Andreas Engström wrote:They were the finalists in the first sabre tournament ever held at a HEMA event. It was a very small tournament (I think only eight participants), and it was held with the extremely clunky shinai simulators we still sometimes used back then, for safety reasons. Nowadays we only use steel.
For safety reasons?
19th century military sabre is in some respects very different from sports sabre. And in some respects it's similar. Of course. What is it you don't understand about this?
Only the weight. That doesn't excuse poor technique. Classic case of overthinking things. Also it's difficult to learn footwork from a book. It's an organic living thing - learn it properly. Also, a good grounding in basic bladework is going to carry you far. I'm not suggesting that you use olympic sabre, what I am suggesting is you take what you can from it. Fencers are there to help - use them. It is true, you will struggle to find good sabre in Sweden because the federation only really supports Epee (to good effect) but I am sure I can find some people to help you out. You're not alone.
Footwork is footwork, but footwork with a two to three times heavier and differently balanced weapon, wielded in a manner so as to be able to actually deal damage through layers of thick cloth, and footwork meant to be useful outside on uneven ground with slippery grass, isn't necessarily the same footwork that is appropriate for a much lighter weapon, used for light touches for sport on a nice piste. Some of the footwork described in the military manuals we use would probably make you go "Huh?"
Wrong. Footwork is just footwork.
What is the point of footwork? The point of footwork is to keep you poised and ready. You should be comfortable and able to easily move where you want (catlike is the synonym). Not everyone manages this sort of movement - even modern fencers - but it is something you need to strive for.
I'd be happy to pop round to your club to give you hand but the commute is too long!
Core skills are core skills, but again, some additional skills are needed in one case, some others in the other.
Attacks, parry, riposting, lunging and so on should be able to be done as effortlessly as possible. I am not seeing that. That will come with time but it's an area I would aim to improve.
Oh, and if you wish to make fun of or critique videos, perhaps it would be courteous to pick the latest videos, not the absolutely oldest tripe you could find.. just sayin'.
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2-3 years old is the absolutely oldest tripe? Really?
In any case I am just reacting to implications of some else's post - don't take it personally.
These are more recent, feel free to comment. They are unedited, meant for internal use (as a training aid), and in no way anything like "best of" anything.
That's understood. You should see me train on new things ... dreadful to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNyAJKkpK3 - sorry this one doesn't work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGewe8Ehr0U - Footwork is still not good. You make several classic errors. Choice of tactics isn't great and blade actions are clunky. Why are you bothering to flourish your blade like that prior to the cut? It might just be the angle of the camera but you look like you are telegraphing your attacks. It also wastes energy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QavmzXEEDrY - again several problems with footwork. Fencer on the left looks like he's off balance several times.
If you're interested in better detail I can supply it but not tonight - I have things to do. Let me know.
Where in Sweden are you? I know some guys over there who can help you guys with your footwork and gain a better understanding of distance and timing.
My advice would be to work your core. You probably need to improve the quality of your muscle mass in your upper torso (but I am pretty certain you are going to get bigger because of those rather cool - I'm serious - sabres).
I remember wielding non-fencing sabres. I still have the scar on my right hand (I'm left handed) when I missed an action...
Just so that you are aware. I am familiar with "proper sabre".
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