Longsword or sword and shield

[Corey Roberts]

Just curious is it better to learn sword and shield concepts first or longsword first? Do either provide a better foundation for beginning learning or does it matter?

[Brian Hunt]

In my opinion, it is better to learn the longsword 1st. All of the concepts of longsword port over to other weapons, timing, measure, how to strike, displacements, footwork, fuhlen, etc, etc, etc.....

Brian Hunt

GFS

[Matthew_Anderson]

I agree with Brian. Also, it makes sense to start out with a single weapon to learn the basics of weapon fighting. Sword and shield is really two weapons used together.

[John_Clements]

Great question. Just a quick comment, I am not sure myself, as sword & buckler formed the basic training method of fighting men for centures, yet longsword clealry became the key foundational weapon. Each has advantages and each teaches very useful core elements (two weapon combinations compared to two-hands on) I have not seen any students of mine over the years do better than another by learning only one. So, for some time I have been teaching and encouraging both.

JC