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How to learn swordfighting?

B

badmouse

Platinum Member
My 14-year-old son wants to learn swordfighting. He's been fascinated by it for years, and only recently has he been healthy enough to even consider it.

I don't even know where to start looking for someplace for him to learn. He's not interested in fencing (there's a fencing school here, but they don't do broad swords, I asked).

What do I look for?
 
Get him started in D&D...

"Lightning bolt! Lightning bolt!"

Everyone I played with was at least a 3rd degree black belt who owned at least 2 swords
 
14 is too young to fight in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism).

My recommendation is traditional martial arts like karate. He'll learn a lot about balance and power which will translate well if he decides to try swordfighting later.

Depending on how big a city you live in, you might be able to find a kendo school. Kendo isn't like fighting with a broadsword, but it is sword fighting.

Michael
 
Why doesn't he want to try fencing? There are different types than just foil fencing that you see in movies all the time. He could check out eppe (sp?) or saber type fencing. I think saber would be more enjoyable though.
 
Originally posted by: sandmanwake
Why doesn't he want to try fencing? There are different types than just foil fencing that you see in movies all the time. He could check out eppe (sp?) or saber type fencing. I think saber would be more enjoyable though.
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Fencers always think their sport is the end-all be-all of swordfighting. Ack.

The kid wants to hack with a big two handed sword, not prance around with a stiff wire.
 
Why doesn't he want to try fencing? There are different types than just foil fencing that you see in movies all the time. He could check out eppe (sp?) or saber type fencing. I think saber would be more enjoyable though
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Close enough - it's epee, one of the 3 main implements of European fencing (foil, epee, and sabre).



You could try Aikido. I know they go into weapons..
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The weapons curriculum in aikido consists of training with the jo (4ft staff) and bokken (wooden training sword), and that's it. It is not uncommon for shihan and higher to also train in iaido, kendo, or for the really nostalgic guys, battado. Of the three, only battado (the art of cutting) would focus on consistant use of an actual sword. Kendoka pummel eachother with shinai (bamboo and leather training swords) while a bokken would be used 90% of the time in iaido.

But I would heartily suggest getting your kid involved in aikido! 😀
 
I don't think you can jump right into swordfighting. You're supposed to start with laughing, then jumping off of something (usually called Intro to Swashbuckling in the catalog). 😉
 
If he just wants to swordplay for show, look for a theatrical combat trainer. There are plenty here in LA but you might have ones locally. They teach you fighting methods for several weapons and how to execute all the show-stopper moves you see in the movies. It's not at all practical but very fun to watch. 🙂
 
Originally posted by: KingNothing
Originally posted by: LAUST
Just make sure he knows to never take a knife to a gun fight
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And for that matter, don't take a knife to a knife fight either. Indiana Jones taught us this.
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LOL..

That Joned pic is hilarious too
 
The best way, of course, is to be tutored by a master. I am no fan of oriental swordplay. I would suggest that he begin by fencing. A great deal will be learned.

Cold Steel offers knife fighting DVD's. In the days of old, young men learned the knife before training with the sword and I see no reason this logic would not apply today. The lessons on footwork alone are worth the cost of the DVD's. Cold Steel is also a good source for fighting swords. Their swords, even though monotempered, are very durable (1050 carbon steel). Certainly the best buy around, they surpass other swords costing $200 more.

The Book of the Sword by Sir Richard Burton 1884 is a must read. Sadly, this was to be the first of a three volume definitive work on the sword but the author died before completing volume 2 or 3.

The study of the sword is a lifetime endeavor. If your son cannot begin with the basics, then I would suggest that he go to an SCA meeting and swing bamboo with the other yahoos who think they know how to use a sword. It is certainly quicker.

Jupe


Edit: Almost forgot, The Association for Renaissance Martial Arts
 
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