from the Left and Right sides. A weapon like a Pollaxe or staff is more likely to cause situations where the grip is reversed, but not so much with the Longsword.
Djemps 2 years ago
I should point out that my background is in Japanese traditions. a few of our manuscripts (three that I've seen) from the 15-1700's have mentioned this as "essential teachings (gokui; 極意), which for two of those manuscripts is like secret teachings. One of the purposes for this is is to confuse the enemy, although I practice it because ambidexterity has tons of useful applications. I just found it interesting and though I would share it.
Onikagenokageyama 2 years ago
@Onikagenokageyama if i remember right, one of the fencing books clearly says that you should use your main hand and just learn to use that from both sides
darkfiete 1 year ago
very neat video. couple of suggestions.
1. explore having your left hand off the pommel and letting the pommel "swing" (doebringer's advice, especially useful with the hanweis IMHO).
2. Use more forward weighting - front leg bent, back leg almost straight, and push off your left foot when you pass forward. this helps minimise telegraphing. At the moment your stance is not dynamic - not ready to move!
OTOH, showing some good form. what are your sources? CHeers!
MarkHolgate 2 years ago
Once again, sweet editing, clear, consise, well rehersed. Awesome! :D
SamGCampbell 2 years ago
Thank you!
Djemps 2 years ago
Comment removed
Slady01 2 years ago
very informative, do you know where I can gain access to training manuals, my searches always seem to come up short.
wolfdragga 2 years ago
"Fighting with the German Longsword" by Christian Tobler is a great resource. Its' becoming harder to find these days but I think you can still snag one from Amazon.
Djemps 2 years ago
thanks, now if I can just find an instructor and or a practice partner who takes it seriously, ill be set. Merry Christmas.
wolfdragga 2 years ago
Hanwei practical hand and a half blunt.
Djemps 2 years ago
@Djemps did you get yours directly from cas iberia?
wolfdragga 2 years ago
Actualy there is a local sword vendor in my city called The Steel Source. They have a website, but carry much of the same stuff as other sword vendors. Anyhow, I had them order the sword and I picked it up at the store. I think I payed $120 after tax? Can't remember exactly, but it was a decent price.
Djemps 2 years ago
very nice, what make of sword do you use?
cqc75 2 years ago