Longsword Sparring Nick vs. Mathias Vienna 2011

A friendly sparring bout between Nick Thomas of the Academy of Historical Fencing (UK) and Mathias Tryggedsson of Laurentiusgildet (Denmark).

This bout took place at the Dreyn Event in Vienna, February 2011. The actual bout went on a little longer, but this was what was recorded on camera.

Both fighters are using the same training sword, the Albion Meyer.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Longsword
• swordfighting
• swordfight
• two handed sword

[mechupanlamonda]

nikos, would you say the foot work with longsword is more complex than that of the rapier, or there is no footwork style perse? i see you guys constantly changing stances, but may be because of the sword.

[Nikos3000]

@mechupanlamonda Longswordsman often change guards with a passing step, whilst typically in rapier the lead foot always stays forward. Meaning a smaller amount of movement. In our experience of teaching, new students find it much more difficult to become comfortable with rapier footwork than longsword simply due to the body mechanics of it. There is certainly plenty to footwork in longsword, but its a little more natural to a newcomer than rapier footwork.

[SatsuRyu]

Are those actually sparks flying off of the swords?

[Nikos3000]

@SatsuRyu They are indeed.

[mechupanlamonda]

@Nikos3000 now that i think of it yes. the rapier stance is somewhat odd when you compare it to other stances of different styles. well, at least in unarmed combat since somewhat odd. however is effective nonetheless, as i have seen in the videos. great vid, keep on with the good work.

[Sleeper919]

@Pods1000 South Wales you say? I may have to look into this.

[Grommit8365]

@Pods1000 I'm in Southampton, so no clubs around here at the moment (except sport fencing and kendo!). Hopefully if western martial arts becomes more popular someone will start one, that would be awesome!

[Pods1000]

@Grommit8365 Hi there where are you based, the Academy of Historical Fencing trains out of South Wales and Bristol, there is also a club based in Exeter if I recall correctly and numerous ones in/around London.

[Irrehaare]

I love these videos.

[Grommit8365]

This is just awesome, really wish that there was a western martial arts club in the south of England, i would be there instantly!