Weapon -vs- like weapon

[david welch]

We are finding that long sword -v- long sword or dagger -v- dagger is a good way to learn the basic use of the weapon, but to really get a feel for it's strengths and weaknesses you have to fight with unmatched weapons.

We started doing this in May and have really noticed if not so much an improvement, at least a better understanding of what we are doing and why we are doing it.

I have a feeling that is how they were used the most anyway, and we are starting to consider the historic use in our training more now. It is amusing to imagine ancient battles starting with "OK, all the polearm people over here. All the 2 handed sword people over there..." though.

Are you other groups doing this much too? And do you have any other suggestion?

Oh, and of course, I also just wanted to highlight one of the few times I have beaten Bill with a dagger and buckler -v- sword and buckler. <img src="/forum/images/icons/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Jay Vail]

Nice shield knock.

Also, try dagger vs sword without the shield if you really want some excitement. Check out Fiore first so the dagger guy will know what to do. (I suggest you use a padded sword and helmet when you play.)

[Matthew_Anderson]

We do quite a bit of mixed weapon sparring too. Lots of fun.

[Joachim Nilsson]

We reacently did some sparring with one longsword wielder vs. two dagger wielding opponents. The outcome was certainly not as given all the time as might have been expected. Martin actually managed to successfully utilize the upper shiled with his dagger against an incoming full speed oberhau.

Great fun.

[TimSheetz]

I totally believe in mixing up weapon systems. You miss a HUGE piece if you do not. You need to see and experience the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of weapon systems.

You can never fully appreciate the long sword til you get to compare it to all varieties of weapons... and you never appreciate those weapons unless you also compare and contrast them.

We would do something where we tucked a padded knife or dagger in our belts, tucked a padded short sword or hand axe in our belt and would spar with a padded long sword. When someone is hit cleanly, they drop their long sword and draw their secondary weapon in haste and the play begins, short weapon vs. long sword... If they are hit again they draw their knife and 'fight for their life"

Great training to 1-fight with bulky items at your waist and 2 - drawing a weapon under some duress. You are NOT being atacked as you draw but the mere act of putting it into action hastily has value.

Peace,

[david welch]

Thanks Tim!

That is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. That drill sounds like it is good cardio too. <img src="/forum/images/icons/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Lance Chan]

Yes, mixing weapons are a good practice. I just got my ass kicked today by James when he used sword and shield. Both of us were using our favourite weapon combination and it was very difficult to defeat his combination with just a single weapon.



You may find the video of this fight along with the others, such as 1 polearms user vs 2 swords-wielding opponents, sword and shield vs sword and buckler, etc. here:
http://www.rsw.com.hk/videos.htm

[leam hall]

Tim scribeth:
"I totally believe in mixing up weapon systems. You miss a HUGE piece if you do not. You need to see and experience the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of weapon systems.

You can never fully appreciate the long sword til you get to compare it to all varieties of weapons... and you never appreciate those weapons unless you also compare and contrast them."

To which leam asketh:

So how soon should a newbie start playing with other weapons, and defending against them? Is it something that should wait a few months or do right away?

Also Tim scribeth:

"Great training to 1-fight with bulky items at your waist"

To which leam respondeth:

Hey! That big bulky item *is* my waist...

[TimSheetz]

Hi Leam,

You asked:

"So how soon should a newbie start playing with other weapons, and defending against them? Is it something that should wait a few months or do right away?"

Tim's reply: It depends. In my experience, sooner is better than later, because the differences in the combat systems 'inform' the fighter and increase their 'physical knowledge'.. did I just make up a few new terms?

BUT if the person is only training once a week and has little native talent or athleticism, perhpas it is best if they only focus on one weapon system.


Hey! That big bulky item *is* my waist...

LOL! Well I should of said *bulkier*.

[Casper Bradak]

I agree, I started out on quite a few weapons. One often gives insight into another and it makes you more well rounded, versatile, and knowledgable. I think it seems some people have a bit harder time catching on if they study only one or two and then try picking up something else. It'll show you just how universal the systems are.
But then again, my skills are a little behind the local specialists with the same time in the art hehe