A thing about Polish sabre / szabla in HEMA

FACEBOOK - / historicalfencing
PATREON - / scholagladiatoria
ANTIQUES - www.antique-swords.co.uk

[@PainstakingPole]

I think part of the appeal of Polish sabre fencing comes from the fact, that it is (at least partially) a lost art. And people tend to romanticise lost knowledge. So every time a western treatise mentions some trick used by Polish fencing masters (like the Hellish Polish Fourth, etc...), we get a slightly unrealistic expectation about how deadly it actually was. Pretty much the same thing happened to many eastern martial arts. But there are also two other factors that contribute to the popularity of Polish sabre. One of them is the presentation. A fencing school that relies heavilly on cross cuts and moulinettes is very attractive to look at. That's probably what makes sabre fencing more popular (at least in my experience) than rapier fencing, and what makes Polish sabre a particularly popular among various schools of sabre fencing. And there's one more thing, perhaps a deciding factor for many. Now while I love many of western sabres (like the British 1796 light cavalry sabre - pretty much an evolved version of Polish hussar sabre), I tend to find their history to be... quite mundane. Well, mundane is maybe not the best word here... But you only learn about the military aspect of a particular sword's history. In the case of Polish (and Hungarian) sabres it's very different. Sabres were much more ubiquitous, and had a larger cultural impact, making a history of every single type of sabre absolutelly fascinating. Just to give you an example - in the late 16th and early 17th century Poland you would identify your support for a particular political party (Executionist movement) by wearing a particular type of sabre (batorówka). Certain types of sabres (i.e. karabela) would signal your social position (it pretty much meant that you own more than one village). In some cases the colour of your scabbard could be interpreted as an invitation to a duel. So that's the paradox. Polish sabre is the least documented part of HEMA, but the weapon itself has an unparalleled, fascinating history that draws people in.

[@tomjones587]

Amazing information, thank you for taking the time to write this.

[@MrPysiaki]

Great comment, thanks!

[@lindybeige]

The collar gives you a Nosferatu look.

[@Bearded_Tattooed_Guy]

And his teeth does not?

[@MisterDusterix]

Yes Nosferatu. xD

[@r.huffman1091]

HEY! Any update on the Carthage graphic novels you are working on????

[@daanwilmer]

They're still working on it. It's a lot of work you know!

[@chrisf247]

Jealous hobbitses

[@bakters]

Oh, c'mon. We know you don't want people to study Polish saber, because you'll have to say Jerzy and Starzyński more often!

[@tomekm1804]

Or Maciejowski.

[@bakters]

tomekm1804 Maciejowi*c*ki, actually. ;-)

[@tomekm1804]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Maciejowski pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Maciejowski But it's still depend of context. ;)

[@bakters]

tomekm1804 You are right, I was wrong.

[@lindybeige]

"Literally a butt-load"? I do not think that means what you think it means.

[@jacobs9083]

Lindybeige No, it is an actual measurement equivalent to 126 gallons. 126 gallons of people are studying Polish sabre Lindy!

[@MoreAmerican]

Lindybeige When the f*ck did people start using the word, "literally," all the time, instead of using "figuratively?" Hate it.

[@MoreAmerican]

Lindybeige Yes, and I think "butt-load" is adult industry jargon lol.

[@0hn0haha]

I farted with joy at seeing this comment.

[@Arcsinner]

It is darn annoying that literally everyone uses the term "literally" wrong

[@singami465]

In all honesty though, people want to pick up szabla, because: 1. It might be part of their heritage, or they might just be Polish; 2. The lack of sources is intriguing, so it's a developing science, whenever someone finds a new snippet of info it gets passed around; 3. It already had a cult following, people heard the stories of Polish szabla being a god-like weapon in the past and they're drawn in; 4. People want to represent or research a culture that is very underrepresented in media, but still feels familiar.

[@Askorti]

Polish szabla as a god-like weapon? Since when? I've heard some people calling a winged Hussar sabre (the one with the thumb ring) as "the best sword" because how how many different types of cuts you can do with it(Is it even true?) but aside from that, I haven't heard much about polish sabre being such a great weapon.

[@The_Gallowglass]

Jacek N because poland master race

[@jacobs9083]

Yagi They're not developing a new science though, are they? you're either doing Polish sabre, which seems impossible, or you're 'developing a new science' using a Polish sabre. very different things

[@wierdalien1]

Ó Slattarra alright Nietzsche

[@lancerd4934]

I think it's a kind of new kid on the block thing, and because of the association with cool historical soldiers like the winged hussars. Plus, when you see demonstrations the reconstructed version at least tends to be more aggressive and less circumspect than other sabre traditions ("Parry? What parry? Keep cutting and let the other bastard parry!" - Hussar training sergeant). My main criticism other than the lack on manuals is a fairly minor point, which is that polish sabre practitioners seem to be very vulnerable to a cut 4 at the sword arm. Since the standard defense to this is to go from inside hanging guard to a high outside spadroon guard (aka sword arm protect), there is a lot of time to get the cut in under the opponent's point as the sword rotates through 270 degrees. Switching to an outside hanging guard instead (a 90 degree shift) would remedy this, but I don't see polish sabre practitioners doing it.

[@wj1786]

I think one of the main reasons for this interest in polish saber is about it's image in popular culture as an atribute, a symbol of nobleman's status, similar to that of a sword for western europe. When sabers became popular in western europe it was used by organized, modern military formations instead of knights. So western saber (and in consequence it's fighting techniques) is more anonymous, homogeneous, even souless, while polish saber have this romantic aura about it.

[@lindybeige]

But there are loads of bat'leth treatises, even 3D video footage of masters using them, and you ignore all of this.

[@garethlamb6923]

I'd rather study Form VII of the lightsaber.

[@WestEast3259585]

POLONORUM IMPERIUM

[@edwardanderson1053]

HAHAHAHAHA! Stupidity is cheap and readily available in the universe.

[@erykczajkowski8226]

Well, if there are only loads, but not butt-loads, it might not be enough for Matt! ;)

[@kalinmir]

just because you have polish sabre friends doesnt mean you are not antipolishsabre racist!

[@RabidBogling]

Aye, stop Britishsabresplaining, Matt.

[@phileas007]

Oh dear, HEMA+ incoming!

[@Preedx2]

#NotAllPolishSabres

[@medievalreview]

Richard speaks to this in his book. Namely that much of Polish sabre as a martial art is based on reconstructions based on accounts from journals, and the rest is supplemented by martial arts of other sabre treatise, specifically looking a dussack and stick fighting, but also commonly used techniques across other sabre styles. Reconstructive HEMA is not something people really think about but it is really important to note. Good topic Matt, cheers.

[@gozer87]

For me, I've been fascinated by the Polish Hussar and the commonwealth since I read about them in high school, so I guess it's partly driven by reenactment. Plus my great grandma was Polish.

[@Alefiend]

Oh, Matt. It's not "literally" a buttload. That's just ridiculous. The literal term is "metric fuck-ton." :-)

[@wierdalien1]

Alefiend could be though.

[@lancerd4934]

Depends on the size of the butt. Are we talking Meg Ryan or J-lo here?

[@grantcook3739]

Technically, a butt load is 126 gallons, so...

[@MsFlamingFlamer]

"I do like Poland" - Matt Easton 2017

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

Well, there ARE two treatises about polish sabre from XIX century one by Master Starzewski, second one by Colonel Iwanowski. But as you said we still didn't discovered any from XVII century. There are also interesting materials for Hungarian and Russian sabre that weren't studied enough. I don't get the point of this video. So far no one was studying these treatises either... so what's the problem? Or is it just typical western european bias? I'm pretty sure that most of western and northern european sabres already have big attention, while polish or hungarian sabre without this current "hype" wouldn't be ever touched by anyone knowing how central-eastern europe basically doesn't exists in people's minds.

[@Bibitybopitybacon]

Kamil Szadkowski. couldn't agree more.

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

Badger0fDeath But the other styles were explored and have good amount of people researching and practising them already. While with polish sabre we're trying to recovered it. It's obvious it needs more attention. "while others with much older lineages " --- You mean younger, right?

[@euroweasel1088]

Kamil Szadkowski Really, all the other styles already have plenty of people studying them? Stuff like the English backsword or German/Austrian military sabre?

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

Proportionally? Definitely much more than polish sabre. At least to recent time. Tell me, how many people are studying hungarian military sabre? Or russian shashka?

[@Bibitybopitybacon]

western military saber was heavily influenced by backsword. They are almost identical. Polish saber is interesting because its different. And the lack of scourge material gives room for experimentation and innovation. I love it because the Winged hussars are freaking awesome. I love Matt and watch all of his videos, but this honestly makes him sound like he's just irritated. Wonder how many people have come to his club asking to learn Polish saber?

[@adam-k]

The thing with Polish (or hungarian whatever) saber is that while there are no or not many treatises the saber as a weapon is engraved into the culture of those nations. You look most military statues people wear sabers. You read about any national hero they used sabers. You ask almost any child what sword Toldi or Kinizsi used they will tell you it was a sabre. (Even if they might didn't in reality) What sword Attila used, they will say a sabre (nope). My point is sabre is more important to millions of people, people without any particular military interest or education, and they get more passionate about it then most Englishmen would get about any type of sword. It would be much better to compare this interest to the Royal Navy than to lets say backswords. And of course as you said there are no treatises so imagine the frustration what you would feel if you have all those amazing naval legends and battles and heroes but there wouldn't be a single document how sailing ships were used.

[@silverbastion1526]

Dobrze powiedziane, Bracie

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Good film. The oldest instructions about the Polish saber fight from the beginning of the 19th century are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWm2kqiKZ6mZq7s

[@vmark1111]

well i guess its due to the fact that fortunately most Polish people love their traditions! (by the way we in Hungary say szablya it must be the same world for the sword)

[@NiesamowiteWszystko]

Greeting from Poland. Just wanted to clarify that polish 'szabla' is a word specific for 'saber', a regular 'sword' is called 'miecz'.

[@vmark1111]

ohh my bad! i tired to refer to the sabre. (so szablya = sabre = szabla) for a regular sword our word is: kard

[@NoahWeisbrod]

Márk Vidéki I do believe the word (saber, sabre, sable, szabla, etc) originates from Hungarian.

[@ivanharlokin]

Similar in Croatian, mač is sword, sablja is sabre.

[@Theorimlig]

Swedish: sabre is "sabel", sword is "svärd". So quite similar to the english and central european words.

[@metteuston7699]

Poolish Spodroon, ned moer fullowers

[@0hn0haha]

I'm subskriebd

[@Usammityduzntafraidofanythin]

subscribedski

[@MRWDL800]

what in the f--- :D

[@garethlamb6923]

I enjoy the ScoolaGlahdiatooria channel.

[@MisterDusterix]

Ned tu uplowd mor vedeos tu folow u on paytreeon

[@panpeteski5925]

Hello Matt, once again, I came back to this video. I believe our love to the Polish saber is in our (Polish) DNA. Through the history and art, we grow up with it and learn about it. Some of us are playing saber wielding heroes as kids, some like you, get interested in HEMA and historical reconstruction , some reach to the family roots, and the Polish saber plays a huge role. I personally had commissioned a replica of the XVII century saber, to add to the collection of a few, that my Grandfather and my Dad had collected before - including the WZ 34, that you also made a video about. “My” saber is being made by a great master blacksmith - Andrzej Mikiciak. Love your channel 😎👍🏻

[@leoprzytuac3660]

As I understand it, Polish sabre would be "reconstructive" hema. I personally find it appealing cause WINGED HUSSARS! God, they were so cool.

[@ArfooHuroo]

You know, the chinese military longsword does have treatisies as well

[@scholagladiatoria]

I do know :-)

[@ArfooHuroo]

:D

[@ArfooHuroo]

hhahahahaha

[@bilibiliism]

what is chinese military longsword? Or which one are you referring to specifically?

[@ummonk]

Kama Sutra dude.

[@philipprigmore8723]

In truth, what I have taken from all of your videos is your love and respect for all things sharp and pointy. Keep on teaching me more and more about these fine weapons - all of them. Thanks.

[@betonskiorah]

Where can I find sabre treatises? Also, could someone point me to a source on Austro-Hungarian sabres, like a reference book, collectors guide or something?

[@Mateo1982able]

Once I heard that thesis: the reason of not having any treatises is a result of some specific rule - Polish saber is not a knowledge that any random person can gain. Rather than that it was like a secret passed to next generation not by means of books but via direct exercise

[@PikkupAndropov]

Maybe if German/French/Italian militaries decided to make swords that looked as cool as the Polish sabers they would have more people interested in them. That's really what it comes down to. Polish-Lithuanian/Hungarian Sabers have a unique aesthetic that is very different to Western European sabers and that draws people's interest.

[@chrisnotyourbusines7739]

It has never stopped beeing popular. HEMA was alife in Poland before the term HEMA came up. Even trough the times under soviet occupation since it was one of the few things they would us do..and while there are no manuals for polish sabre as they are for BMS. There are tons and tons of written materials and descriptions of fights (melee and duels) as well people alive that learned from somebody that learned from somebody and so forth. Also everything gets much more interesting to study when there is a shroud mistery surrounding it :)

[@injiginiput]

What treatise or book would you recommend for someone starting out with English sabre? Hutton is readily available, but it's pretty late.

[@xiezicong]

Deja vu, I just saw you comment on this yesterday on FaceBook! That said, what recommendations do you have for French military sabre treatises? And do they come in English? Also, what's the sword hanging vertically on the left wall (from the audience) that's closest to the corner? It's near the other sword on the ground.

[@pellaken]

I think people like it because it has no treatise

[@akatsukami9578]

Teddy Boragina: In a way. I suspect it's more specifically, "I need to do x hours a week of drills and sparring to learn szabla" versus "To learn Victorian military saber I need to start by reading a book". The former sounds more interesting. (Of course, after I've read the book, I then have to do x hours a week of drills and sparring practicing what I've read. That seems to get lost, though.)

[@Ranziel1]

I think people like it because of the cross-cutting and how it looks fancy and wild, especially when contrasted to the "posh" British and French military sabre of the 19th century, plus the whole Slavic culture is viewed as a fascinating oddity by a lot of westerners, same as Japanese or Chinese cultures.

[@jwg72]

...and the possible overlap with those using sharply curved swords in the balkans and indo-persia... lots to feed those who find the 'orient' 'exotic'.

[@aurourus6894]

Well, you have to swing like you're using a flail.

[@fabulousknight1960]

To add to Ranziel1, there's also the fact that winged hussars are generally considered cool as shit.

[@universeturtle]

QUESTION Hey I like your videos, just wanted to know what style you think someone could kind of "graduate" to from polish saber. I'm sure it depends on what you want to do as a swordsman but perhaps there is intelligent method of progression involving different styles?

[@theOrder-ls5gd]

Matt you used to have i think a short sword half way up your wall, what was that and how much would that cost?

[@NakMuayify]

Could you do a vid on the differences between the military sabre arts of various countries?

[@Tim1000064]

NakMuayify I agree this would be really interesting!

[@Kubwaw]

You say you don't understand Polish sabre's popularity and yet you gave the exact reason in this video!

[@mrcraftsmann]

Honestly - one should not say "there are no sources". but instead - "I do not know any sources". Until it`s gradual downfall from XVII c. Poland was one of the richest countries in Europe, knowledge and books was a prestigious thing to have. Intellectual capability was proven by some scholars acknowledged widely in middle-ages. Also - sending young men to universities all across Europe was popular. The thing is, since the Swedish deluge, most of the archives, libraries and private collections were either stolen or burnt. Near Cracow is a major castle that served as a royal and private archives, and it was burnt with all its contents by Swedish army. In XVIII/XIX c. Russians and Prussians were very keen on stealing and/or burning anything that reminded polish culture. Destruction was finished by Germans, who stole or burnt almost entire contents of Polish State Archives in 1940-45. Although, there are some superb soldiers memoirs (rich in military content) and military architecture treaties that managed to survive through centuries. It`s a matter of simple deduction, that there must have been some fighting treaties, as anyone around has some.

[@StudyofSwords]

mrcraftsmann It's temporal semantics; it isn't that there were no treatises at any given point in Polish history, only that there no surviving or known treatises from the period being spoken about.

[@felixjaeger1635]

Maybe this explosion of interest in PS will benefit HEMA after all. Dozens of experts must at some point lead this extinct art to the state of being as accurate as possible

[@leonpacuret4882]

please do more on slings and ancient bows draw wieghts...love the vids btw.:)

[@ryddragyn]

The problem with draw weights is that there isn't much written about it in contemporary sources that is quantitative (though you can find estimates here and there for the late medieval period). Plus power can be achieved through either or both high draw weight and long draw length. If anything, historical manuals from multiple cultures devote far more words to the importance of coming to full draw (refer to Gao Ying, Peri Toxeias, the two middle eastern manuals, Toxophilus, etc), than to pulling a ridiculously heavy bow. Interestingly, Byzantine manuals (Taktika, Strategikon, etc) state that bows should be matched to a man's strength, but clarify that that should be a fair bit less than his maximum limit. The archers were intended to be shooting continuously, so they needed endurance. There's also the Byzantine manuals' point that "speed is important in shaking the arrow loose and discharging it with force". In other words, quickly coming to full draw and immediately loosing the arrow, avoiding material creep and hysteresis and a loss of power. So technique plays an important role as well. If Matt doesn't have the time to do a video on this subject, I'd be more than happy to.

[@leonpacuret4882]

ryddragyn thanks for the help ive heard a lot about how the romans used slingers over archer for their superior range i would like to see evidence of this and also how other cultures felt about wich was better the sling only realy became outdated with the use of stronger warbows i.e english longbows..theres not much info online comparing wich is better for range and power and up to what draw wieght does a sling out power a longbow.

[@hazzardalsohazzard2624]

Leon Pacuret Caeser had Cretan Archers while in Gaul, so we know there were archers fighting for the legions. We know Rome's auxiliary primarily were armed with weapons from the military traditions preceding Rome's occupation. I would assume it was less a preference towards slings and more that good slingers were easier to find than good archers.

[@haochaotsiminh6193]

wots draw weights

[@hazzardalsohazzard2624]

Hao Chao Tsi Minh It's a measure of how hard to pull a bow.

[@rem700vtr]

Hello Matt do you know something about swiss saber manuals? Thanks!

[@garethlamb6923]

What advice would you give to someone who is having a hard time finding ways to study treatises?

[@toddwatkins5584]

Does anyone know much about english longsword? A hema club near me specialises in it but i dont see much discussion about it.

[@skykid]

So you're saying it's maybe trendy? Which is a bad reason to want to study something?

[@asahearts1]

Matt, you should do some videos on fasion. You're always so stylish.

[@maxk1459]

Hi Matt, What the French military saber treatises you are mentioning exist out there?

[@scholagladiatoria]

If you go to the Schola Forum, there is a treatise database - look in the 19th century section.

[@Tulkas4242]

Speaking of other saber systems, does anyone know of any good American Military saber sources?

[@adambohnstengel4375]

it's because oh how good looking the polish sabers are. they're just that much cooler than military sabers that all look pretty similar

[@mtgAzim]

where'd you get that shirt? its pretty cool

[@duncanrobertson6472]

A lot of people aren't interested in looking at primary sources and they might not even know where to find them or what swords have treaties. It comes down to what's available on places like KZbin to capture a casual viewer.

[@kevinfox5594]

I really want to study English and Scots Backsword (and compare and contrast differences between) but unfortunately all the clubs within sensible travel time are German Longsword and I.33 focused - I'm not sure that I'm really up to self study as I don't want to get too many bad habits through personal misinterpretation - any advice on how to start?

[@MoraqVos]

What do you know about Dutch and Swedish Sabers? (as two other north-western countries of importance in that era)

[@grantcook3739]

I just started studying Henry Charles Angelo's British infantry saber. Very interesting and engrossing material, and the rest of the guys at Texas Armizare are keen to learn, just wanted to say thank you for making it available!

[@Primalintent]

Can I have a link to the diagram in the thumbnail? Cheers.

[@sparrowhawk81]

Polish saber is the katana of historical saber. There, I said it. There's an aura of mystery and bad-assed-ness surrounding it.

[@gru6y17]

I think that people are studying the Polish sabre more than any other sabour because of the fact that there aren't many sources and traiteses about it. what fun would it be to read everything about the sword in a book and then talk about it on the Internet. in MY opinion it's very important to find out more information and write new sources about weapons like the Polish sabre, especially that the Polish history isn't that known and it is a big part of European history, in my opinion it should be studied a lot more as it is extremely interesting

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Good film. The oldest instructions about the Polish saber fight from the beginning of the 19th century are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWm2kqiKZ6mZq7s

[@AABIDtheSPOON]

The two swords behind you at the top, what are the rounded parts at the end of the scabbards?

[@SpecArch96]

ArghBid I believe they are called 'Chappes', at least on medieval swords.

[@Gerle71]

ArghBid Drag?

[@Dustypilgrim1]

A protective metal covering on a sheaths/scabbards tip is called a 'chape'. There is often extra extensions on chapes on both leather and metal scabbards ( such as the flattened protruding, rounded, flanges you identify on the top two scabbards) to give enhanced protection from wear - these extensions are referred to as a 'drag', or 'shoe'.

[@AABIDtheSPOON]

Ahh thank you everyone, I've always wondered what they were

[@AndreDoyonJr]

I'd love to see a video from you talking about the broad differences between the different styles of sabre by country. What the various countries' philosophies were in regards to sabre fighting. Cheers.

[@rockimartinez6424]

Hello Mr. Easton, I would really like to learn about other saber fencing styles! Can you provide some links online about the existing saber fencing treatises of other countries (British, French, German - anything other than polish really)? Frankly I'll admit that I've only been vaguely aware that other countries used sabers as a cavalry weapon but I was not aware that they had complex traditions and styles to them, so this is a really cool discovery. P.S. What are some general differences between the different saber fencing styles of the different countries? What is your favorite saber style?

[@whiteknightphotography500]

Hey Matt, polish sabre enthusiast here. Nice video, I think the interpretation/reconstruction of a lost discipline is what pulls many people towards looking at polish sabre as opposed to say British military styles or continental variants (For me in particular, I love the deep curve on the eastern swords).I would point out that I've studied and practiced the likes of Hutton and Roworth etc. etc. and I would recommend anyone interested in looking into polish sabre find a good treatise from a Western European source and learn its principles before trying to figure out how the polish might have done things differently. This has certainly helped me out a lot .

[@LuxsDeluxe]

my mindset was developed because: I didn't like how a lot of sabres had impractical designs to them because of fashion and other reasons. But I came across the 17th century closed guard polish sabres that appeared much more practical and very down to business. And when I see that I think, "Whoever made this, didn't care about fashion, he cared about being practical", So I figured the "Polish" teachings would also be practical without a lot "fancy-ness" that finds itself in other treatises.

[@StudyofSwords]

Lucart What would qualify as "fancyness" in a sabre treaty?

[@tojaojo]

I know it’s an old thread but: studying something undocumented makes all the sense while studying something documented, well it’s already documented.

[@sharkinahat]

Poland loves you too.

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Good film. The oldest instructions about the Polish saber fight from the beginning of the 19th century are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWm2kqiKZ6mZq7s

[@ZayFaktor]

Hey Matt you said that you also study german military saber. I as a german am really interested in this topic but can hardly find any sources... Where do you found yours and could you provide some for me? Many thanks and greetings!

[@SmellsLikeTeenPoo]

F.c. christmann 1838

[@Evirthewarrior]

The instructors can make up whatever they want, that is why it is popular most likely. You will start seeing McDojos popping up everywhere teaching their version of Polish Saber to make money.

[@lancerd4934]

Sadly, I think this is a factor. If you have no treatise to compare against to validate your system, it makes you less accountable to the wider HEMA community if you don't know what you're doing.

[@Evirthewarrior]

lancer D It happens in most martial arts, Just wait until they have an internal promotion system added, then schools turn into belt factories.

[@lancerd4934]

Evirthewarrior A lot of HEMA schools have internal promotion with ranks like novice, scholar, free scholar, provost etc. As long as they don't charge fees in exchange for promotion I think this is probably fine.

[@Evirthewarrior]

lancer D Normally it is totally fine, however some instructors use those ranks, to keep students coming, making them out to be better than they really are, they get very cult like and do not compete or share information with other schools. It is pervasive throughout the martial arts community. The instructor starts promoting himself, adding titles or rank, promotes students two to three times faster than anywhere else. It breeds a "chase the rank" situation where people want that next title and do not give a damn about the information. They want to be able to say "I'm a master in [insert martial art style]" In the case of belt rank "I'm a black belt in [insert martial art]"

[@garethlamb6923]

McDojos. I love it.

[@sigutjo]

Where do you find those treaties? I try to find some german ones for some time now and i cannot find any. Maybe i'm not looking in the right places. They don't have to be in german, english would be fine.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Look at the treatise database on the Schola Forum for post-1600 sources and Wiktenauer for pre-1600 sources.

[@sigutjo]

Thanks a lot!

[@alexanerose4820]

+scholagladiatoria Hey schola, since you mentioned it may you please make a video explaining the differences and traits between the different saber traditions? I mean, you get tot talk about context and we all know how you love context :D Thanks you for your time and for the knowledge. Cheers

[@michaelangeloreina4033]

I recently picked up a Spanish Sabre Treatise from 1862, it is a very nice read, very heavy on foot work.

[@bekasmith87]

could you do a video on other sabre treaties people could study?

[@renaissanceman95]

What are, say, your top five "treatises available but not practiced" disciplines?

[@bentrieschmann]

It was a slight rant, Matt. But I understand your point of the video. Most of my limited HEMA experience has been German Longsword (Letchaur, spelled wrong I know). My club just started a sabre night for both British Military Sabre (Hutton) and Polish, which I have now done some of both and see some similarities, and difference between the two systems. Maybe, not one of your best videos, in my opinion, but again I understand your point.

[@tisFrancesfault]

Ben Trieschmann ah but the point is that "polish sabre" style is just made up for the most part and could be radically different to how it was used. its less hema and more modern, based strongly on individual trainers experience with other sabre/sword styles.

[@AstralS7orm]

Is it though? There are two treatises strong enough (though not early enough) to matter. There are multiple depictions of fighting styles used in Poland, Lithuania and Hungary as well, which helps decoding the stances and cuts used. Not all of them are accurate. Nothing as comprehensive or nicely illustrated as medieval manuscripts or even Hutton's manuals, but good enough. There's a lot of work and research to be done. (May I remind you that Hutton did reconstructive work still, based on Silver and Marozzo. It's not a clean old sabre style either.)

[@tomaszbartkow3552]

German French British start using sabre about two hundred years later. I believe sabre come up to Poland from Hungary in numbers for first time and staying there till September 1939. Sadly true is that today we do not have original polish sources how to use it. Still legend will live on and on

[@AdamsKi8181]

best regards from Poland, cheers!

[@matthewmuir8884]

Do you know if there any surviving treatises or any modern attempts being made to reconstruct two-handed claymore combat?

[@TheMalarz1989]

Isn't Polish sabre practice mostly in Poland? Is it that popular in other parts of Europe? Also, if there is very little information about it all research and reconstruction is more valuable and needed than practising styles than are well documented and known?

[@JesseHartford]

I am polish, and love your videos, including this one:) keep up a good work:)

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Good film. The oldest instructions about the Polish saber fight from the beginning of the 19th century are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWm2kqiKZ6mZq7s

[@nobbynoris]

Nice jumper. Did you get it in the sales?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Thanks - no, for Christmas.

[@slenpaiwashere3599]

People like Poslish Sabre for the same reason people like Pololish Sausage :)

[@danielgreen3261]

Is German Schlager/Academic fencing part of HEMA or is it its own separate sport?

[@scholagladiatoria]

HEMA is anything historical, European and a martial art, so yes it is.

[@florisjanpietster]

that looks like a damn comfy sweather Matt!

[@MrMleczkp]

On question how many of british french german etc. saber treatises come from xvii century? So far it seems all of them are from xviii or even xix centuries so there you have it

[@scholagladiatoria]

There are several very large and detailed treatises from 17thC England and Germany.

[@MrMleczkp]

Cool to get a response! Could you give some examples of xvii century treatises of saber fencing? The most sources you seem to refer to are xviii and xix century ones.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Sabres were barely used in 17thC England and Germany, so they are all on the use of the rapier, backsword and broadsword (that I know of).

[@MrMleczkp]

scholagladiatoria so i was right after all.

[@ChillDudelD]

And there are at least two known treatises on Polish cross cutting art from the 19th century so...

[@waraidako]

>other Northern European military sabre traditions >doesn't mention Swedish sabre. Matt pls... :'(

[@martialfarts4509]

Any treatises for Swedish sabre? It sounds interesting

[@user-wl4sr4tl7f]

France and Italy are not Northern European, Matt . . . Pls Stahp. . .

[@HyperGnome]

France is usually considered the transition between southern and northern europe.

[@Altrantis]

I imagine he meant western.

[@SAsgarters]

Yeah, Italy is southern and France western. Britain spans the central third on the north-south axis. Practically nothing south of the Baltic should be considered "Northern Europe". And before someone rides in bitching about tradition, or what some organization considers "Northern Europe", I don't care one bit. I care about logic.

[@Arcsinner]

Well the term "Northern European" has different meanings depending on the era and the region. Correct me if I am wrong, but in England in the 19th century (what is Matt's area of expertise), people would have put France into Northern Europe.

[@user-wl4sr4tl7f]

Archsinner You are Wrong.

[@KryllKiller]

That sweater/cardigan is dope.

[@Paid2Win]

Damn Lindy Beige really flipped his shit on this one lol

[@klavakkhazga3996]

One of the cool things about saber is that most countries have their systems and masters! France, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Germany, Russia... It's a shame everyone does the same thing - whether it's polish or british! It's not like longsword when you have to go german or italian.

[@jacktraveller8290]

Another semi related question. How likely do you think it is that a 17th century or later Polish sabre treatise will be found.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Not impossible, but probably unlikely because of Poland's history unfortunately. I think it's more likely that a Russian or Austrian early sabre treatise will be found which would shed more like on early sabre. Already some of the Russian manuals give hints.

[@sinfinite7516]

Hema is cool, and its very specific. My one thing is that there is no Hma scene that I can find, I wish they would let non-European Hma into Hema or somehow make another scene which would be a lot more work. You even mentioned Indian sword fighting, which isn’t European. There is so much cool historical sword fighting and martial arts across the world, I just wish it was broadened more.

[@Rognivald]

Nice, cheers from Poland :)

[@the_astrokhan]

I believe that there are several possibilities why people would chose Polish sabre vs. the ones that have surviving and perhaps thriving original treaties'. First and foremost, there's the exotic appeal, where English and French military traditions are well known, or at least, understood to be well known, Polish sabre is still something of an exotic art, if you would. There is also the fact that it is by no means a fully understood art in as much as it has to be pieced together from historical sources and debated on right now, we simply don't have a polish equivalent of say a Liechtenauer to pretty simply describe the movements. If there are surviving documents, they are very few and very far between. Finally, I think that people are attracted to "the best". I'm not going to say that it was or wasn't the best because I simply don't have enough background for it, however, there is a reason why Poland-Lithuania consciously shifted from straight edged weapons to sabres and preserved these blades as it's go-to blades without interruption until the modern age. The point I am making is that French and English sabre traditions, without trying to sound vulgar, attempts to catch up the Eastern European traditions relating to sabre usage. What essentially shows that the sabre had been mastered by the East when it's use was just beginning in the West, as such, a certain level of proficiency and innate knowledge can be expected from an older tradition that had already honed it's tactics over centuries. I'm not saying that French and English traditions are bad and undeserving of attention, however, there is a reason why everyone talks about the British navy as the pinnacle of the age of sail, without diminishing the navies of the French empire, the same can be said here.

[@greyhound9187]

So with that said, are there any American military saber manuals and traditions that people could learn?

[@krzysztof_wu]

I think people are interested in polish "szablas" because they read about 300 polish "szablas" defeating 40000 other "szablas"... with moderate losses ... ;)

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Goood film. The oldest instructions about the Polish saber fight from the beginning of the 19th century are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWm2kqiKZ6mZq7s

[@snakelegion1469]

Matt Easton please do a video or book on Slavic swordsmen and martial arts.

[@Dancorg]

Why stop there? He should do a trilogy of movies of course.

[@kalinmir]

by martial arts you mean the sacred art of squating?

[@0hn0haha]

There is no treatise on the use of combat Adidas either, though.

[@commander31able60]

0hn0haha there it's a closely-guarded secret. all I know is that it's called "Tri Poloski".

[@nathanwallace9615]

Polish saber's popularity might be partially due to how awesome purple heart armory's synthetic Polish saber is. I wish I was swinging mine around right now.

[@paweandonisgawralidisdobrz2522]

1:50 What about german longsword? Italian longsword? Many Rapier styles?

[@scholagladiatoria]

When you say Italian longsword, which lineage do you mean? Fiore? Vadi? Marozzo? Dardi? Same for German - which lineages?

[@paweandonisgawralidisdobrz2522]

When i say italian longsword i mean all lineages from italy. Idk if you understood my comment. I meant that there are many other hema branches based and different nations and masters that are more popular than polish sabre. You want more sword styles to be popular in hema based on other nations and treatises while you yourself teach (i dont remember correctly) but i think you said you teach fiorre and tah hoffer. Polish saber isnt going to replace all of other hema styles.

[@droopmountain6510]

Can someone identify that sabre hanging vertically to Matt's left? It's a beauty.

[@scholagladiatoria]

It's a British artillery officer's sword from 1859.

[@water737]

just throwing this out there, i plan to start studying sabre this year, the only and easiest treatise i have available is obviously huttons cold steel which im liking, BUT where can i find a german sabre treatise??? translated or not i dont mind, main reason is A. i can speak german and B though im in australia my family is largely from hamburg/northern europe so i kind of like studying what was popular where my family were at for the mostpart. So i started with german longsword (also because that was the closest club) ive expanded to fabris rapier which was popular in hamburg, denmark, north germany etc and influenced the traditions, but where am i going to find a german sabre manual???? sorry for rant :) keep making vids Matt their great and also props to being on some history shows i saw you on what was it umm ancient assassins? was good, got a smile seeing you there :) peace all!

[@SmellsLikeTeenPoo]

look for F.C. Christmanns Hau-und-Stoßfechten from 1838!

[@SebastianSzukalski]

As someone who does british military sabre and silvers broadsword, AND polish sabre, I agree on all points. I wish we hard extant manuals, it would make things to much simpler. Although for me its less about marsden and his book (which I do have, and is good) and more about personal family history etc. Either way I'd be inclined to say studying middles eastern and indian swordsmanship would likely be useful for any practicioner of polish sabre, seeing as the indian styles and the turkish styles were reportedly similar to the polish ones, but more of the tradition has survived. Sadly, I know no one who teaches it.

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Good film. The oldest instructions about the Polish saber fight from the beginning of the 19th century are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWm2kqiKZ6mZq7s

[@jacktraveller8290]

Would you not say that the majority of pre 16th century systems are in some sense re-constructive because so much of the early material relies on interpretation and many of the core principles of even heavily studied and complete treatises, e.g. Fiore, Ringeck, i.33 are still debated among HEMA practitioners due to difficulties of language, idiom and the way these books were written?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Pre-1501? Many treatises from before 1501 contain a lot of detail - compared to zero detail about Polish sabre in that period, as far as I'm aware. When we're able to agree with basically every other Fiore group about how to do 95% of the techniques from his treatises, I think that's a pretty high degree of information transfer and convergence. If we get into the 16th century then things like Meyer and Marozzo are absolutely massive - so much so that I don't know anybody doing all of Marozzo for example. It's just got so much content.

[@tomaszgrodzki9855]

Polish sabre was the best and most people love to power grind.

[@Adam-dm5xo]

Why Polish sabre? Looking at current reconstructions It is fancy, dynamic, and stylish way of wielding a sabre. But the English backsword is cool too :-). I just bought myself one and am going to read and exercise George Silver's way. Regards from Poland!

[@normalukrainian]

totally agree with author.

[@RafaelusOptimus]

Polish saber is the European katana. Did you know that Polish hussars could split machinegun barrels with their szabla?

[@marcusinfestus1333]

I can see how that could be irritating as someone interested in the history and tradition of the thing. I think most people just want an effective and versatile system (we're competitive that way). I'm really arguing for learning ALL of it lol

[@kangurski]

I think the polish sabre should be spelled as a single word. polishsabre :) or alternatively, a word "sabre" (szabla) should be reserved exclusively for the polish sabre, so intuitive, when saying sabre one is always understood to be referring to a polish one, with all other requiring compulsory attributive adjective, ie. british sabre or german sabre.

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Good film. The oldest instructions about the Polish saber fight from the beginning of the 19th century are here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWm2kqiKZ6mZq7s

[@acemic2050]

(there are subtitles) he is saying that fighting without gloves will give the fencer more freedom to do few circular techniques . different perspective.