Beginner question

[Russ Pearce]

Hi everyone,
I want to purchase my first wooden practice sword from NSA and start training (I had planned to start a long time ago, but I've been dealing with a back injury for over a year now). I just have a question first. They offer two long swords, the only difference being the blade length is either 35" or 40". How do I know which one I should get? I'm 39 years old and 5' 10", if that makes a difference. Thanks.

[Eric Allen]

From one newbie to another, welcome to the club!

As for length:
Its personal preference, really.
The Old Masters had some guidelines (i.e., to the base of your sternum) if you want to go by that.

I'm 6-foot exactly, and the 40" NSA waster comes exactly to the base of my sternum. You are approximately two inches shorter than me, but due to variation among individuals, your sternum may be higher or lower than mine.
So, ultimately, its your choice.

[Russ Pearce]

Are there any other factors besides personal preference that influence the choice, such as fighting style or anything like that? Or is it just a matter of matching the correct length with the person's height? With no experience, I'm going into this blind, so I'll rely on the advice I get here.

[Randall Pleasant]

We all try to find a sword that we feel comfrontable with. However, we also have to be able fight with any size sword. Make a point of practicing with different swords.

[Mike Chidester]

Vadi says that your sword should reach your armpit. Silver has some overly-complex method involving your extended arm and your dagger (I think). However, since we're not getting our swords custom made, those systems are not really relevant.

I'd suggest you go with the long version. I'm 5'6"; I have the short one and am quite happy with it, but I've had longer ones in the past and they're nice too (and the NSA claymore is a great weapon that I plan on purchasing at some point).

Ultimately, your milage may vary, but the long bastard sword is a good length for most people.

[Russ Pearce]

My armpit/sternum measure about 50" from the floor. I'll go with the longer one. Okay, thanks for the help.

[Jaron Bernstein]

Get a copy of Sydney Anglo's Martial Arts of Renn. Europe. In addition to being invaluable for your understanding of the art, page 95-98 talks in great detail about what the masters said about sword dimensions.

Good luck. <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Russ Pearce]

Thanks, I'll check it out.