Claymore, Broadsword, Greatsword, Longsword Kata Training

Training with a two-handed sword using a kata I invented. Of course, in the Western martial arts they did not use katas, but rather had drills and "set play", but katas are a useful training tool nonetheless. This is not "authentic" training, but in the Western martial arts the fighters did not care about "purity" or artistic form -they did whatever works. In that sense, this training follows in the spirit of learning how to fight without focusing on authentic form.

The kata incorporates all of the fighting positions I found from ancient manuals of Western two handed sword fighting, most of the blocks, and most of the strikes. I also took some stylistic and creative liberties. However, the kata has no disarming moves and very few close range moves.

I am using a metal pole that is the same weight and length as authentic, historical two handed fighting swords. However, the balance is in the center of the pole, whereas it should closer to the hilt (normally the center of gravity would be moved down by the weight of the hand guard and the pommel). This makes it far more difficult to control the sword (but gives a better workout as a bonus).

Different camera takes show the same kata moves but from a different perspective. I did three takes and made 2 mistakes, of which 1 was edited out.

I am very new to this training and must of necessity discover the techniques myself. But I plan to develop my skills slowly and surely over time.

Comments, criticism, and questions are welcomed. Please subscribe to my channel if you are interested in martial arts.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• sword
• fighting
• kata
• training
• drill
• broadsword
• longsword
• claymore
• tutorial
• martial
• arts
• medieval

[LawrenceSouljah]

Was that intro Killer Instinct by any chance

[KarateJutsuNinja]

@LawrenceSouljah Ya. Riptor theme, I think.

[arcanemuses]

Very impressive. I recommend more leg attacks and low blocks. You have good focus and control for head, shoulder, and body strikes. But since you appear to have a tall frame, you may not be used to striking the shin, ankle, knee, and inner thigh area. Also, you may not be used to defending against such attacks either. Lord knows how many times a shorter opponent beat me with leg shots.

[KarateJutsuNinja]

@arcanemuses Thanks for the tips I will keep them in mind. I have no instruction in this so I must figure stuff out myself or with help from commenters like yourself. I learned from an ancient manual I found that leg shots are a bad idea because, since the sword is "attached" to the shoulder, simple geometry dictates that a shoulder level strike will have greater range. Therefore, drawing your lead leg back to avoid your opponents leg strike while simultaneously striking towards the head is key.

[krufdx]

I can't comment on your swordplay, since I'm not an expert in this area, but I like your style of writing. You seem like an interesting person. And since I'm reading "A song of Ice and Fire" at the moment it would be very cool experience to have the chance to practice some fencing with you.

Respect for beeing able to train in the open street - exposing my training to bypassers has always troubled me.

Good day!

[Railstarfish]

If you are interested in kata-like equivalents in Western Martial Arts, look for "floryshes". I hope that helps!

[UNTAMAN818]

you also should add a hand and a half techniques which make the claymore more like a spear. also the claymore can do devastating thru9st even in the end your 1 handed. i do it very easily with my 5lbs clay and it is very easy to reposte 

[Kunstdesfechtens]

You might want to look at the DVD by the group Ochs which give a good grounding in the Liechtenauer tradition. While some of the interpretations are outdated, it's a great starting point. A good companion is Christian Tobler's "Fighting With the German Longsword" which again gives an overview of the system. Like the video, the book is a little dated, but is still a great help in getting a feel for longsword fighting. Good Luck!

[saltym4n]

finally a decent video that shows some practicing moves thanks :)

[R4zi3]

throw Daft Punk - Voyager overtop of this vid's sound... its incredible

[Kelt4ever]

no matter what the attack - empty hand, weapon etc., the main component that will determine who will succeed, is control over your distance. Yes, strength and speed and technique etc are ALL important, but the control of the space/distance between opponents is paramount in any encounter.

[Kelt4ever]

If you do not control it, then the opponent is, and their attack will probably succeed. This is especially true when defending against leg attacks. If the opponent is using a very wide stance and targeting the lower body, controlling the distance will not only defend well, but should allow you to succeed in the follow up.

[Kelt4ever]

While it is true that shorter people can 'seem' to have an advantage using lower or leg strikes, I think that you will agree that the advantage was really because the attack surprised someone who had not trained how to defend against such attacks, or if trained just hadn't any practice or use in the defense I think it is no secret that the first and foremost defense is control of distance no matter what attack form is used.

[arcanemuses]

@KarateJutsuNinja That makes very good sense in theory and I'm sure such a method had prooven result on the old battlefeilds. It is good that you want to stick to tradition. But on the off chance you ever spar a guy like me, watch out for the low, wide-legged stances with a high blocking guard against your high strikes. Even with a wide stance, we can rush in for the kill. But I think you will be okay doing what your doing. Keep at it and good luck!