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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2007 0:26:58 GMT
Is anyone familiar with a relatively new book called "The Modern Swordsman"? I know absolutely nothing about swordsmanship (other than which end of the sword is pointy and therefore not the end to hold...!), and would like to learn, but I live way out in the sticks (Cheboygan, Michigan - near Mackinac City) and I know of no fencing instructors in my area ( I want to learn sabre, as it uses both the point and the edge). Is the book worthwhile? I know it's probably no substitute for a "live" sparring partner, but could I learn anything useful from it?
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Dec 30, 2007 1:23:42 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2007 1:37:53 GMT
Here's my list on German longsword:
The Swordsman's Companion by Guy Windsor (Italian style)
Secrets of German Medieval Swordsmanship by Christian Tobler (Slightly outdated. Tobler has reinterpreted many things in his second book)
Knightly Art of the Longsword by Lindholm and Svard (advanced shows proper foot work too)
Fighting with the German Longsword by Christian Tobler (Cheaper and has Toblers latest interpretations.)
Medieval Swordsmanship- Illustrated methods and Techniques by John Clements (less detailed but expands into other related areas and broadens you knowledge)
The longsword is in the Germen style is the easiest to learn for a book vs other styles as far as I can tell. The techniques are very large and can be more clearly illustrated. Fighting with the German Longsword by Christian Tobler is the best one of the bunch I think.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2007 17:51:00 GMT
How useful would the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps cutlass manuals be? I found a website that has PDF versions of the 1869 (?) and 1906 printings. Took a quick look at them; looks like the first part of each one comprises of drill & ceremony moves, while the second partconsists of parry/cut/thrust drills. The 1906 manual focuses on use of the point only for attacks ("less risk of exposure to attack", i believe was something mentioned in the manual).
Thanks for the advise on "Modern Swordsman", BTW. It looked tempting, but if it's a waste of money than I'll certainly check out the other books you guys mentioned. Wish I could find an instructor up here, though...
Thanks!
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Dec 31, 2007 3:43:16 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2007 23:53:36 GMT
www.navyandmarine.org/cutlassmanual/index.htmlAnd actually, I DON'T want to concentrate on just the "point" attacks, hence my desire to learn sabre. The "Broadsword and Singlestick" book sounds like the sort of reference I'm looking for, barring a "live" instructor. I finally broke down and ordered one of G.G. Godwin's "India import" late 18th century American naval cutlasses, which is the type of sword I want to learn to use (and the type I'm most interested in, though I don't exclude others!). The "Broadsword and Singlestick" book might just be the ticket. Think I'll order now it while I'm online...
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Razor
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Post by Razor on Jan 1, 2008 0:47:00 GMT
Thanks for the PDFs Birdman. With "Broadsword and Singlestick","Cold Steel" PDF I posted and the US PDFs you have, it should be a good good start for you. The only problem with the books is there is not much detail on foot work. Foot work is very important! It is the foundation of all fighting styles. Here is a video from Cateran Society, it shows some foot work and other useful stuff, it's from the site I posted, you should check out that site it will help you out. Foot work should be the first thing you train on before you even hold a sword. "Arte Of Defence" shows some good foot work drills. The book is about the rapier but it should help you and fill up some of the gaps the other books don't cover. www.chivalrybookshelf.com/titles/AoD/AoD.htm
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2008 3:41:53 GMT
Thanks again, all! Ordered "Broadsword and Single Stick" from B&N, and am eagerly awaiting its arrival (along with my new sword!). Meanwile, I will also continue my search for an instructor...
I REALLY like this forum!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2008 1:39:06 GMT
I joined the polar bear club in Cheboygen new year's day, 1991. Thanks for the memories.
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admin
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Post by admin on Jan 2, 2008 5:30:47 GMT
I'm going to go against the flow slightly and actually cast a vote in support of the Modern Swordsman... It is a very thin book, and the illustrations are hideous. But it is a very fun read, unlike some of the other more traditional modern manuals, some of which are a bit too academic and dry for my tastes... (i.e. as much as I respect him, I cannot easily read books by Steven Hand for this reason). The Modern swordsman is a sword-pop classic IMHO. I especially like some of the training drills he comes up with - he doesn't concentrate so much on techniques as on how to develop natural skill and 'sword fighting ability' and while at times I was left wondering about the authors sanity - it was a fun read none-the-less. - Paul
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2008 2:01:29 GMT
Another fun, basic book would be Phil Elmore's "Street Sword", I believe it's called.
Only browsed through it, but the basic techniques shown are somewhat based on fact, and if you take the notion that a sword can be used as a last ditch effort for self defense, it makes quite a good companion to Zombie Survival Guide ;D
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2008 5:04:44 GMT
There is a lot of good manuals out there though they can get quite complex. My main sword training manual that I always end up going back to is Secrets of Kalis Illustrisimo by Tony Diego. The system is simple to learn, difficult to master, and has been proven in actual combat. For beginners and experts it is a must have for the library. It's a nice compact little book that can be referenced at any level of training. Highly recommended.
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