Rapier vs longsword Mike & Nick AHF Sparring

A Sparring bout between Nick Thomas and Michael Thomas of the Academy of Historical Fencing.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• fencing
• swordfighting
• swordfight

[rydoguptop]

Great work out but, if I had a short Roman style sword, I think it would destroy the smaller one and be too fast for the bigger one in a real fight, Such a cool sport!

[Nikos3000]

@rydoguptop Very short weapons like the gladius, cutlass, cinquedea, dussack etc really do suffer against longer blades in open space. Length truly does matter. This is why many masters discuss the 'true' length of swords and those lengths best suited to normal combat. Both the rapier and longsword are incredably fast weapons, rapier because of agile point control and the longsword due to the leverage of a two hand grip.

[rydoguptop]

@Nikos3000 Thanks for replying, that long sword realy made this vid one of a kind.. As for the gladius I probobly got that notion seeing as how most people seen using them have a sheild too so maybe its a false sence of security.

[Nikos3000]

@rydoguptop A shield is a formidable addition to the sword and when combined is a sturdy combination to take on most things. It is remarkably actually how such a simple device can make such a difference to a fight.

[deathbyazure]

by the way, what kind of protective equipment would you endorse for sword sparring at the beginner level?

[Nikos3000]

@deathbyazure That depends entirely on which weapons you are using. For rapier the key is a fencing jacket of any kind (for puncture protection against broken blades), long cuff leather gloves and a decent fencing mask. For steel longsword, add substantial forearm and elbow protection such as ice hockey arm guards and thick gloves, lacrosse are good and production models for what we do are on their way. Purpose built gear is also now in production, SPES in Poland are one supplier.

[siddharthbirdi]

Thanx for this video mate

[Iamvalcristvalentine]

@Nikos3000 Your absolutely right, and i do believe that an unarmored engagement is a better representation of swordplay. It is in fact how I train with my longsword. Both parties represented their respective sword styles with distinction. My previous comment was only intended to point out the differences in the design on the weapons not to critique the combatants.

[dubtob]

im my opinion the chaotic raper is better because it is more accurate and the chaotic longsword is quite slow

[deathbyazure]

This video is one of my all-around sword-fighting favorites on youtube. I think you guys look very manly and elegant while sparring, and I liked how it was edited to make the exchanges and hits easy to follow.