How to Train in Medieval Combat
Medieval sword fighting was not the first type of close-quarters combat on a battlefield. However, it is unique in that the medieval era was the first time Western warfare had bred skill with a blade equivalent to the Japanese samurai. Mastery in the arts of war takes dedication and focus, but it can be achieved with enough effort. Medieval combat training is practiced by many hobbyists worldwide, but particularly by those associated with renaissance fairs.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden training sword
- Gloves or Fist Wraps
- Training Dummy ( for offensive maneuvers) and/or a sparring partner (for both offensive and defensive practice)
Instructions
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The Five Basic Offensive and Defensive Maneuvers
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The vertical cut is a downward stroke starting with the point of the sword pointing up and ending with the sword parallel to the ground. This strike is most often intended to strike the head. The defensive counter to a vertical cut is just as basic as what it defends against. To block a vertical cut, raise your blade so it is held above (not in front of ) your head. The blade should be parallel to the ground.
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A left-hand horizontal cut means a strike at your opponent's left side with the blade parallel to the ground. To counter this, hold your sword pointing up an adequate distance from your body. When the opponent's blade connects with yours, push it away with the blade of your weapon. This is referred to as parrying a blow.
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A right-hand horizontal cut and its corresponding counter is the exact opposite of the left-hand version. Once again keeping your blade parallel with the ground, strike at your opponent's right side. To counter a right-hand horizontal, hold your weapon upright at an adequate distance from your right side, and parry your opponent's blade once it connects.
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The downward cut differs from a vertical cut in that it doesn't come from directly above, but from either side. Swing your sword downward at roughly a 45-degree angle at the leg of your opponent. Countering such a cut simply involves swinging your sword downward toward the incoming side (i.e., if the strike is coming at your right leg, swing your sword down and to the right at a 45-degree angle, pushing your opponent's blade outward.) Be careful to push your opponent's weapon outward when performing this block. If you make the mistake of pushing the blade upward instead, it will become a thrust that you will be unable to block effectively.
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Performing a thrust is simple. Push your sword directly forward, usually to the opponent's midsection, accompanied by pushing forward with your body. Blocking a thrust is equal parts footwork and blade. To block a thrust, step to either side of the blade and push down with your own weapon. Another defense to a thrust is to use a downward swing similar to parrying a downward cut.
Stances and Drills
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The most basic stance is to have your dominant foot forward with your weight resting on your back leg. Make sure to know your center of gravity. When moving around during combat, be sure to keep a wide stance, and always be aware of where you have your weight centered. In live combat, not being centered can lead to serious injury, as being knocked down will often leave you defenseless.
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Develop some drills depending on how you intend to practice. When using a training dummy, start with attacking from the front and slowly add in footwork and different angles of attack. When you're training with a partner, it can help to choreograph a fight that includes all six basic maneuvers. One partner starts on offense while the other defends, then switch. Once you are both comfortable with your maneuvers, you can mix up the order of moves and even start switching more often between offense and defense.
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Practice. Once you are comfortable, it is important to practice since it is never possible to be perfect. The more you practice, the less likely you are to be injured.
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Tips & Warnings
Fighting with a real sword is dangerous. If you are engaging in practice maneuvers or fighting for a show, remember to pull your blows so your partner is not injured if they forget the routine. Safety is key, so when practicing, never use any sword other than a wooden training model or a blunt edged metal model. Be sure to keep a first aid kit and phone handy. Don't hesitate to call 911 if you are seriously injured. Even when practicing wear your gloves as your hands can be injured by a the impact of the practice swords hitting each other.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
