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1020
1021

The way fencing should be. . . (chzgifs.files.wordpress.com)

submitted ago by deathofpatriotism

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[–]tttt0tttt 123 points124 points ago

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Brave Sir Robin ran away ...

[–]TrouserPudding 48 points49 points ago

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When danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled.

[–]dmr009 36 points37 points ago

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Yes, Brave Sir Robin turned about and gallantly he chickened out.

[–]Wreckn 12 points13 points ago

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Brave, Brave Sir Robin!

[–]Arinikus 10 points11 points ago

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Bravely taking to his feet

He beat a very brave retreat

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points ago

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Along with the aptly named Sir Not-appearing-in-this-thread

[–]grubas 4 points5 points ago

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Bravest of the brave, Sir Robin!

[–]philosoraptocopter 24 points25 points ago

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I DIDN'T!

[–]alexman17c 12 points13 points ago

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NOT TRUE!

[–]latticusnon 71 points72 points ago*

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There are types of fencing outside of epee but they are less popular *FOR NO GOOD REASON.

*Thanks Jonno_FTW!

[–]Giddeshan 42 points43 points ago*

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Indeed. In Europe this is gaining popularity, though. It's derived from 15th century German manuscripts by fencing masters.

Edit: Some copyright issues borking the link for some so I'll put some other examples like this and this and this showing the multiple weapon styles.

[–]sicsemperTrex 25 points26 points ago

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Now I'm stuck in a vortex of medieval sword fighting videos on youtube. Thanks.

[–]Sebatinsky 8 points9 points ago

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A lot of good videos of both longsword and rapier fencing here

[–]RootLegacy 6 points7 points ago

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Sad thing is, one of the greatest demonstrations for fencing I have ever seen was in the Princess Bride. In the special features of the movie they have an interview session and behind the scenes portion where they show an actual master class fencer teaching them how to do the fight scenes and real fencing.

[–]xipietotec 2 points3 points ago

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Watch, "The Duelist". 70's movie. Probably the best that's ever graced the big screen.

[–]GundamWang 0 points1 point ago

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Did you mean The Duellists? If so, you can find it on Instant Netflix. It's a good movie, and I know a few people were introduced to it though Napoleon: Total War, as the movie is set in that time period, and apparently the costumes are accurate down to the buttons.

[–]xipietotec 0 points1 point ago

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Yes! That one :)

[–]WinterFlea 3 points4 points ago

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I don't mean to be 'that guy' but as fun and entertaining as the duel in Princess Bride is it is not 'real' fencing. Though they say the names of many historical masters throughout the duel they are employing none of their actual techniques. What they are doing is theatrical fencing with theatrical swords. It's all very flashy, but, you can tell that something is clearly off when they are doing more cuts than thrusts with a rapier.

[–]RootLegacy 0 points1 point ago

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No, not the actual fight, we all know that has some fencing elements involved in it but isn't real. If you watch the movie and go into the special features on it, they have a section with an old style Italian (I think) fencing master who actually went into detail about how he prepped the actors for the movie as well as showing off his style of fencing.

Not the actual piece I'm talking about but this is a behind the scenes piece depicting some of the work that went into the making of the fight. I feel sorry for the 6-fingered man though, getting stabbed in the thigh before doing a movie scene? Ouch!

[–]trodontreadll 0 points1 point ago

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Try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oABf9GOJiM

[–]TheKevan 9 points10 points ago

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Can you please tell me more. After watching all three LOTR movies (for the first time) in a span of about 4 days I thought it would be cool if there was a sword fighting sort of sport. However, not like fencing. I was hoping there was some way to fight with swords like in that movie, but possibly modified some how so you aren't chopping off heads and arms.

[–]Giddeshan 10 points11 points ago

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That's essentially what this is. They use blunted steel swords or wooden swords called wasters. The way they fight in the LOTR movies is more of a choreographed stage fighting thing, which there are also schools for. This particular style comes from manuals written by fighting instructors to teach gentlemen of the era to fight, both for self defense and for judicial duels. Search youtube for tons of great videos, especially look for videos that demonstrate the styles of the great masters Talhoffer and Joachim Meyer.

[–]Caladan13 9 points10 points ago

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You might be interested in this: Kendo

[–]anothergaijin 6 points7 points ago

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Best thing about kendo is that you do hit with full power, and you are well enough protected that when practising with a reasonably skilled partner you'll feel it but not be injured.

But because Kendo rules fairly limit how and what you strike it can be dangerous going up against new people as you never know what they hell they might do.

Edit: Ugh, thinking about this makes me want to do kendo again, but the last time I did it I was 18 and in top physical condition. Doing it today would likely kill me 0.o

[–]nuwzillund 4 points5 points ago

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Same here - I miss Kendo but now carry a permanent injury to my right leg so could never go back. My lasting memory though, is not of the swordsmanship I learned but of the mastery over my own self. The first mystery of Kendo that I learned is that there is no mystery; just hard hard hard work and respect.

[–]anothergaijin 5 points6 points ago

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The first mystery of Kendo that I learned is that there is no mystery; just hard hard hard work and respect.

And kiai.

[–]kultakala 0 points1 point ago

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Damn skippy. My favorite thing to do at kendo tournaments was to shock the living daylights out of all the guys with the kiai that came out of 5-foot tall little me.

And then I would get a magnificent Do strike. Bwahahahaha!

sigh I miss kendo. I should see if I can get the university students to re-form the club.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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I used to think that I was tough guy, but only traditional training retreat in Japan made me a man. All day training followed by night of heavy drinking with sensei. You were not allowed to take off kendo mask during practice for any reason. It was something I never forget: incredibly hot, 90% humidity, shouting, hitting and vomit hanging from your mask.

[–]anothergaijin 1 point2 points ago

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Haven't done it for kendo, but did a 3 days of training with university students in Nagano during the summer. The humidity, altitude and just gungho attitude of the uni students make it brutal, but incredibly fun.

Best memory has to be swimming in a mountain stream - being the only one with enough balls to jump in (at the insistence of our elderly sensei), and one by one dragging everyone else in >:D Some of the womenfolk were not impressed, although I was a hero to the guys! ahahaha

Somewhere in a box is a kickarse photo of me sitting crosslegged, hands together 合掌 style, under a beautiful waterfall up in the mountains. Really should get all my old negatives burnt onto DVD sometime.

[–]marshallw 0 points1 point ago

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Striking with full power? Not the way i was taught. You'd start the attack off fast and strong, but immediately relax and part the sword do all the work. If you go full power, chances are you will just get blocked or parried and won't have time to react to the counterattack.

[–]anothergaijin 4 points5 points ago

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Well, not in the sense of using your muscles 100% the entire swing, but you do not hesitate or pull your hits - you hit with 100% speed is probably more accurate, which is usually more a flick from the wrist than an absolute whallop from the triceps.

[–]silentcadence 7 points8 points ago

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The problem with this is that it's kind of hard to do sword fighting without actually injuring the person. The whole point is to quickly disable an opponent. Even with foam swords (foam thick be close enough to the real thing), it would be a bit dangerous.

My college did a broadsword class and we learned the techniques at full power but stopped short of actually hitting the person, to make sure there were no injuries.

[–]gullington 6 points7 points ago

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I wish I went to college where there was a broadsword class.

[–]silentcadence 2 points3 points ago

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University of Alaska Fairbanks. We can't do anything when it's -40 outside, so we find cool stuff to do

[–]Sleepy_One 1 point2 points ago

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If you're in the Comp Sci dept, tell Brandon 'Sethus' says hi. I wonder if he'll remember that gametag haha.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points ago

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The problem is all of the full-power styles were designed to go through armor, or at least hit an armored man hard enough to fuck with him so that you could stab him in the face or armpit or another unarmored region.

So fighting without some serious armor on is going to be inherently unrealistic.

[–]Giddeshan 7 points8 points ago

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Very true. That's why most of German Longsword isn't cuts but what are called '"winds (as in wind-up toy) and binds" meaning that you block the opponents blade with yours then keep yours stuck to his so he can't disengage and cut your head off. This was meant to give you the opportunity to close on your opponent and throw him to the ground, which is a whole other style of fighting called Kampfringen or Ringen am Schwert, or do a myriad of other things. When an armored knight fought another armored knight the objective wasn't always to kill him but to force him down and make him surrender with the aim of ransoming him to his family. That being said they did often kill each other though rarely with swords directly, they often used crushing weapons like maces and warhammers to inflict blunt force trauma. Swords, in the age of full plate anyway, were mainly for hacking through poorly armed and armored peasant mobs.

Some people do full plate sparring with blunted steel.

[–]geckodancing 3 points4 points ago

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There were actually different styles for fighting in armour. A standard sword cut or thrust had little chance of getting through armour, so they often fought at half-sword - holding the sword by the pommel, and with the other hand at 2/3 way up the blade.

You could then thrust using both hands, one to strengthen the thrust and stop the blade flexing too much. Or you could use the sword as a lever to lock up your opponent's limbs etc...

The unarmoured styles of combat are fairly safe to spar with.

[–]geckodancing 2 points3 points ago

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Not any more - there are a number of longsword simulators that can be used at full power, as long as both people are wearing padding in the appropriate places.

There are some excellent nylon simulators that were released around two years ago, which have taken over (at least in the UK) as the standard for HEMA longsword sparring. They're weighted at the bottom of the average longsword weight, they have the correct balance, and they flex well for thrusts.

[–]Yahvo 6 points7 points ago

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I repeat. SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism)

A lot of people see it as a Ren Faire on steroids (it is) but the SCA does 'heavy combat'. Similiar to kendo, the fighters are striking full force full speed without choreography. Rather than shinai, they fight with rattan sticks. (A chunk of wood wrapped in duct tape, basically).

Oh. And they wear 'authentic' armour to not give eachother cuncussions and broken bones. (Such as 16 gauge steel helmets. Actual chainmail. Hardened leather. ... or kydex plastic.)

[–]Giddeshan 6 points7 points ago

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Hmm...I cringe a bit when people mention the SCA. I know their aim is essentially historical but it just has a faint LARPy funk hanging around it.

[–]xipietotec 1 point2 points ago

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I'm an SCA Rapier fighter. SCA Rapier and Cut and Thrust are fairly historical.........the same can not be said of SCA heavy fighting.

[–]TheKevan 0 points1 point ago

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That's pretty cool. I don't necessarily need the role play stuff, just the hitting and fighting stuff.

[–]marshallw 2 points3 points ago

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You may be interested in sca fencing then. It's more akin to traditional fencing.

[–]farg_red 2 points3 points ago

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Always check your local sports clubs, there seems to be more stuff like that out there than you'd think. I did 'Historical European Fencing' for a while, which is essentially medieval style sword fighting (Example vid from my club). It might be more popular in Europe, but there are definitely some places in North America as well - you just have to search a little.

[–]RootLegacy 1 point2 points ago

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You have absolutely no idea just how jealous I am if you are actually learning that. I'm pretty sure I drooled a little bit when it came to the sword/buckler part as well as the pike part.

[–]zaxupexolap 2 points3 points ago

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watch this documentary ( has viggo mortensen talking about sword fighting in the lord of the ring)

[–]HamsterPants522 1 point2 points ago

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If you live in not-Australia then you are in luck. There is a sport called Dagorhir(Tolkien's Elvish for "Battle Lords") and it is a recreation of medieval combat with foam weapons. It is a high contact sport with a pinch of roleplaying on the side, but it doesn't center around it like many a LARP game would.

You'll find everything from Romans to Narnians in this sport.

[–]TheKevan 0 points1 point ago

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I am going to check that out, thanks!

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points ago

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Not available in Germany, thanks GEMA.

[–]sensae 2 points3 points ago

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I fenced for two years, Epee primarily, and seeing this gets me -excited-. Whenever I watch any popular media with swordplay involved it makes me cringe a little at the over-choreographed scenes, but this is how it should be. I love seeing the focus on technique and intentions, not a flamboyant show where the duelists attempt to out-power each other. Where do I sign up? :p

[–]Carnifex 1 point2 points ago

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Link does not work in Germany due to the music :-/

However, I suspect this to be about Talhoffer fencing? I've been doing this (and related) for a good 8 years - great sport.

[–]Giddeshan 0 points1 point ago

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Ja, das stimmt! Es tut mir leid, I didn't realize that when I posted it. I doubt you would need an example, though.

[–]Carnifex 0 points1 point ago

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I guess the videos are to show off the techniques, only :) If you have the technique "free" fights are quite possible. You need some armor of course, and stabs as well as strikes at the head are off the table.

[–]Giddeshan 0 points1 point ago

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It was a demonstration of the Zornhau. Just some of the plays from Talhoffer, Ringeck, and Liechtenauer.

[–]Blocked_in_Germany 1 point2 points ago

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‮‮

[–]deadwisdom 2 points3 points ago

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Not just Europe, in Chicago there is the Chicago Swordplay Guild, where you can learn from the 15th century Italian masters who were renowned in their time even better than zee Germans.

[–]Giddeshan 1 point2 points ago

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You're right there is some interest in the States but the groups that do it tend to be small and isolated. No great fechtschulen and few good instructors. There are some truly great practioners in Germany and, surprisingly enough, Poland.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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Not too surprising. The northern portion of it used to be Prussia, a country founded by German crusaders, the Teutonic Knights.

[–]mauriciopastrana 0 points1 point ago

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If you give it long enough, it will evolve into this. it's a proven fact.

load more comments (1 reply)

    [–]youremomsoriginal 21 points22 points ago

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    Sabre and Epee fencing are way more fun than foil. I think they're not that popular because they're just not as fun to watch. All the jumping around and slashing just doesn't look as disciplined and skilled as foil.

    [–]latticusnon 14 points15 points ago

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    I think it has more to do with history. Swordfighting changed into dueling which was done with weapons which evolved into the foil because it is less bloody and more refined. (Rich people dueling to the death passed for refined at some point.)

    Other varieties are far more fun to watch but they died because they had no practical use so we are left with the most modern version of the sword fight.

    [–]AnAge_OldProb 12 points13 points ago

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    Epee is fairly popular for viewing, from my observations. Its just that there are more foil fencers because everyone starts with a foil because it teaches you the basics much better.

    [–]shmoidel 4 points5 points ago

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    Epee all the way!

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

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    I'm tall, left-handed and skinny so I have an unfair advantage over most right-handed fencers. I hate it because I feel like I'm not learning anything ever because a lot of people in my club are too used to fighting righties.

    [–]last_to_know 1 point2 points ago

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    Why is it that left-handed people have an advantage?

    [–]shadydentist 7 points8 points ago

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    Experience. Right handed people don't get to fight lefties nearly as often, so lefties have a bit of advantage. This advantage tends to go away in higher skill tiers.

    Lefties also often don't have much experience against other lefties, so watching two lefties fence can be hilarious.

    [–]Harfish 1 point2 points ago

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    I was the only lefty at my fencing club, came across another lefty at a tournament and the results were indeed hilarious. I think, and this was over 15 years ago now, that we battled to a draw when the time limit expired and the scores were level.

    [–]unsignedera 0 points1 point ago

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    Right-Handers also have more of a problem with lefties because when opposite-handers meet, the target area is naturally blocked by the opposing arm.

    [–]candygram4mongo 1 point2 points ago

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    Maybe you should starting fencing with your right hand, to increase the challenge?

    [–]Jonno_FTW 0 points1 point ago*

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    I too, have all 3 of those qualities. So I can beat most people in my club fairly easily. In tournaments though, I just can't cut it.

    There's always more to learn, you can try focussing on hitting without being hit, close quarters fencing, bladework as you move your feet.

    [–]Duc_de_Nevers 0 points1 point ago

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    Do you by any chance have long hair? Back in my epée fencing days, lanky lefties almost all seemed to have long hair. People in my club frequently referred to the three Ls as their most hated qualities in other fencers.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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    Haha. I did have long hair at first, but I cut it because I couldn't see, and it wasn't long enough to be put in a ponytail.

    [–]Duc_de_Nevers 0 points1 point ago

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    Ha! I knew it!

    [–]monadology 0 points1 point ago

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    I'm totally with you on that, I'm not tall but being a lefty at a small club can be really frustrating.

    [–][deleted] 6 points7 points ago

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    All the jumping around and slashing

    That already sounds more fun. Can there be different arenas too? Like pirate ship and castle top?

    [–]youremomsoriginal 0 points1 point ago

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    That's a genius idea. We should develop this concept into a proper sport.

    [–]psiphre 6 points7 points ago

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    sabre is retarded. who started their attack movement first? winnar!

    [–]marshallw 3 points4 points ago

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    I want to say that's not true, but sadly it is. Hell, it's actually just whomever advanced first usually.

    [–]MsHellsing 2 points3 points ago

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    As a sabre fencer, this only works with beginning fencers. There is this nifty thing called a perry - repost.

    [–]psiphre 1 point2 points ago

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    "parry"?

    [–]MsHellsing 0 points1 point ago

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    Note to self; don't post 10 minutes after waking up. Yes, parry.

    [–]docodine 1 point2 points ago

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    more like 'who cheered louder? winnar!'

    [–]boomguy 0 points1 point ago

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    Thank you. The current rules make it so pointless.

    [–]killvolume 0 points1 point ago

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    Plus it's all fucking wrist cuts. With epee and foil you at least have to aim.

    [–]1006_Upside_Down 1 point2 points ago

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    WTF? Wrist cuts are more about aiming than other kinds of cuts because the wrist is smaller.

    load more comments (3 replies)

      [–]PawFox 1 point2 points ago

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      I <3 Sabre and is my blade of choice.

      Been sword fencing for about 4years now..?

      [–]BAWLing 0 points1 point ago

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      They are not popular because a good hit can break bones.

      [–]EverGlow89 3 points4 points ago*

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      Do any involve lightsabers? If not then I'm done here.

      [–]Jonno_FTW 1 point2 points ago

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      They call this epee.

      [–]latticusnon 0 points1 point ago

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      Thanks!

      [–]hhmmmm 1 point2 points ago

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      while I love the idea of fencing, modern sport of fencing is just silly. The same very basic principles apply as in unarmed combat and I'm not going to fight someone in a straight line, you want them as off balance balance as possible, to keep on their weak side and trying to turn on their leading foot to keep you in front of them. You want to be able to strike at the legs, throw or sweep them them to the floor etc etc

      When they do an MMA for fencing, then i'll be interested.

      [–]KFJ943 1 point2 points ago

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      I'm a saber fencer on the Icelandic saber fencing team. We don't have foil/epee in Iceland. I was at the Nordic fencing championship in March, and Norway was a complete no-show, since apparently they only have foil and epee.

      Saber is really good fun, you just have to remember the rules that often get quite convoluted. I'm also quite lucky because the team has some of the best coaches in Europe, and it's dirt cheap to start practicing over here.

      [–]MasterWTS 51 points52 points ago

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      hey look, its not a riposte!

      [–]baccus83 10 points11 points ago

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      Trying to start a pun thread, eh? That's pretty lamé.

      [–]SimianRex 5 points6 points ago

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      Wow, someone's a bit touché.

      [–]barktwiggs 4 points5 points ago

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      OK, I think he gets the point.

      load more comments (6 replies)

        [–]silentcadence 33 points34 points ago

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        As a fencer, this almost hurts to watch.

        [–]Calber4 14 points15 points ago

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        Seriously. Disregarding the obvious, the guy on the right is completely covering target, and he would totally lose right of way with his blade behind his back (this being foil). Then the guy on the left turns his back.

        Then there's the total lack of form from the guy on the left. I mean he could easily disengage and counter attack (and have right of way since the other guy's blade is behind his back). And seriously, look at his posture, he needs to bend his knees more, relax his shoulder. How's he supposed to hit the target area with his tip in his opponents face?

        And seriously, a french grip? Seriously?

        [–]Burst_of_Speed 13 points14 points ago

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        The gayest of grips.

        [–]Hussard 2 points3 points ago

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        Hey, I dig the french and italian grips majorly. I'm not actually disabled so I have no need for the orthopedic grip. Did you lose a couple of fingers in the wars? DIDN'T THINK SO!

        :P

        [–]antico 0 points1 point ago

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        Italian grip? Aren't those illegal?

        Ninja-edit: In the FIE rules I mean.

        [–]Hussard 0 points1 point ago

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        Yep. Some clubs around here (Melb, AUS) still field a couple of novices with Italians. They're...interesting. As an intermediate foilist with a huge sabre streak running through him, you can get some pretty deadly low-line angles of attack out of that grip - nothing you couldn't replicate with a French, of course, but interesting nevertheless.

        Personally, I'm a huge fan of the French but I do fence pistol if I'm dabbling in epee.

        [–]antico 0 points1 point ago

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        Interesting. I've only ever tried Italian once, when the armourer found one in the back of the foil cupboard, but it's an interesting grip. I can see it would change the way you lunge.

        [–]Hussard 0 points1 point ago

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        The only unfortunate thing is that low-line guards done in the rapier style are technically not considered an established line because of pronated wrist.

        And the fact that it leaves almost everything from navel to chin completely open to attack as well because you can't use your off-hand.

        [–]antico 0 points1 point ago

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        Well there is that minor detail!

        [–]GnarlyToaster 0 points1 point ago

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        hey guys what's going on in he-

        I get the feeling I'm not part of this conversation

        load more comments (1 reply)

          [–]kabukistar 0 points1 point ago

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          Russian, all the way.

          [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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          Pretty sure he's wearing skateboarding shoes too. : /

          [–][deleted] 14 points15 points ago

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          It's obviously staged. The one thing I took away from fencing was how pathetically easy it was for someone who was weaker than me but better with the sword to simply redirect my blade and then stab me in the gut or the face.

          [–]silentcadence -1 points0 points ago

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          I have no doubt it's staged. There's just so many rules violations, it's painful. It's still funny, but utterly ridiculous at the same time.

          [–]MNico 6 points7 points ago

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          It's from Tosh.0. Daniel Tosh doesn't even know the meaning of the word "rule".

          [–]doctorcrass 12 points13 points ago

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          You do realize they're not fighting with the same weapon right? It isn't in violation of any rules because it isn't fencing. It is a dude with a claymore slashing a foil out of some guys hand.

          [–]dont_get_it 0 points1 point ago

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          No shit, it is against the rules. Who would be under the impression you are allowed to bring a katana to a fencing match.

          [–]adouchebag 9 points10 points ago

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          Which one is Guinan and which one is Picard?

          [–]Dafuzz 0 points1 point ago

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          The one with the sword is Guinan, and the one with the other sword is Picard.

          [–]liebereddit 30 points31 points ago

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          Even a beginning fencer would have seen that beat attack coming from a long way away, evaded it by dropping his sword under the slash, and skewered the guy running in.

          Swords got smaller because smaller is lighter and lighter is faster. Speed + technique wins in sword fights. Armor was no longer an issue.

          What people don't realize is that to chop at an opponent you have to be closer than you do if you stab. An edge is still a useful thing, but the point gives you greater range.

          As far as fencing goes, the Épée is more like what we've seen in swashbuckling movies, both in the way the sword is shaped and in competitive rules. One of the things I love about Épée: Is someone trying to lunge at your body? Fuck that. Stab them in the forearm.

          [–]Hussard 1 point2 points ago

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          The best thing about epee is stop hit to the knee. Attacks in opposition is also good too although the standard bell guard lacks the quillons that make it more effective.

          [–]ZenBerzerker 0 points1 point ago

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          The best thing about epee is stop hit to the knee.

          Touché at the wrist, right on the end of the radius bone, FTW

          load more comments (2 replies)

            [–]OpinionatedJerk 8 points9 points ago

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            if those were real swords the dude with the big one would be dead now.

            [–]leicanthrope 5 points6 points ago

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            Not if he used the sword properly. That style of sword was historically used more like a polearm than a sword. He would have one hell of a reach advantage over someone with a smallsword.

            [–]bebeschtroumph 8 points9 points ago

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            yeah but he is holding it behind his head and with an incorrect grip.

            [–]northendtrooper 7 points8 points ago

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            Tosh.0?

            [–]Jimbozu 0 points1 point ago

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            yah

            [–]Llythe 0 points1 point ago

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            yup

            [–]tanman1212 0 points1 point ago

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            yes

            [–]Ramennov 4 points5 points ago*

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            Reminds me of Rob Roy. EDIT: Link to video.

            [–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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            Qui Gon Jinn vs. Mr. Orange sword fight fuck yeah.

            [–]snitzy 2 points3 points ago

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            Not Today!

            [–]koolkats 2 points3 points ago

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            Just So.

            [–]InvalidArguments 1 point2 points ago

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            All men are made of water. Did you know this?

            [–]LilPinkPanda 2 points3 points ago

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            that's how i feel with during arguments with my girlfriend

            [–]KingGorilla 2 points3 points ago

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            Not today death!

            [–]Calber4 2 points3 points ago

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            Psh, should have disengaged and counter-attacked. You could see that beat coming from a mile away.

            Amateurs.

            [–]ObliviousUltralisk 2 points3 points ago

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            I'm kinda surprised that nobody has mentioned the documentary Reclaiming the Blade in here yet.

            [–]Sabotage101 2 points3 points ago*

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            Disclaimer: I know nothing about fencing or swordfighting other than fantasy novels and TV shows.

            That said.. wouldn't a real fencer just have lowered his sword and run the guy through? I would think anyone remotely competent would have far greater speed and accuracy with a fencing sword over a clumsy 2 handed swing like that. The only advantage I can see to a large sword is when you were up against a guy with armor or a shield when a light weapon couldn't do anything even if you scored 100 strikes. So fencing is the way it is because anyone who tried to use a weapon that unwieldy in a sparring match would lose without swinging once. But yeah, full plate+shield+heavy swords sparring would be awesome to watch.

            [–]Loborin 0 points1 point ago

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            Depends, depends on the footwork of the greatsword wielder.

            [–]KingNick 2 points3 points ago

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            Still the best Tosh.0 skit to date

            [–]Perk-a-Derk 7 points8 points ago

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            ugh, the sad thing is, a lot of people who sign up for fencing DO think that's what it is...

            Pissed me off around recruiting time in HS when we would get a bunch of weirdos thinking they were pirates of the Caribbean >:(

            It's making me mad all over again just thinking about this one girl at a tournament...UGH rude

            [–]SquirrelDragon 6 points7 points ago

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            I was fencing against someone at a collegiate tournament who was dressed like a pirate: bandana, sash, and wearing his sabre at his side. Sadly I lost 5-4 to him, it was so close. (I'm still a novice)

            [–]biacelinamaria 4 points5 points ago

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            Game of Thrones style - "stick 'em with the pointy end"

            [–]spikey666 2 points3 points ago

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            And what do we say to the God of Death? Not today!

            [–]lols 2 points3 points ago

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            Just so.

            [–]iamastranger 1 point2 points ago

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            Come at me br....AHHHHH!!!

            [–]theregularlion 1 point2 points ago

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            The way fencing should be.

            [–]andytuba 0 points1 point ago

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            You mean, lots of witty repartee?

            [–]thornae 1 point2 points ago*

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            I can't find it now, but many years ago on a fencing forum (possibly even on usenet) there was a discussion of the fencing styles of various Star Trek characters. Because, y'know, internet.

            Anyway, the best comment was about a hypothetical match between Kirk and Picard. It was something like:
            "Picard would favour épée, the gentleman's weapon. Kirk, of course, would fence sabre.
            Picard opens with a perfect passata-sotto feint and trompement. Kirk counters with parry in tierce and hilt punch to jaw."

            Edit: Found it! It was usenet.

            |> : Another question I should crosspost is who would win fencing,
            |> : Kirk or Picard. I don't recall Kirk fencing ever but Picard
            |> : looked like he was doing pretty well....
            |>
            |> They wouldn't. Kirk would fence epee (fewer rules), and Picard would
            |> fence foil (being the uptight anal-retentive guy that he is). :)

            No, Kirk would prefer saber. Picard would, of course, be conversant in all
            three weapons, but, being a gentleman, would prefer epee (in fact, that is
            the weapon he was shown using on the show).

            |> Or they would compromise and both fence sabre. Picard would score on a
            |> masterful deceive, and Kirk would counter with an uppercut guard punch to
            |> the jaw.

            ... My gods. That was sixteen years ago. That discussion is older than some redditors.
            I think I need a lie down.

            [–]HiddenRonin 2 points3 points ago

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            "Foil is for children, Epee is for women, sabre is for men" ;)

            [–]hattfatt 1 point2 points ago

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            That's practically German academic fencing. Two guys standing in front of each smashing the shit out of each other hoping to land a strike on the head. No helmets because helmets are for pussies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXdzLFllfRI

            [–]HotRodLincoln 1 point2 points ago

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            If the fencer to the left were any good he would've disengaged and immediately ran the fencer on the right through. A simple extension of his arm and the fencer on the right would've pretty much thrown himself on it.

            [–]2014woot 1 point2 points ago

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            For those who are not aware, this is from Tosh.0 and he takes a lot of his content from Reddit.

            [–]thetensor 6 points7 points ago

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            Fencing tip: when an idiot comes at you with heavy sword and swings at your blade, perform a derobement under his blade, lunge to the throat, recover, and retreat.

            [–]doctorcrass 4 points5 points ago

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            This is terrible advice, lunging into the swing of a claymore is the worst thing you can possibly do, even if you slab him the throat the blade will still demolish you. A much smarter tactic would just be dodge the initial swing and step in for a throat lunge before he can recover from the swing.

            [–]xipietotec 3 points4 points ago

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            Agreed. Also: Fencing tip when fighting against a modern fencer: Walk in circles around them.

            [–]thetensor 0 points1 point ago

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            Who said "lunge into the swing"? Maybe you're having trouble with the technical terminology? I said derobe -- in this case, that means avoid his attack on your blade by lowering your point and raising it again after his passes -- then during his huge backswing, you lunge, hit, and get out again.

            [–]doctorcrass 0 points1 point ago

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            What I'm saying is the clip is a joke, a real person with a claymore would just swing for your body. You can't just lower your blade to avoid a body chop.

            [–]thetensor 1 point2 points ago

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            How do you imagine the claymore-wielder would get close enough for a cut without first attacking the fencer's blade? If he withdraws his blade for a swing and advances (like at the end of the clip), he's defenseless and meets an extended blade before he's within range to cut to the body. A cut to the fencer's arm is probably too slow, since the arm can be withdrawn quickly, and then he's vulnerable during the follow-through. The claymore-wielder has to do something about the fencer's blade before he can get in range, and the fencer is well-prepared to deal with that kind of compound action and bladework from a slower, heavier blade. The best approach might be to try leave an opening to draw an attack, but again, the claymore is slow and hard to parry with.

            European fencing between unarmored opponents evolved away from heavy blades and cutting because heavy blades used for cutting consistently lose to light blades used for thrusting.

            tl;dr The claymore-wielder better keep his blade in front of him or he's in for a nasty surprise.

            [–]Ogrish 2 points3 points ago

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            THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!!

            [–]TheLabGeek 2 points3 points ago

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            Modern fencing is a sport. It's really just two guys trying to poke each other with sticks. Just like basketball is bunch of guys trying to get a ball into a netted hoop. It's not meant to be used in a real life situation.

            I am sick of seeing all the RPG/anime/fantasy geeks trying to learn fencing so they can pretend sword fight.

            [–]HiddenRonin 1 point2 points ago

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            While you are correct it is a sport, your assumption it cannot teach you things that make you a good swordsman is ignorant. My Sabre instructor taught me many good lessons regarding footwork, range and positioning. That said, the Longsword will always be my favourite weapon.

            [–]TheLabGeek 1 point2 points ago

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            I've practice foil for a couple of years. I agree that the training involved in fencing can teach you how to be a better swordsman technically. So can many other sports and disciplines.

            The point I am trying to make is that the motivation behind learning fencing for a lot of people seem to be because they think they can go out and sword fight afterwards. I feel like this perception de-legitimize fencing as a sport.

            [–]HiddenRonin 0 points1 point ago

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            I agree. forgive me if I seemed pedantic. =)

            [–]Vsusanmoon 2 points3 points ago

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            That is why Kendo/Kumdo is much more bad ass!! Case in point: http://www.samurai-weapons.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/kendo12.jpg

            Hitting people with sticks beats out stupid foils anyday

            [–]Calber4 4 points5 points ago

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            I see your jumping kendo guy and raise you... well, about two feet.

            [–]Vsusanmoon 6 points7 points ago

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            well i see your flying fencing men with bent swords into extreme neck stab technique http://gaijinlife.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/tsukibend.jpg?w=348&h=480

            [–]Calber4 2 points3 points ago

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            Oh, I can do that one too

            [–]underswamp1008 1 point2 points ago

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            Jeez...what is that called/how does it work?

            [–]luciddr34m3r 1 point2 points ago

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            It's called "stabbing".

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              load more comments (9 replies)

                [–]isoT 1 point2 points ago

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                In the times of swashbuckling, Portugese were in Japan. There was a curious confrontation of different sword styles that couldn't defend against each others. Fights ended up with the swashbucklers being slashed to bits, dying instantly. And days later, the samurai would die for internal bleeding having his organs pierced.

                [–]Giddeshan 2 points3 points ago

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                Keep in mind that most users of the katana were highly trained warriors while the Portugese or Spanish sailors were typically self taught complete amateurs.

                [–]doctorcrass 0 points1 point ago

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                If the japanese swordsmen weren't dying for days doesn't that mean they were bulldozing the portugese as in they were not suffering casualties on the field?

                [–]NovemberTrees 3 points4 points ago

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                IIRC it was personal duels. But this doesn't make much sense since modern fencing has its roots in 18-19th century "first blood' fencing where a win was determined by drawing blood while the 16-17th century Portuguese fencing would have been with thicker blades that were smaller than full longswords but still basically cut and thrust blades.

                [–]KingFestivus 0 points1 point ago

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                I imagine the guys who were stabbed couldn't continue to fight, they simply died of their wounds slower. That is assuming this story is at all true.

                [–]PlatinumTank 1 point2 points ago

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                I cannot agree enough.

                [–]adhutch23 0 points1 point ago

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                stop giffing my pics

                [–]fshizl 0 points1 point ago

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                fucking demo knights...

                [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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                SCA: Not even once.

                Unless you like awesome.

                [–]Forever_Alex14 0 points1 point ago

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                BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL!!!

                [–]Vilvos 0 points1 point ago

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                Reminds me of this sword fight.

                [–]boredidiot 1 point2 points ago

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                I cannot stand his attacking the blade instead of the man, it should of ended in seconds. In the first exchange, he should of taken off Cunninghams arm, his superior reach constantly meant that Cunningham was threatened prior to actually making a threat which anyone competent of the period knew was suicide.

                [–]apullin 0 points1 point ago

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                A fast fighter with a rapier could probably disable & then run through someone with a two-handed sword before they could land a blow.

                [–]kat19 0 points1 point ago

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                That guy is so winning the zombie apocalypse.

                [–]TjallingOtter 0 points1 point ago

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                Mid-level fencing is actually what comes closest to being badass. Low-level is just bashing hard to create an opening, high level is quick, small and decisive moves, but very boring to watch.

                [–]Elv3n 0 points1 point ago

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                Nice Eyelander!

                [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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                Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=arma+longsword&aq=0&oq=arma+long

                [–]myblueship 0 points1 point ago

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                I laughed for 10 minutes watching this. Made my morning. All that stopped when I started reading the comments, I mean come-on guys, We all know this isn't real "strategy". Stop ruining some thing funny with "he could have done ________ instead" comments.

                [–]Stompedyourhousewith 0 points1 point ago

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                if they had real weapons and were really fighting, the fencer would have circle 6 the broad sword, and during the broadswords follow through, stabbed him in the heart

                [–]gabbagool 0 points1 point ago

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                what is truly ridiculous about fencing is that what would be a draw in actual swordplay, both combatants run each other through, is registered as a win for the person that was stabbed 1 nanosecond later than the other.

                [–]hannahalexia 0 points1 point ago

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                Did anyone else notice the guy on the left's sword just.. Disappears? Wtf?

                [–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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                well,it can be ONLY one.....right?

                [–]djbakedpotato 0 points1 point ago

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                I used to fence and I always had an opponent who did this, she always Xena Warrior Princess styled all of her moves, needless to say when I fenced against her I didn't last long.

                [–]Tavataar 0 points1 point ago

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                Man the guy on the left has terrible form!

                [–]Bernie_SUCKA 0 points1 point ago

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                http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=fence&um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=909&tbm=isch&tbnid=TNw9ynuNvee2fM:&imgrefurl=http://www.fencepicture.com/photos/garden-fence.html&docid=anFprcXIPiD5NM&w=1530&h=930&ei=IKVaTvyDC8Gy8QO7lbnIDA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=436&page=1&tbnh=133&tbnw=202&start=0&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0&tx=101&ty=56

                [–]Whatthefaaaack -1 points0 points ago

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                Unguarrr .... Hollllyyy shiiiiiii

                T

                [–]baccus83 13 points14 points ago

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                *En garde.

                [–]caliopy 0 points1 point ago

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                i was a competitive fencer when I was younger and can tell you this. That guy with the big sword would have been easy to stop/kill/humiliate even with a foil.

                [–]Retanaru 0 points1 point ago

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                I always just want to pull out a spear then attack a foilist. What? range issues? I'll just smack you with my stick if you get inside any ways.

                [–]Vertigo666 0 points1 point ago

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                Might as well whip out ye olde longbow

                [–]IAyeEye 0 points1 point ago

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                There's no colorful way to put this, I just laughed my ass off and woke everyone in my house up.

                [–]Polyether 0 points1 point ago

                sorry, this has been archived and can no longer be voted on

                I had a friend who fenced quite well this way. As soon as the match started he would charge you, and most of the time he would win.

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