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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2008 16:59:57 GMT
The reason I ask is I just received my first real western sword - Hanwei's Renaissance Side Sword.
I find my preference is to wrap my trigger finger over the quillion vs. gripping the hilt in a fist. It points better and I feel I have better point control. Also, I have more strength (blade control) if I back the blade with my thumb, much like whittling a stick. The Side Sword has a portion of the guard that is easily within reach, but should an opponent's blade slide down mine, it could split my thumb as it extends past the guard. Also, I wonder if this grip would be weak should an opponent's blade strike mine.
Another question: The quillions are bent - one toward the tip (to catch a blade?) and the other back to the pommel (to protect the hand?). I assume the backward-bent quillion should be toward the earth and the forward-bent quillion should be toward the sky when the sword is held naturally. Unfortunately, the reverse of this feels very natural if I hold the sword in my left hand.
I realize these are silly questions, but I'm a total Noob with respect to western swords.
A Book of Five Rings speaks of how Mushashi prefers to hold the Katana. I wonder if there is truly a correct way to hold this Side Sword....
Thanks a bunch.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2008 18:59:03 GMT
I would wrap the index finger around the quillion and keep my thumb behind the guard where it is protected. As to the quillions, my guess is that the sword is designed for right-hand use.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2008 7:48:51 GMT
Its always good to post a link to a picture with the sword in question when asking such questions.
If you are fighting a thrusting style go with the index finger over the quillion but keep it loose. The rear fingers are mostly what keep the sword in place. Pommol resting against you wrist. You want to be able to roll the quillions in order to trap blades and thrust from different angles.
Most important learn fencing advances and retreats. Learn to keep you shoulder forward and your arm behind the guard minimizing the open target area on your arm and chest. When you advance and retreat all movement should be below the waist. You shoulders should not be boobing up and down.
These are just some basic starters to build on. Its not all you should do but its a start. Go slow for a few months.
Here are two of my old fencing videos. I have the gray cover on my head and white jacket:
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2008 20:12:29 GMT
To echo what Tsafa said, and bear in mind I'm fairly new to this too, a finger hooked over the cross is better for thrusting, but holding the grip completely in the fist (no fingers over the cross) is better for cutting. With a side sword, you should be able to do both pretty well, so it's a matter of how you prefer to use it and what feels most comfortable to you.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2008 13:40:44 GMT
Thanks everyone for your replies.
Yes, this is a right-handed sword. It feels very good in my left, though....
I need to find some local fencing instruction. For now, I flick small twigs from my mesquites. Seems to work better with the finger over the quillion. But I'd probably have a different opinion with a different sword.
Been lurking here for about two months now, and I appreciate the wealth of knowledge and civility here.
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