They seem to like deflections. I like to use deflections also but... USE YOUR GUARD! And don't just tell me "But the guard is for protecting your hand while you're attacking." because its not. Its much more than that.
I should say this should be tested rather than discussed. To measure speed etc, kinethic energy of the blade, with these short cuts, and compare it to bone tissue etc. Why speculate when it can be tested, and why test cutting mats if the counter-argument is "that a human body reacts differently".
Dalaeck, a lot of the techniques found in the medieval manuscripts involve thrusting techniques, mainly around the other's blade. But of course cutting is also a major way to kill the opponent.
To be honest, I enjoy the discussion about the topic, and agree to some extend with both parties (not with vladedrix however, I think discussions like this can enhance the understanding, it is fine, even great, to discuss topics like this).
I agree with the fact that test cutting should involve similarity with fighting style, the type of stroke that is dealt etc. Of course a hit to the head causes damage soon, but how hard and how deep?
dalaeck, you should see some of the videos uploaded by Darkfury and you would probably understand what is going on in the vid.
Regarding the cut topic. A small cut can be fatal as a great one, depending on the target, and by doing them short and control, you can aim better. Swordfighting is all about time, as you probably know, and a wide cut gives your opponent more time to strike you while you are launching your hit...
yllart, I've looked at the other videos and in fact I'm criticizing the use of broad technique to cut targets rather than the use of the small cuts seen in all this slow sparing.
That's a double-standard, test cuts should be actual "test cuts", from his style of swordsmanship. He should do the small, light taps on tatami and display the results.
Wide cuts from a trained swordsmen are faster than a human can react, that's the purpose of training.
If you put things in the public domain you should expect some criticism and hopefully be able to reply.
You posted a video of mat cutting and those cuts require much broader motions than the taps you're delivering here or in your other sparing videos.
Maybe you should reconsider what you do in sparing based on the experimental evidence. Or post video of the taps causing significant damage to a mere mat.
First one, you have to leave the katana mind to understand what are we doing.
The main and most letal part of a sword is his point, and a lot of cuts are delivered mainly to facilitate a following thrust.
Yes, when you practice cutting test you deliver a full and broad cut. But the cutting test is not the best way to understand how to cut, there are too many variables in a fight, you don't have to face a man who will take advantage of all your openings when you deliver a "broad" cut.
I understand you have a particular style, in this case it appears to be rapier technique which you're applying to a different weapon, the longsword.
My point is that when you test-cut, you should use *your* technique, not "katana" technique. That's the purpose of a "test cut". You must be satisfied with the results you get in that very controlled environment.
I disagree that the point is deadlier than the edge. You clearly come from a fencing background. Both are lethal when used correctly.
I can likewise show you with a sword in hand that you have a bias. You clearly need to do more cross-discipline sparing.
The historic record across all cultures is replete with swords that emphasize either the point or the edge. Thrusts are not superior by this fact alone. What you train is a "style" and your style has a bias towards thrusts, that is all.
You have no proof that short cuts do sufficient damage, it's abundantly clear large cuts do. Try cutting bone with short cuts.
@dalaeck I agree, but I would like to ask you this, why cut bone? Cutting bone never killed anyone. Bleeding out is the primary way someone dies in this kind of fight, and that can be accomplished without cutting bone. Also, its surprising how someone can keep fighting with really bad injuries, but be unable to fight after miner ones. That is why knife fighting is so scary; it can end you with such little damage. Same with swords.
@Altonahk But if you just slice their head off it doesn't really matter if they bleed out now does it? Also its the cells inside the bone that create new blood cells. Slicing bone would help to speed up the process of them bleeding out. However i do agree with your assessment on injury. After a certain point you just wouldn't feel it anymore. Its the little ones that hurt like hell thats going to slow you down and end it.
And most important, you don't need a broad cut (as you say) to incapacitate your enemy, and your objective will be never to cut deep through the enemy, but to maintain your defense delivering direct and safe cuts and thrusts, because you will be able to modify the trayectory and way of attack if you see it failing.
Short and controlled movement are not in any way superior to large, fast and controlled movements. A good swordsman's full cut approaches human reaction time. An untrained swordsman will cut two to three times slower than a trained swordsman.
Minor injuries are trivial compared to immediate death.
You can't understand that your opponent has a sharpened sword and try to kill you, if you fight like you say it is right, you would survive maybe two duels (if you don't encounter with a double kill), but not three.
Sorry, your approach is absolutely Hollywood.
PD: Well you have to redefine the meaning of "fencing", because it doesn't only mean "sport fencing". But no, I never practiced sport fencing.
That is your style, and I can respect that you hold your opinion fervently. However many historical schools and duelists advocate the opposite entirely. Miyamoto Mushashi's book of water has strong words against people who do not attack strongly with a cut.
You know what's really ridiculous? People arguing about sword techiques over the internet. If you want to argue about techniques, you MUST do it with sword in your hand. Otherwise, SHUT THE FUCK UP.
We do put rubber stoppers on the steel crossguard ourselves, that is perhaps something you could include from the beginning, we have had some close calls and once punctured and arm with the crossguard.
We have just receieved another twenty one waters ordered from you, I think our school (GHFS) has bought almost 40 all in all since early 2007. None has broke so far and it won't seem likely that they will, even though we put them through hard use. Some of your wasters were used in this years tournament at Swordfish.
there are a lot of similarities in the German fight with the longsword and the Japanese katana. There are only so many ways a body can move with 2 hands on a sword.
yes i've seen the similarities between the european styles and kenjutsu, they both have similar stances and techniques. i was saying this looks more like the sport form.
I agree, but I think that is inevitable due to the use of simulated weapons. There is only so much that can be done without actually killing or hurting someone. A proper cut goes through things, and there is no way to actually do that without inflicting damage. :P I also think they are being very casual right now. The guy in the white coat is being very lax in his technique and that certainly makes it look a bit more like a sport.
Nice vid. Fine demonstration of the bind. I can really recommend them to anybody who is looking to an alternative to wood or steel. I've been using mine for almost a year now and the only thing that has taken a beating is the crossguard. Just pond on it and it will be as new again.
Carlos, give me compliments to your sparring partner that have grown immensely since the last video. Carlos I would really like to some more sparring videos from your school and maybe bout you in the future
Beautiful crown guard though.
runescapefreak1245 8 months ago
They seem to like deflections. I like to use deflections also but... USE YOUR GUARD! And don't just tell me "But the guard is for protecting your hand while you're attacking." because its not. Its much more than that.
runescapefreak1245 8 months ago
I should say this should be tested rather than discussed. To measure speed etc, kinethic energy of the blade, with these short cuts, and compare it to bone tissue etc. Why speculate when it can be tested, and why test cutting mats if the counter-argument is "that a human body reacts differently".
Dalaeck, a lot of the techniques found in the medieval manuscripts involve thrusting techniques, mainly around the other's blade. But of course cutting is also a major way to kill the opponent.
lordronin593 2 years ago
To be honest, I enjoy the discussion about the topic, and agree to some extend with both parties (not with vladedrix however, I think discussions like this can enhance the understanding, it is fine, even great, to discuss topics like this).
I agree with the fact that test cutting should involve similarity with fighting style, the type of stroke that is dealt etc. Of course a hit to the head causes damage soon, but how hard and how deep?
lordronin593 2 years ago
dalaeck, you should see some of the videos uploaded by Darkfury and you would probably understand what is going on in the vid.
Regarding the cut topic. A small cut can be fatal as a great one, depending on the target, and by doing them short and control, you can aim better. Swordfighting is all about time, as you probably know, and a wide cut gives your opponent more time to strike you while you are launching your hit...
yllart 3 years ago
yllart, I've looked at the other videos and in fact I'm criticizing the use of broad technique to cut targets rather than the use of the small cuts seen in all this slow sparing.
That's a double-standard, test cuts should be actual "test cuts", from his style of swordsmanship. He should do the small, light taps on tatami and display the results.
Wide cuts from a trained swordsmen are faster than a human can react, that's the purpose of training.
dalaeck 3 years ago
Does it not strike you as ridiculous that your cutting tests necessitate much broader technique that the little taps you're delivering here?
The hallmark of a good swordsman is broad cuts done quickly with good control.
dalaeck 3 years ago
Well, I will not bore you with details, but you are definitely WRONG.
DarkFury 3 years ago
If you put things in the public domain you should expect some criticism and hopefully be able to reply.
You posted a video of mat cutting and those cuts require much broader motions than the taps you're delivering here or in your other sparing videos.
Maybe you should reconsider what you do in sparing based on the experimental evidence. Or post video of the taps causing significant damage to a mere mat.
dalaeck 3 years ago
First one, you have to leave the katana mind to understand what are we doing.
The main and most letal part of a sword is his point, and a lot of cuts are delivered mainly to facilitate a following thrust.
Yes, when you practice cutting test you deliver a full and broad cut. But the cutting test is not the best way to understand how to cut, there are too many variables in a fight, you don't have to face a man who will take advantage of all your openings when you deliver a "broad" cut.
DarkFury 3 years ago
I understand you have a particular style, in this case it appears to be rapier technique which you're applying to a different weapon, the longsword.
My point is that when you test-cut, you should use *your* technique, not "katana" technique. That's the purpose of a "test cut". You must be satisfied with the results you get in that very controlled environment.
I disagree that the point is deadlier than the edge. You clearly come from a fencing background. Both are lethal when used correctly.
dalaeck 3 years ago
If you see here rapier technique, I understand you have not a wide aproach into western historical fencing, and into European longsword traditions.
The mats in a test cutting are far away from a flesh simulator. Sort cuts to the face and hands can incapacitate the opponent.
Sorry, but thrusts are more letal and need less strength, they are delivered faster, and have longer reach. Cuts are more easy to defend.
These are facts, I can show you with a sword in hand.
DarkFury 3 years ago
I can likewise show you with a sword in hand that you have a bias. You clearly need to do more cross-discipline sparing.
The historic record across all cultures is replete with swords that emphasize either the point or the edge. Thrusts are not superior by this fact alone. What you train is a "style" and your style has a bias towards thrusts, that is all.
You have no proof that short cuts do sufficient damage, it's abundantly clear large cuts do. Try cutting bone with short cuts.
dalaeck 3 years ago
@dalaeck I agree, but I would like to ask you this, why cut bone? Cutting bone never killed anyone. Bleeding out is the primary way someone dies in this kind of fight, and that can be accomplished without cutting bone. Also, its surprising how someone can keep fighting with really bad injuries, but be unable to fight after miner ones. That is why knife fighting is so scary; it can end you with such little damage. Same with swords.
Altonahk 9 months ago in playlist Longsword HEMA
@Altonahk But if you just slice their head off it doesn't really matter if they bleed out now does it? Also its the cells inside the bone that create new blood cells. Slicing bone would help to speed up the process of them bleeding out. However i do agree with your assessment on injury. After a certain point you just wouldn't feel it anymore. Its the little ones that hurt like hell thats going to slow you down and end it.
runescapefreak1245 8 months ago
And most important, you don't need a broad cut (as you say) to incapacitate your enemy, and your objective will be never to cut deep through the enemy, but to maintain your defense delivering direct and safe cuts and thrusts, because you will be able to modify the trayectory and way of attack if you see it failing.
DarkFury 3 years ago
Short and controlled movement are not in any way superior to large, fast and controlled movements. A good swordsman's full cut approaches human reaction time. An untrained swordsman will cut two to three times slower than a trained swordsman.
Minor injuries are trivial compared to immediate death.
dalaeck 3 years ago
You can't understand that your opponent has a sharpened sword and try to kill you, if you fight like you say it is right, you would survive maybe two duels (if you don't encounter with a double kill), but not three.
Sorry, your approach is absolutely Hollywood.
PD: Well you have to redefine the meaning of "fencing", because it doesn't only mean "sport fencing". But no, I never practiced sport fencing.
DarkFury 3 years ago
That is your style, and I can respect that you hold your opinion fervently. However many historical schools and duelists advocate the opposite entirely. Miyamoto Mushashi's book of water has strong words against people who do not attack strongly with a cut.
dalaeck 3 years ago
The most you advance in the art, the most you will fight with sort and controled movements.
I can explain this in detail (and better with a sword in hand), but I have not the time and interest to do it in Youtube comments.
Best wishes.
DarkFury 3 years ago
You know what's really ridiculous? People arguing about sword techiques over the internet. If you want to argue about techniques, you MUST do it with sword in your hand. Otherwise, SHUT THE FUCK UP.
vladedrix 3 years ago
Yes, of course, I'll just hop a plane to SPAIN rather than post a comment. Brilliant.
Saying that we can't discuss basics, priceless.
dalaeck 3 years ago 2
We do put rubber stoppers on the steel crossguard ourselves, that is perhaps something you could include from the beginning, we have had some close calls and once punctured and arm with the crossguard.
marozzo 3 years ago
We have just receieved another twenty one waters ordered from you, I think our school (GHFS) has bought almost 40 all in all since early 2007. None has broke so far and it won't seem likely that they will, even though we put them through hard use. Some of your wasters were used in this years tournament at Swordfish.
marozzo 3 years ago
Your wasters are great stuff. We are using them for more than a year and they still last well, while doing heavy duty tasks.
Thank you for this great sparring equipment.
wemperor 3 years ago
start selling in Canada goddamnit! ;)
Meshelsidek 3 years ago
Bonito video , si señor.
Un abrazo!!
loarresknight 3 years ago
"who is the one in the short jacket? " Carlos - darkfury
nievejaime 3 years ago
This is probably one of the best duelling videos out there.
Great technique, lots of intent going on there aswell.
punio4 3 years ago
very nice!
Based on the movements the swords seem a tad light though...what are the exact specifications if I may ask?
tiamat9989 3 years ago
scratch that...I can't read Spanish but I managed to find the specs.
Disregard my question.
Again, nice demonstration!
tiamat9989 3 years ago
who is the one in the short jacket?
Maerokane 3 years ago
starting to look something like kendo, minus the shouting and stomping, the way you both work so much from the bind.
its a good vid tho, impressive blade work.
memphadon 3 years ago
there are a lot of similarities in the German fight with the longsword and the Japanese katana. There are only so many ways a body can move with 2 hands on a sword.
Maerokane 3 years ago
yes i've seen the similarities between the european styles and kenjutsu, they both have similar stances and techniques. i was saying this looks more like the sport form.
memphadon 3 years ago
I agree, but I think that is inevitable due to the use of simulated weapons. There is only so much that can be done without actually killing or hurting someone. A proper cut goes through things, and there is no way to actually do that without inflicting damage. :P I also think they are being very casual right now. The guy in the white coat is being very lax in his technique and that certainly makes it look a bit more like a sport.
Maerokane 3 years ago
Magnífico
nievejaime 3 years ago
Nice vid. Fine demonstration of the bind. I can really recommend them to anybody who is looking to an alternative to wood or steel. I've been using mine for almost a year now and the only thing that has taken a beating is the crossguard. Just pond on it and it will be as new again.
Carlos, give me compliments to your sparring partner that have grown immensely since the last video. Carlos I would really like to some more sparring videos from your school and maybe bout you in the future
/Robert
Leondrian 3 years ago
What are those swords made of?
ExarGane 3 years ago
nylon (plastic)
DarkFury 3 years ago
read the description of the video to know more.
DarkFury 3 years ago
Thx
ExarGane 3 years ago
Muy buen viedo de combate libre, muy activos ambos. Un saludo
Knort 3 years ago