Sword and Buckler Sparring

[Richard Marsden]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-sOnGzw6Ls

First lengthy sequence is myself vs Sean Clark. While I'm usually pretty good at nearly any system I try and am competent enough to teach some of them, this ain't one of those! I did not have quite the same success in this. My posture is a bit broken, (too far forward and hunched) and I had a hard time getting cuts to land. Thrusting was my go-to as I try to figure out I-33 and it's ilk (including Marazzo). My goal was not to stand toe-to-toe and seek out shield binds, but rather play at a distance and do run bys, or thrusts. Any constructive comments are welcome.

John Patterson did quite well in this, and if you recognize him you'll see for yourself. 3:55

The fellow in white had never tried sword and buckler before.

The fellow in blue/white comes from an SCA cut and thrust tradition and had the most experience. Shows up at about 7, and around 7:06 destroys my right ankle. When I peeled my sock off today, blood all over. Tiny wound though.

Sean, all in black and shorter, has experience. Shows up in first bout.

[ChrisWalters]

I can't really comment on the ttechnique as I'm not really all that familiar with I33. But i noticed across the board that everyone was blocking at the end of their opponent's strike, then they fire the repost. I think the defense would be stronger if you were not waiting that beat before you went. I think it was Silver who was saying to launch the defense with offense: For the run bys it seemed like they would be better launched vs an opponent who was in the middle of an action vs set and waiting.

[Richard Marsden]

Thank Chris. I see what you mean! We'll give it a go and try to 'interrupt' more often.

[ChrisWalters]

Correction, it was Hale who said "offend alwayes upon the adverse coming forward" (The Private School of Defence 1614)

On a positive note. The distance was better than most of what I see in the SCA.

Also, the guy in all white swings with his whole arm and I believe it's whats making his strikes really slow

[ChrisWalters]

I'm a big guy (6'4") and 260. It's the only way I can be fast

Dumb question time. What's with the little bucklers? Is that an 133 thing? I have a 12" and an 18" from Windrose. The little shields look like gauntlet shields. Do you find the fight feels like it's almost single sword with so little coverage?

[Jeremiah Smith]

the point of the buckler is to provide a cone of defense by holding it away from your body. A slight movement in any direction gives you as much coverage as a bigger shield while still keeping the fight at a range that better protects you. it also lends you the opportunity to know at least for an instant where the opponents sword is and therefore not worry as much about it while delivering a counter.
this is in contrast to a larger shield which by virtue of weight and size must be kept close to the body to provide coverage.

I agree about swinging with the whole arm too

[Richard Marsden]

I agree with Mr. Smith on that.

Also, John and I have found that a larger buckler doesn't seem to get us much more besides fatigued.

PS - We sparred today and I tried to take people's advice. Things were better. Issues I have are remaining squared up, remembering the buckler does not block all by its lonesome very well, and being able to plan a few steps ahead. In rapier and longsword I have long scenarios planned out. I'll thrust, if it works, fine, if it gets countered this way I know to do that, and so on. In sword and buckler I'm at the , 'swing sword and figure out what comes next on the fly'.

The guy in white (Phil) was not there, but when I see him I'll mention the arms.

Thanks again.

[JohnPatterson]

Even with a larger buckler it is hard to stop a committed attack. I try not to chase there blade with my buckler rather I keep it out as an obstacle for my opponent deal with attacking around. I then try to meet sword with sword then use the buckler to control their staled weapon while I get my sword back in to action. I often don't follow this advice and end up paying for it.


the highlight of todays sparing is stabing Richard with this goofy move

[Richard Marsden]

This indeed killed me. He switched his sword from right to left and then did an overhanded 'I'll kill you!' knife-attack.