Another sparring video

[Lance Chan]

Haven't been putting up our sparring video for a while already and I think this week's worth a look to see how much we've changed. More binding, thrusts, a couple closing in that was lacking in the past, some long guard practice against buckler and other weapons (Thanks Jeanry for the tip! IT WORKS!).

http://lancelot.servehttp.com/gathering/lancelot-fight.mpg

[jeremy pace]

Good video Lance! I always like watching your work. Very thought provoking. Do you have any of the I.33 manual info? Your partner there is making a very common mistake that you could easily exploit... I.33 states over and over again to guard the sword arm with the buckler... It is one of the more basic principals that, while not instinctive, is easy to learn once you take repetative shots to the forearm and hands. If he reaches up to guard the headshots redirect the shot to the forearm. <img src="/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> And longpoint is good, but i am glad to see you dont strictly rely on it. Once your opponent knows the guard you plan to stay in (especially longpoint!) he can shield knock/sword knock you all over the place. When cross training with swrd buckler vs lsword i tend to use wrath for the zwerch and zhorn and cut down to fools to get around the buckler.

Good luck in your training and keep on with the vids!

[JeffreyHendricks]

It's loading as I write....must be rather long...Do you own RSW? mmm mm.....More weapons to drool at...Ya'll sword companies are driving this bum nuts!!

[JeanryChandler]

Yeah Lance great video clip, very interesting to see how you are improving. I reccomend pflug over long point generally, as was said you can beat long point aside and cut very quickly. The pflug also poses more of a threat of a stop-thrust, and will help keep the distance more effectively than that wrath guard.

The other key thing when facing a buckler or a shield with a longsword is to "pre-empt your defense", i.e. slip into a defensive guard almost the instant you make your opening strike at him (any time he is waiting in a defensive guard).

Once he strikes his sword arm is exposed unlesss again, he protects it with his buckler. So against a traditional sword and board guy, your attacks go in three quick beats, strike-displace-counter. (I like to use false-edge twitch cuts or thrusts in the counter especially if you end up at a bind on his sword.)

Another strategy can be to wait in a pflug and then close, and displace as he strikes and immediately counter, like above except eliminating step 1.

Finally, if he tries to beind and rush, triangle step and don't be afraid to use a hangen counter or to pass-through.

JR