Charron test cutting

[Matt Easton]

We are also coming around to the idea of adapted shinai. I am happy with steel, wood or whatever, but most of our group is not.
Carlo - I have to agree with Bob here - years ago I experimented with several types of padded longswords, and I have used other people's in France and elsewhere, but for longsword I just don't like them at all - they just behave all wrong. However, I think that padded swords work quite well for messer and a few other types of sword.

Matt

[Guest]

Matt, I admit it is difficult to build a good padded long sword, more so than any other kind of swords, yet you never saw one of mine...
If you are happy with light contact, proper handling can be had, if you want to hit hard, something is to be sacrified.
Then again, if you do not like, you do not like...

[Matt Easton]

I agree - but for me the conclusion for longsword is to use a more realistic-handling weapon and light modern protection that does not hinder you as much as period armour. I am 'working' on both these things with some friends. There are certain parts that need to be well protected because you need to be able to hit them hard with longsword, for example the forearms, hands and head. But there are many body areas that can be lighter protected I think and protected largely by common sense and control. It's very hard to counter-strike with control though... or zornhau.. or krumphau etc This is why the arms and hands much be very very protected to enable more valuable free-fighting.

Matt

[Guest]

I would add throat, solar plexus and abdomen in general, sides included, thrusts are dangerous there.
If you fight against sword and buckler, protect your shins before you are reduced to my size.

[Mike Cartier]

You guys think that padded swords are not enough like a real sword to warrant use and yet think that a shinai is?

We have the old ARMA version longswords and they are much more like a longsword than a shinai which is really just a whippy bit of bamboo.

[Bob Charron]

Guys,

This thread has gone on for 23 pages now, and has wandered in all sorts of directions not related to the thread topic. It appears its about to wander again

It has been good to talk with some of you, but I have to go back to limiting this kind of forum participation as the book project is getting intense.

I will always remain available for individual questions, and now that you know I am available I hope that if there are any questions concerning my practice or enterpretation that you will ask me directly or find me on SFI. I will only frequent one forum, as its all I've got time for.

Remember that all the groups out there are a lot more similar than different, that there are literally dozens of top-notch researchers who are all accessible to anyone who wants to ask, and that the politics is mostly overblown (meaning its not that important in personal interactions if you don't want it to be, and it mostly put forward by a few individuals who find it interesting). The vast majority of people are friendly, reasonable and share their information freely.

You can reach me by private e-mail at:

stmartinsacademy@juno.com

Best of luck in your research!

[John_Clements]

In agreement here. Several people have pointed this out already. The thread has such a diversity of topics that it is hard to manage and moderate. So, I will have the webmasters close it out now and we can all go to the existing threads on speed/force, strength, and start new ones as necessary on discussing Fiore or modern training weapons.

Thank you everyone.

JC