Cinematic Medieval Steel Longsword Fight 'Final Version'

This is the second version of a medieval longsword fight. This sequence shows 5 out of 5 stages of the fight and includes the end shot.

Please note, the actual sequence was shot on HDV, the quality of the YouTube video does not reflect the quality of the final video.

The final version will involve actors in futuristic clothing and ancient armour in a fight to the death for a future sci-fi film. This sequence is to test camerawork, angles and fight choreography and was shot and edited in approx 6 hours.

We used Apple Macs for editing and Sony HDV cameras for the filming. The sound is all stock from the camera as this is a camera and choreography project. We record sound separately on our final feature projects. ...

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Medieval
• Steel
• Longsword
• Fight
• sequence

[th7dude]

This is a cinematic sequence based on basic WMA techniques rather than a conventional free for all as depicted in most films. It is obviously far from perfect, more work in progress in camera technique and fight choreography.

Thanks for all the comments.

[th7dude]

Most people I think are getting confused between a longsword sparring session and a filmed session for a feature film. The two are very different. Thanks for the comments btw.

I tend to agree with Christian Tobler on the topic of weapon types for training. By all means discuss this in the WMA Group discussion area btw, for a start, there is no word limit :-)

[th7dude]

We do spar, twice a week, every week with real weight steel weapons with very experienced WMA instructors. Please do explain where I am wrong and on what point? We have tried shinai sparring but it is very far removed from steel and far from ideal.

[th7dude]

The swords are actually 3.5 lbs. Typo on the details page. Those two swords are accurate reproductions in both weight and balance. We use longswords from 3 lbs (very light) to 4 lbs. The two hander we train with (not in this video) is 5 1/2 lbs and that is incredibly light for a 5 foot weapon.

With regards to parrying, try hitting the flat of a piece of steel and watch it snap. Traditional European sword schools rarely advocate flat parrying, it is great for displacing though.

[th7dude]

This is a test sequence for a film and thus choreographed to create the feel of a history between the fighters, not just going at each other with shinai. The characters are angry and bitter and also very aware of the danger the other person represents as they are using swords, not sticks. We do however train twice a week, every week with steel reproductions.

[th7dude]

To Kellarly. Thanks for your comments, nice to see somebody that both understand what we are doing and doesn't subscribe to certain questionable training systems.

To MrsB13, these swords are longswords from Heron Armoury in England. They are about 1.6 kilos in weight, 37" blades and very sturdy. We use then twice a week, every week.

[Halofreakanoid]

@th7dude : The only problem is that these "movie version" of fights are getting old and don't depict real fighting the way they should. Try shooting it in a movie way but with only realistic and practical techniques. It can be made into a long dramatic piece this way.

[scepticthinktank]

shite



[aureusunicornis]

this is bull shit. who teach you to defent your self with blade?

this is pure film fight and bad one.

[NetVoyagerOne]

One small critique... While the zoomed in shots of the men's faces are compelling, it would be a bit easier to follow the combat if there were more medium-far away shots so we can follow the strikes and counter-strikes easier. :D

[diman75]

Cinematic - means recieving strikes on the edge and not on the flat.

[LukyRemington]

this is good! it is good to see traditional techniques used in cinematics. a lot of those techniques could add to the suspense, and the thrill! sword sequences in movies would be so much more rich and entertaining when they start pulling all the tricks out of the hat to throw at their opponent.

[Ondara83]

Me gustaron los movimientos pero el camarografo.... bueno pudo haber enfocado mejor, por q hay partes donde no se ven los ataques

[tubesubmissions]

Good job of cutting the video everytime a blow was to be dealt. Horrible way to film sword play. Down right sickening to my stomach. I hope you reconsider. If they are sci fi space sword fighters, they would have space helmets on like knights helmets....so get some professional swordmasters and no one could tell who's under the helm.

[carlern55]

next video show the last part

[keyaigo]

Good shear Good shear