Longsword Lessons: Basics - Stance Introduction

Welcome to this video on the basic stance of longsword presented by Michael Thomas, and Nick Thomas the founder of the AHF. This is a relatively short video and shows you how to position yourself in a comfortable posture from which to move through the stances and to initiate techniques. The main thing to take from this is a balanced, upright position that is comfortable to fight from.
The swords being used are known as 'The Meyer' from the Albion Maestro Line:
www.albion-swor...

[@Lite012]

These are all really informative, keep up the good work!

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+Original Thanks. If you'd like a specific video, please let us know.

[@TricksterModeEngaged]

hey I know this video/playlist is old but I appreciate you guys making it! I got into doing HEMA around a year ago, but after a leg injury I've had to take a break for a few months. I just got cleared by physiotherapist to get back to regular practice early next month, but I'm so worried I'll have forgotten everything. It's nice to have a nicely organized playlist of the basics to refresh my memory and have something to compare myself to as I start practicing again.

[@ethan073]

Exactly what I was looking for,. Thank you for the concise video

[@TKMMA_]

I’m trying to get into Hema and such and this has helped me so much. Thank you!

[@tylersmith-bu5zd]

Yoooo me too

[@korzalm]

Googling "Fechtbuch Hut", *most* treatises show the stance higher with the back foot diagonally forwards almost straight, with the legs less spread and crouched than this. With the legs spread, it forces us to take longer to pass, what Nuremberg Hausbuch advises us not to. We can also see that higher guards usually follow higher stances and vice versa: higher sword position, higher hips.

[@morgandahlberg9212]

I hope you don't take it the wrong way, but you two sound uncannily similar to one-another. I don't know if it's the accent, or just the acoustics in the room, but when you first started talking, I thought you two were having a joke - one just mouthing the words, while Nick covered the rest in post. Actually, as I'm writing this, I just noticed you two have the same last name, so I'm assuming you two are brothers - again, sorry, it just threw me, is all. Oh, yeah, great video.

[@MrAlmightyRa]

This is how I check out my character after I've customized them

[@MrAlmightyRa]

But seriously this is a good guide cuz I'm writing something and this was a good visual aid

[@Byzantios1]

Have either of you lads considered taking the Black......

[@__senjutsu]

I love this comment lol

[@fareastpride94]

was the german longsword taught to knights only? or also infantry as well?

[@ThornForTheWynn]

Figured I'd give you the answer since no one else did! This was for civilian usage. It's specifically a system for unarmored fighters, which is why we see cuts instead of techniques effective in armor.

[@milestiller665]

does this work flipped with right foot forward.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

yes, everything is just taught with left foot forward to begin with. All guards can be made right foot forward, and all attacks can and should be able to be delivered from either foot forward. Though due to human body mechanics, stepping through from the side that you are cutting is best.

[@demonjaymz]

Basic stance is very similar to my karate zenkutsu stance....

[@tylersmith-bu5zd]

Glad this stuff still has traction

[@sralneman5929]

I am right handed but putting the left leg up front feels realy akward for me.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+Sral Neman It's just something you need to keep forcing yourself to do. I (Nick) am far more interested in sabre and rapier, of which the styles we use are lead foot forward. But there are weapons and styles where left foot forward just are beneficial in many actions. Longsword more than most because of the way having both hands on the grip effect your body mechanics.

[@sralneman5929]

Academy of Historical Fencing Is there a big difference between sabre and onehanded sword? And do you have tips for practicing HEMA without a school and money for good equipment?

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+Sral Neman Difference between a straight sword and a sabre? No not really. The system of Roworth that we teach was intended for the spadroon, sabre, and Scottish basket hilt all at the same time. They can be used all the same and often were. Their are a few things that work a little different, better or worse between curved and straight blades, but they are modest differences. The most significant factor really is how much hand protection to you have on that one handed sword. About training for HEMA without a school, I have just recorded a few videos that will go live in the next week about learning HEMA from books and solo training. Those two will explain it in much more detail than I can in a single post here. Equipment is something we will aim to cover in other videos very soon.

[@sralneman5929]

Academy of Historical Fencing Thanks you guys are awesome!

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+Sral Neman (Michael here). Hi Sral. Thanks for getting in touch. The left foot forward as a right hander makes more sense when you attempt various techniques with the longsword. When we cut it is important to use the hand, arm, shoulder, waist, hips and the entire body. The twisting action of the body helps delivery more power and speed when delivering techniques. This is a less apparent in a sporting/tournament context, where hits are scored on contact, regardless of martial intent. Hence the flicking often seen in compeition versus martially sound cuts. Hope that helps a little.

[@im_c0ld451]

It's 2 am I don't even have a training sword I'm hungry and have no clue how I got here, someone please help me

[@ThornForTheWynn]

The Initiation has begun.

[@westerncivilization]

Audio would benefit from a compressor / limiter.

[@shine-kb3vc]

I'd imagine the poser wearing medium or heavy armour while wielding a longsword.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Why's that? This is unarmoured longsword. Fighting in armour looks very different.