Semi sparring videoclips

[Axel Pettersson]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qRGYBYw9iU

Im using sword and dagger, my opponent single sword. It was my first time at s&d ever, hence poor form etc, so I would really appreciate some constructive criticism from you armateers.

cheers/A

P.S you can find some more clips from the same session on the same site.

[JeffGentry]

Hey Axel

This is more a general comment not specific to S&D, I noticed that you did alot of sticking your sword or dagger out in the path of cut's which appeared to be out of range, I have been realy working on my range perception for the last year or year and a half and i think this is a vital aspect of fighting in general, this realy enable's you to effectively use nachreisen and close to strike when the opponent misjudge's the range.

More specificly remember your dagger is not only for defense it is also an offensive weapon, stepping offline and using triangle step's, compass pace to angle offline and use both weapon's, will help to keep our opponent(single sword) busy so you can use both weapon's.

just a few observation's.

Jeff

[Axel Pettersson]

thanks jeff.

[Keith Culbertson]

Hello Axel,

Thanks for sharing some video, always great to see others at work, maybe our group here in Columbus can get more up on our site soon.

So yeah, nice to see some variety of opposing weapons, including two-weapons/shield of any kind. Overall I say you guys have a good start, but I do have some observations.
In general I suggest less linear (almost rapier style...) and more aggressive circling motion to attack/counterattack in order to move through a battle. Also, while some movement of weapons through different guards is good most of the time, I cannot tell sometimes if it is just attacking out of range like Jeff suggested noting. In order to hit the body and head (always my targets of choice), attackers must close, or defenders must counter with good footwork as their placement strategy. Hitting arms/hands will happen, but it seems like 90% of the hits I saw in the videos. Also, remember that even an empty off-hand is very dangerous if used well to aid the sword attack; also, off hand with dagger or shield can be offensive like Jeff said. Oh, and I saw a lot of short chops instead of full cuts, perhaps meant to force openings?

keep having fun,

[Axel Pettersson]

thanks for the input. The linear footwork I definately have to work on, I can see that (aswell as the outofrange attacks, my two partners who are more experienced than me commented on that alot, and video footages is great to spot ones own errors).

It is me who chickens out on closing in, I was quite uncomfortable with the weapon combination as it was my first time, I was not sure that I could spar with more intent without losing too much control, hence I did not want to commit with an attack that could cause unintended injury. I recieved it myself nevertheless, even at that slow speed I had a limp for 3 weeks after getting hit at the side of my knee.


The chopping iis either harrassing cuts or drawcuts.

Keep the comments coming if you have them.

[Jake_Norwood]

I know you're working with wasters, but the whole time it looks like you're trying to touch him with your C&T, not cut him. Few cuts within range, if any, are made with the full arm. Mostly wrist and a little bit of half-arm.

This is tempting when working with wasters or, for example, when fighting a rapier. However, it will not get you the speed, power, or angles of attack you need to beat him. Especially if you're not going to adopt a more linear rapier-like style you need to fully exploit the strengths of the cutting weapon, meaning wide triangle steps and cuts with intent at your opponent's arms and head. That's the nice thing about waster sparring a guy with a mask, too.

You can pop him a good one.

Jake

[Jaron Bernstein]

Same thing as Jeff and Keith said. Range is an issue (it is my weakness as well). It is fine to throw a cut from zufechten to get an opening to handarbeit range. But just hrowing cuts mainly from far, far away isn't productive. You actually need to bridge that gap, get in there and stay there (while of course angling, being able to abzug and close in for ringen-am-schwert as needed). I suggest don't worry about winning or losing and just focus on getting closer than zufechten and stay there. Get comfortable in that zone. More disabling cuts/thrusts and less "sword tag" would be good. I don't know if you have any sharps (or even a decent blunt), but if you do try test cutting meat with the same range of motion you use to cut with. I liked the energy and spirit.

[Jeremiah Backhaus]

The fighting has been covered by those more experienced. What I noticed was as the fight was going on, the form of your stance seemed to suffer. You were standing a bit taller at the end than you were in the beginning. I would encourage more training on your stance so you can hold it for a long time. This conditioning will help you to be more dynamic in your fighting and help you to fight longer. My suggestion (for both you and me) is: conditioning.

(edited for grammar...)

[Axel Pettersson]

Thanks alot for the input guys. The footage is from last summer so I have had the chance to improve alot on the errors you have pointed out, I just wish I had acces to a videocamera more often, this is a great way to share knowledge and tips etc.