Am I Biased Against Italian Swordsmanship?

[@raptorjesues1445]

I am italian and I honestly never got the impression you wer biased against italians. Like at all. And we are quite the touchy bunch so yeah, dont sweat it bro

[@mikeb3808]

likewise. not even for a second, skall is very polite lol

[@mrrselfdestruction1077]

I already told him we'll ban him from pizza if he was.

[@eliogabbalo0965]

Yea, also i don't understand who would think that Italians didn't know how to fight or craft weapons and armours when we managed to be a pain in the butt for all the European kingdoms, while still being basically state cities.

[@mariosebastiani3214]

Same feeling here.

[@richardaubrecht2822]

@@eliogabbalo0965 Well ofcourse you knew how to fight. You spend a millenium trying to kill anyone who wasn't from your city state. That's a lot of practice.

[@bytezero3818]

i am not biased, it's just a fact that trebuchets are faar superior

[@bigredwolf6]

Tell that to my canon.

[@DeltaCain13]

bigredwolf6 I find that your personal canon is not that impressive. Now answer to my cannon, fire!

[@wolfbuysse2698]

I would like to point out that nor trebuchet nor canons would be as efficient as balistas in the setting of being attacked by biologically possible giants

[@insanitypal5929]

@@wolfbuysse2698 Pfft, ballista? Get yo oversized crossbow out of here.

[@Nerobyrne]

ah yes, trebuchets, the superior melee weapon ^^ Although if you could actually hit someone with that, it would do a LOT of damage.

[@Oracle_]

I'm Italian, I used to do fencing from Fiore dei Liberi and I've never, ever got the impression that you were biased against Italian swordmanship or racist towards Italians. I really don't know how anyone could even think that.

[@TruthIsTheNewHate84]

Because a lot of people today are looking for something to fight about or be offended about. Its the sad state of the social climate today. To say Skall is racist is absolutely preposterous.

[@therustedshank9995]

Yup, a lot of people are on a hair trigger in this day and age.

[@tristankendrick2582]

Same eople that think not liking katanas is racist

[@bigredwolf6]

Italian isn’t even a race lol. It’s a nationality. The professionally offended couldn’t even get that right.

[@Tanzenergise]

@@bigredwolf6 ethnicity morelike, they're from the mediterranean like their greek cousins. italians generally have a more olive color to their skin.

[@gabrielesaviano3184]

As an italian Fiore de Liberi follower: 1- was the technique not 100% exact? No 2- is the technique overly complicated? Yes 3- was the technique useful in the context it was appointed in? Yes we got no beef my friend

[@sombraarthur]

It is not overly complicated, at all. In fact, it is really useful, to the point of being put in his teachings. Think about it, if it was not a good, reliable, fast and simple enough technique, why would Fiore put it in there? Makes no sense right? It is a lot like someone who is not very well versed in Niten Ichi Ryu saying that Toraburi or Nagashi Uke are too complicated, compared to Hasso or even to Sassen. That would be laughable. Those techniques are there for a good, really good reason, therefore one should not dismiss it as "too slow and too complicated", for that is his opinion, and MAYBE a hint about his ability. If you think it is too much complicated, or too slow, train it harder. Get faster. Until you understand why it was there in the first place. Fiore rarely made a mistake.

[@Washeek]

@@sombraarthur He could just find it fancy. You know, even the most practically minded people get sentimental sometimes. But from personal experience, it's just the grabbing the guard part, that is "hard". If done sufficiently fast with a degree of surprise, even without touching the guard it's a great way to disarm your opponent. Also with the interlocking techniques I've seen people struggle more or less with them based on their body proportions - height, arm length, joint mobility, muscle volume etc. I expect that Fiore created the manuscript out of his own techniques mostly(never read it myself, always gathered interpretations), so stuff that worked for him doesn't have to work for example for a shorter person.

[@Eric-sy1xu]

@@sombraarthur It's only really useful in the context of a Surprise though, if you have no idea what's going on you can leave your opponent enough time to fuck about with your sword and effectively disable it, THEN and only then is it effective. If you know what's going on, you're in a situation where one of their arms is disabled and one of their arms is on their own sword and so leaves itself to punching the other guy in the face, likely distracting them or otherwise dealing with them long enough to get your blade in their face. In such a way, the thing is Trendy and, to use a competitive gaming phrase, "cheesy" because it relies on your opponent being unprepared and unable to deal with your stupid strategy. It can't be "successful" in that way because if everyone is using it, then everyone is prepared to counter it because it's an incredibly risky thing it do, so cancels its own success out by its failure rate from people being prepared for it. TL:DR; It's cheesy as fuck, for better or worse, and suffers similar weaknesses as a result.

[@MarymonckiJohn]

@@Washeek that's right, We have to remember that as Skal said it, these treaties were made by the dudes who were proficient for the dudes who already at least new the basics or in my most cases were pretty advanced, too.. These techniques were treated as complimentary and optional to the vast array of real practical combat experience of really physically able dudes of that era. However hard we try today, we are all just a backyard fanboys reasearchers to them, they were the real deal.

[@AlyrArkhon]

I have studied Fiore only one year, and that is not much, but I think there are some techniques in his book which are try to teach the disciples. Try to teach to think different ways, and to surprise the enemy. It is possible you cannot do this exact thing in a swordfight, but you know you can grab the opponents blade, or crossguard, or hand in many-many ways, and he showed the best ways. I think this is what he tried to teach. (It's just my opinion)

[@StormSage13]

This is why I respect you, Skall. You listen to feedback, you stay humble, and when you feel like you need to address something, be it something you need to improve on or something the comments address, you talk about it and open a discussion. Bravo.

[@operationspark3636]

True!

[@christopherjamesbrown9026]

A lot of people have a very flawed idea of what the word Racism actually means

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Christopher james Brown Yeah, it’s really become a different word in the last 10 years. I understand that words can change meaning over time, but there seems to be a bit a lot of use of the word to put people on the defensive & try to win conversations, not to point out anything actually racist.

[@thearcanehunter2736]

@@susanmaggiora4800 It really has become a word that means "I don't like you". If you argue with our progressive overlords and point out how naive and dumb most of their ideas are, you're racist.

[@Locahaskatexu]

Racism doesn't really mean anything anymore, which is the problem really

[@Anasthy]

accurate.. and sad

[@ShishouDzukiZaManako]

@@susanmaggiora4800 it’s really become a different word in the last 10 years. yea; its become a useless word, just like bigot

[@JohnDavidDunlap]

Skall's cure for 2020: "Come on, people, let others have nice things. Okay?"

[@johnjacobjingleheimerschmi6655]

If only it were that easy...

[@nassiemartinez4399]

Wish it was that easy

[@catdogfishdogcats]

Evil has its particular ways

[@ninjaxel93]

I'm Italian, and i'm honestly puzzled that a video like that was even needed

[@rikremmerswaal2756]

Constructive criticism is all well and good, but when you aredelivering a message one should concider the form in which one presents it. Pointing out that Skall might have misunderstood something or does not have all his facts straight is great, but you dont need to do that with name calling. A bit more politeness would have been great.

[@tomaszwota1465]

Politeness is the grease of societal grinds. We on the internet have forgotten much of it. But... Too much of it on your hands and you can't swing your sword without it slipping away. ;)

[@thearcanehunter2736]

@@tomaszwota1465 Very true, people are either too polite or seem to have skipped over it while reading the dictionary. My advice is show respect to everyone.

[@cwg9238]

sword nerds have the same debates that MMA enthusiasts do, about what techniques are absolutely best etc. at the end of the day, there is a winner and a loser, and the winner had the superior technique no matter what it was called or where it originated.

[@lucasavelli2945]

Hi! I am the guy. Yes, maybe I was a bit pissed... I tried to be polite to be fair, but probably failed due to my limited understanding of English. In other comments that unfortunately Skall missed to show you can see that it was a civilized discussion I was pissed because in fact I lived racism, but I guess in America this word has another weight right now... Anyway, I try to explain myself better in the video you can find in my profile, a response to Skallagrim about the r word

[@cwg9238]

@@abstrusepaladin then maybe we ought to bring back gladiator games to really examine this all in raw fashion. im sure some life sentence convicts would love to pick up a sword and have at it with another man to the death. for our entertainment, of course. you dorks all pretend that theres some sort of procedure to combat, some rules to play by. no there isnt. in a real life or death struggle there is only animalistic brutality. you do your fancy swirls that you were sure would work when push came to shove, next thing you know youre having your eyeballs gouged and your nose bitten off and your head being slammed against a wall or floor. ive seen this happen.

[@heresjonny666]

Man, I feel bad that a comment I made half-provoked an entire video. But I appreciate all that you're saying, and I'm glad you're open to criticism and I think you've explained your position very well in this video. That guy who said you were being racist is weird though. I mean apart from it not really being racism, Fiore does not represent the entirety of Italian swordsmanship. If you denigrate (not that you are) Fiore's system, you're only criticising Fiore's system, not all of martial tradition ever coming out of Italy... Thanks Skall, keep up the entertaining videos, even if you're having low points, it's still good fun and yours is actually one of the channels that really got me into HEMA in the first place!

[@Archontasil]

I'm calling the pasta eating, hand gesturing, samurai weeabo to defend the mammamian honour: metatron.

[@Tanzenergise]

japanophile, weeb would imply he know's little to nothing about japanese culture.

[@Tanzenergise]

@John Smith mama mia! thatsada spicy meet ball!

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

@@Tanzenergise Weeb doesn't really imply ignorance, just "nerdiness." If you're a Japanophile (or at the extreme a Japanese Nationalist, eg denying the travesties perpetrated by the Japanese on China during WW2, believing Japan has the highest culture in the world in all regards, etc), a nerd (or otaku, someone who has "nerdy" or "cringy" interests like videogames, cartoons and LARP, at least two of which I know Metatron is really into) and a gaijin (western foreigner) you qualify as a weeb imo. Not throwing shade btw. Metatron, Scholagladiatoria and Skallagrim are the three best historical martial arts youtube channels imo, and Metatron's my favourite of the three.

[@ChadKakashi]

@@Tanzenergise and that would be valid if he was insulting him.

[@Xaiff]

Those combos are the reason we like about Metatron. Humanely relatable. 😁

[@joey_ramone_96]

so now instead of "sKalL hAtEs jApAneSe" we have "sKalL hAtEs itAliAns" as a person from spaghetti land, even IF he actually hated Italians or Italians swords stuff, I would still watch his videos

[@18947ful]

doesn't that make him a candidate for honorable italian citizenship?

[@joey_ramone_96]

@Klaidi Rubiku what about not hating anyone, as long as someone isn't disrespectful with a culture I guess it's okay to like it

[@joey_ramone_96]

@Klaidi Rubiku fine, hate whoever you want to, I find really stupid hating on someone just because of that and yeah, I've met em, and I still wouldn't hate on em, but if your only purpose is just hating someone then I can't do a thing about it

[@erdandi2.087]

@Klaidi Rubiku What is a romaboo?

[@thearcanehunter2736]

@Klaidi Rubiku I don't get it. Why is liking Japan bad? Although you didn't actually say you hated weaboos.

[@onebackzach]

Skall: Fiore made a silly fencing technique Guy in the comments: That's racist Italian man: I cooka the meatball

[@abcdefghijkl123454]

fun fact: meatballs are not a typical italian food from the italian point of view

[@onebackzach]

@@abcdefghijkl123454 It's interesting just how much "Italian food" was developed in America and popularized by Italian immigrants. I guess that's true of most of what we think of as "ethnic" food

[@johndododoe1411]

@@abcdefghijkl123454 Clearly Swedish, that's why they serve it at IKEA.

[@TommyRepulsed]

Was it racist of me to laugh out at that? Caught me totally off guard 😂

[@lucasavelli2945]

Hi - I was referring not to Skall but to other people. I actually very much respect him and my discussion with him was longer. In my profile you can find a video where, I hope, I explain myself better

[@puddel9079]

"Fiore! This heathen hates your sword schooling!" "Has he read my work?" "Yes, bu-" "Is he challenging me to a duel?" "Well, no, w-" "Is he slandering me, or is this someone else's misunderstanding?" "Uhh..." "My point exactly. Now leave me alone with my tea."

[@runeking1542]

Thats a British Fiore

[@omariscovoador7486]

Mia Bella Pizza*

[@Candlemancer]

Probably coffee, being an italian, but I don't know for certain.

[@kuesdav]

@@Candlemancer Wine?

[@DragonguyA]

Maybe pasta?

[@hoptropikcz4973]

So I just started watching this video and I expect people on this channel like medieval stuff and I have some news: Kingdom come deliverance 2 research probably started, I suspect this from the instagram of Daniel Vávra (leader of Warhorse studios) because he posted a picture of the castle named Trosky which is gonna be the main castle in Kingdom come deliverance 2.

[@HalfricanItalian]

Whoo!

[@JPG.01]

I'm still at the monastery quest... I should continue that game before a sequel rolls around.

[@hoptropikcz4973]

@@JPG.01 I honestly don't know why so many people hate the monastery quest, I loved it. Btw. good luck with your knightly adventures.

[@pancakemuncher66]

I want more KC:D and all I did was bow and stab cheesed every fight

[@pancakemuncher66]

@@hoptropikcz4973 it's not fighting or wenching

[@agerestricted2549]

You are biased against the Italians what are you an Italian

[@ChadKakashi]

Looooool

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

Are Italians the Scots of Southern Europe?

[@Xaiff]

Wait, does some Italians actually hate being Italian? Well, understandable tho.

[@pippi2285]

@@Xaiff southern Italians hate northern Italians and vise versa

[@agerestricted2549]

@@Xaiff North Italy doesn't like South Italy and South Italy doesn't like North

[@JustADioWhosAHeroForFun]

Biased? Biased on what?

[@AurelieAris]

Based on the hardware that's installed in it

[@omariscovoador7486]

This is sounding like that video you made about katanas and that people said you were racist because you "didn't like the katana"

[@keppachi1216]

"Come on people. Let others have nice things, okay. Let them enjoy things. Not everybody has to do the same things you do and like the same things you do." I don't know, I just want to thank you for mentioning this in the video, sir. Have a good weekend!

[@thearcanehunter2736]

I would drink to that if I did drink.

[@Xaiff]

That's 1 thing people around the world tend to forget, maaan.

[@lordsithous4406]

How dare you be reasonable and open minded... LOL

[@adrenjones9301]

I mean, since the "Germans" were right in the middle, it figures that they had influence from all directions, so obviously they would be learning from everyone.

[@wolfbuysse2698]

Right in the middle of what? They probably thought themselves to be in the middle of Europe Juste like the Roman's and the Italians though themselves to be in the middle of the Mediterranean sea and every other close enough (geographically and culturally) group of people that would identify themselves as one same nation They all worked and learned from what they could get That's why some weapons would also be more common in some cultures than other

[@adrenjones9301]

@@wolfbuysse2698 Yeah, right in the middle of europe.... since they were... right in the middle of europe.

[@Stettafire]

@@wolfbuysse2698 You looked at a map, by chance?

[@wolfbuysse2698]

@@Stettafire yes I might have And it's even more interesting to look at old maps

[@hernerweisenberg7052]

Guys, im german, you can take my word for it: Germany is infact not only in the middle of Europe, its in the middle of the entire freckin Universe :P

[@vitoandolini1234]

Skall, as a man of Italian descent who has dealt with being called a wop, guinea, etc. I never got the impression that you were biased against Italians in any way. You’ve featured weapons and fighting styles from all 7 continents and have never been condescending or racist about any of them

[@paulconrad6220]

He has a video with Antarctic weapons? Like, penguin beaks?

[@centurionsfist417]

Hey uh bud, i didn't know people lived in Antarctica.

[@vitoandolini1234]

Centurions Fist ever heard of penguin boxing?

[@centurionsfist417]

@@vitoandolini1234 Maybe, but they have a technique to it? Do they use their beaks? Arm bars and headlocks? Do penguins have knees? I need answers.

[@vitoandolini1234]

Centurions Fist I don’t remember man, I think Skall should make another video on it. He took down the original to make sure wouldn’t abuse the forbidden one inch peck but I think we can handle it

[@sharpestbulb]

I thought the title was a typo. I thought "surely he means 'biased in favour of Italian swordsmanship'" I'm not a big HEMA guy so if you asked me which of the old masters Skall liked, I would say "he is always referencing Fiore and some other guy"

[@Gundalf_the_Gray]

“Can we just let people enjoy things?” No, Skall, we cannot. That’s just crazy talk. 😒

[@runeking1542]

Im here just too look at an interesting tree, it's a nice tree, I like trees.

[@diji5071]

I can't help but think that he may have gone at it with a sword, one of those branches is suspiciously short.

[@runeking1542]

@@diji5071 huh didn't even think about that

[@runeking1542]

@@diji5071 although I don't think that's the case, bacause he always "tests" his swords on dead or fallen trees.

[@normang3668]

What are you, racist against shrubs?

[@runeking1542]

@@normang3668 Wouldn't say that, I just have a preference for taller greenery

[@prs_81]

Expected the long answer to be "Noooooooooooooooooo" then the video ends after 5 seconds.

[@thatonenerdwhoreadsbyhimse5429]

That would have been pretty neat.

[@MissPoplarLeaf]

Lol he used that in another video right? That was pretty great

[@18947ful]

I never thought you racist :) and never will. You just don't view the world through the lense of "Race", which is a must for being a racist. You are a great youtuber, that gets me away from politics and stuff and just lets me enjoy Weapons and medieval stuff :) I am only a sports shooter and soldier, so I am not using swords but still your videos are fascinating and I love them :3 What I want to say: Thanks for being who you are and keep your good work up :3

[@Skallagrim]

Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@18947ful]

@@Skallagrim :) you deserve it. Glad you noticed it.

[@izanagi2488]

I am not biased, but I still have a hell of confidence on German longsword.

[@bl4cksp1d3r]

I am biased. Greetings from Germany! And longswords are great as always!

[@3301-f7f]

Aha german

[@Itspaydaysboys]

German technology is the greatest

[@Scarlet_Soul]

@@bl4cksp1d3r sure that's not a great sword then?

[@andregon4366]

@@bl4cksp1d3r If longswords are great, then why aren't they called greatswords? 🤔

[@thilinalankapuradiggamaral7808]

Skall, I'm Italian. I've been following you for years and there's nothing racist in any of your content. As you said, we should stop with oversensitive reactions, illogical accusations and general stupidity. Let's keep on with dialogue, entertainment, and comparing notes.

[@ArtoriusRex]

I'm from pasta land. I never got the impression of Skal being biased towards something let alone racist, the guy is like the nicest person ever. I feel like sometimes us Italians can get too sensitive.

[@fatalexcerpts]

really? is it italians complaining about skall? it's really the comment section that's toxified. skall, as you said, is completely nice and opposite of racist. also i think people see the word BIASED, and immediately get negative connotation as a kneejerk response. Biased in this case, simply means PREFERENTIAL (as in, having a preference, to one style or thing over another... welcome to the human race, where we like certain things and dislike or are indifferent to others).

[@lucasavelli2945]

Ciao - neanche io. La mia discussione con lui era più lunga. La mia unica lamentela con lui era per il fatto che fiore venisse mostrato solo in un modo, il che era molto simpatico ma anche molto inaccurato. Non ho mai accusato Skall di niente; mi riferivo ad episodi di razzismo che ho vissuto nella comunità HEMA. Nel mio profilo trovi un video per Skall dove forse mi sono spiegato meglio, almeno spero.

[@lucasavelli2945]

@@fatalexcerpts hi, yes the comment section right now is a bit toxic towards me. I never said that Skall was racist nor biased. My discussion with him was longer than what was shown. I was referring to episodes of racism. Check the video I made for Skall in my profile where I hope I explain myself better

[@fatalexcerpts]

@@lucasavelli2945 I'll have to look at that video. Sad, but I'm seeing some people saying rather borderline DEROGATORY shit. Heck, I enjoy poking fun at Italian stereotypes myself, being a 3rd generation Italian-American. However, some of these folks are giving off actually nasty vibes (not you though, just to clarify). =)

[@lucasavelli2945]

@@fatalexcerpts yes, absolutely!! Maybe I was wrong on how I wrote because of my bad English, and I admit that at first I was a bit pissed, since I follow with all my heart my Italian martial tradition (and I am not a stupid fanboy...) so I acknowledge that some people misinterpreted me. But being fragile as a person I also suffered a lot seeing certain comments. I love the Italian meme! And I am often the first to stereotype myself as an Italian, but I also love my country very much and suffer whenever I am victim of clear racism (and this is not the case for Skall) or when our politicians render us an hateful people... Thank you for your patience and will to understand.

[@crozraven]

Seems to me the complainers were butthurt for reasons that just weren't there to begin with ...

[@lucasavelli2945]

Hi, I am the guy. Underlining that you are a rude person, I will tell you that I was referring to episodes of racism, and I never said that Skall is racist,nor biased. My discussion with him was longer than what was shown.

[@EnraiChannel]

@@lucasavelli2945 Maybe less assuming next time, it really reads like butthurt fanboy.

[@lucasavelli2945]

@@EnraiChannel less assuming to you; I already apologized to Skall and never insulted him, who are you to say? You sound like a butthurted fanboy btw, since you feel authorized to say your useless opinion insulting. If you want to watch a civilized discussion go watch the video response I made for Skall, and stop hiding behind your computer. But if you are unable to listen to other people it may be a bit difficult for you.

[@Sk0lzky]

Seems like most of the time nowadays. I wouldn't be surprised if many never had anything to do with hema and were just one of the adventuring parties on their daily quest to find something to make problematic so they can be butthurt about. I mean you don't have to spend much time to realize #fiorebad is some kind od a meme in the north american part of the community. And I've seen those mobs invade everything including goddamn knitting, origami and flutemaker communities and even some private group conversations so it's entirely possible it's in hema now

[@lucasavelli2945]

@@Sk0lzky Hi. As I made clear to Skall I totally accept the Fiore meme, it makes me laugh too. With racism I was referring to episodes of racism. "butthurt" complainer is an idiotic term for one who wants the martial tradition that follows and studies to be widespread and understood.

[@arthanor9631]

You do a great job of starting conversations by going after interesting stuff. Keep at it! "Let others have nice things, let them enjoy things, not everybody has to do the same things you do and like the same things you do" YES! The ability to be and let be is extremely important and seems to fall apart in our current society. People feel threatened if you don't love the same thing they do and then lash out. Herd culture fueled by social media liking bandwagons wanting to belong and this idea that it's normal for everyone to support, agree with and love everything one does has been extended to mean that even just lack of interest can be considered hostile.

[@ryandean4962]

The ablity to take constructive criticism well even when that criticism is presented along side senseless insults or personal attacks is an incredible skill. It is one of the many reasons I love Skallagrim. Thanks for so many great videos and keep up the good work.

[@Thunderbolt-eu3qx]

That's rare what Skall was able to. Very rare.

[@ryandean4962]

@@Thunderbolt-eu3qx Unfortunately I agree with you. It is rare.

[@kamilszadkowski8864]

Don't tell me we have another go at "you're racist because you don't like katanas" Italian version. Edit: 1:50 Fuck me, it literally is. The fuck is wrong with people?

[@StevenHouse1980]

Inigo Montoya: Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro?

[@Anto_Skum]

@Klaidi Rubiku Capo Ferro was Italian, the joke was about Italian swordmasters, not Montoya himself.

[@zenhydra]

Where are these amazing locations with genuine options when it comes to a HEMA club/school? In the region I live you're lucky to find a HEMA instructor within an hour's drive. I wish my problem was having to decide whether I study in the German or Italian tradition. The only real choice I have is whether I practice HEMA, or not.

[@ScottKenny1978]

Only an hour's drive? That's daily commute distance in some places (like most of the west coast)

[@zenhydra]

@@ScottKenny1978 It is the same as my commute between work and home, and I'm traveling from a suburb to one of the largest cities in the US (which currently has only a single HEMA club).

[@diegomarquez4340]

Gives a straightforward answer at the start unlike most videos... this is why I subscribe to you

[@Hercules1-v9m]

Metatron would like to know your location and challenges you to a wet pool noodle duel.

[@18947ful]

not going to lie ... that would be fun to watch :D and afterwards they can make some amazing co-lab videos

[@JayeffF-vr4ub]

I would much rather see Richard Marsden and Lee Smith have in a Fiore vs Liechty style showdown

[@andrearomanini7043]

I saw another couple of italians already said this but still: as an italian don't worry at all. At least for what I've seen up to now, never felt offended a single time; nor I saw some overly confident serious position over anything. You're doing great!

[@dryboneskirby]

Italian swordsmanship is just convoluted pizza cutting (it’s not racist because I’m italian)

[@Eghen]

tagliatelle uber all

[@Eghen]

va beh dai, carbonara (senza panna) e siamo tutti in pace

[@dukefanshawe6815]

It's not racist anyway man.

[@killazaawl]

italians can't even make good spaghetti. still not racist, even tough i'm not an italian.

[@Poldovico]

@@killazaawl You TAKE THAT BACK! Laugh at our swordsmanship all you like, but do not dare touch our spaghetti!

[@Vampwatch1462]

The thing that makes you a good youtuber is that you're able to explain yourself and know when you're wrong. That's what makes you, Shadiversity, and a good number of people on this platform have a great amount of fans. Keep up the awesome work.

[@strangerakari2836]

Yes, there is a reason why western martial art died out. It's a gun. Killed a lot of thing, actually.

[@Bruh-hq1hx]

Guns pikes and bulletproofed armor try defeating that with punches kicks and etc

[@Bruh-hq1hx]

@ actual the first guns were invented in east asia sure not gun guns but blackpowder weapons explosive arrows "rocket launchers" and handheld cannons

[@Klaaism]

Never died out persay. Sword fighting stuck around long after firearms became effective. Granted its not as widely taught or popular as it use to be; however, one can easily google a sword-fighting class nearby nowadays.

[@Bruh-hq1hx]

@@Klaaism but we aren't the only ones with own sword fighting styles

[@Bruh-hq1hx]

@@Klaaism they didn't do anything wrong why would it protect them sure privacy but north korea doesnt care about those people being in a shop they made for rich north koreans

[@brentbarrus9754]

I'm really hoping Skall can get his weight down, this quarantine is good for no one who struggles with this. It's sad to see. Much love bro. 🧡

[@gergokerekes4550]

sword this blade that spear whatever, a real man kills with his own teeth! You bite their necks open and eat their hearth out! Nah, does it matter anyway? We are paying homage to them, in their eyes we would most likely be "posers" or something like that. Why can't we all get along, like the guy I met at a range a few weeks back, we talked about .308 vs .300WM he said that the 308 has better killing power , I said the WM is easier to aim on greater ranges. What he said? yeah, that is a pretty good reason if you aim well ,then that is more useful to you. Nice guy, we both agreed on the specific advantages and drawbacks.

[@Kenar.E]

Jack Hanma approves this message.

[@KonigGustavAdolph]

So your comment has me wondering how exactly he came to the conclusion that 308 has more killing power? I would understand "easier killing power" or "less painful killing power" or "killing power in a lighter rifle" but not "more".

[@gergokerekes4550]

@@KonigGustavAdolph as the round is a fair bit slower it tumbles around more thus leaving behind a pretty big cavity with quite a big ratio of damaged organs, while the .300WM can whizz through a deer and if your aim is off it is only wounding the animal.

[@KonigGustavAdolph]

@@gergokerekes4550 true, though I would say proper bullet selection would mitigate those concerns. But here we are having a nuanced conversation when we could be slinging invectives at each other, as is proper for the age 😉

[@otw_felipe5351]

Who clicks on a skall-vid and wants to hear a short anwear? I just watch them to get the long well explained ones.... Anyway, love your stuff skall, greetings from Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany \m/,

[@emilioi.valdez6680]

German swordsmanship: No Italian swordsmanship: No Japanese swordsmanship: No British Isles swordsmanship: Yes Hey, I like a good Claymore.

[@Xaiff]

This is true. Especially if someone prefer a specific kind of weapon that only flourish in 1 group of culture.

[@nakinock5684]

Yeah, finding it on the bridge was so good

[@EvidensInsania]

Interesting thing from what little sources we have on British medieval swordsmanship is that we didn't really go for longswords much. It seems we had more of a focus on actual bastard swords that could still be effectively used in one hand or we went all the way with big true twohanded swords, none of this pussyfooting about with half measures.

[@johndododoe1411]

Chinese swordsmanship?

[@emilioi.valdez6680]

@@johndododoe1411 Swords too small. Same with Japanese.

[@droolhd]

I have no idea what you are referring to exactly when you talk about fighting styles, manuscripts and other stuff... but I still enjoyed that video. It's always clear that you want people to understand your love for swords and you're doing a great job at that.

[@lassesipila6418]

"Can we just let people enjoy things?" You must be new to the Internet! **Check who I'm talking to** Well, crap. Anyway, I'm kidding. Long-time fan of the channel, thanks for your awesome work!

[@tomaszwota1465]

"I AM THE INTERNET!"

[@ConnorMainwold]

@skallagrim I completely agree. My grandfather used to say something to me and I want to say it to everyone else. "This world is such a beautiful place because everyone is different. If everyone was the same, then this world wouldn't be so beautiful and interesting."

[@oneparticularlysmartape]

Something something something, katanas suck, something something, end'em rightly, something something the Metatron is Italian. Got it.

[@bigredwolf6]

He’s not Italian, he’s clearly an Alien that enjoys being half Roman larper and half weeb.

[@Stettafire]

@Hans Hanzo Metatron a time traveller confirmed.

[@ieatcaribou7852]

I'm an Italian and I love ya! Interpretation is just that, everyone will see things slightly differently. I always enjoy your videos and you do a very good job of making learning fun! I appreciate all the time and effort you put into your videos.

[@thundertick7693]

Skallagrim ever level headed with the lovely message of love and live and let live.

[@chadherbert18]

I’ve been missing the Skall rants - made my morning! 😁⚔️🤪

[@cynicalfox190]

Skallagrim im part of your notification squad but I didn’t get a notification for this vid

[@TomekMasks]

Totally agree Skall, this a great outlook on martial arts as a whole. Also, you're weight is looking better already, keep up the good work results will come! Cheers, thanks for all the awesome content over the years.

[@marcoeckhoff9920]

As a german... every time the word "german" is mentioned someone on the internet will yell "RaHciSm!" just on reflex. *rolleyes*

[@_boney]

was ein Deutscher. dann können wir jetzt ja beide gemeinsam nazis wegen unseres Geburtsortes sein.

[@LiveErrors]

Nahh, its a culture that has developed as a response to how popular a Lot of german stuff is

[@marcoeckhoff9920]

@@LiveErrors what stuff?

[@lucasavelli2945]

Hi German friend - it is not the German that in my life I found racist, but people following German arts. In my profile you can find a video response where I hope I explain myself better. I actually love the German arts and traditions, I study Philosophy at the University and particularly like Kant, Fichte and Hegel.

[@Bruh-hq1hx]

Dann las mal die platte mit "es war einmal ein blümelein" und opas helm rauszuholen

[@razorsazors]

Dunno if you will ever see this, but this is the best intro. Continue this. It pleases me. I just want to know the answer to clickbaity vids, and skip all through the video to find it. You made me just watch cause I got what I wanted. Also long time viewer, do whatever. You're great.

[@thegreatlemmon7487]

aww you miss the chance. if you guys remember this "short answer no. long answer nnnnnnooooooooooooo"

[@chriscook3631]

In my honest opinion you’re a very good and informative entertainer I always enjoy and learn something from watching your videos. I really want to learn hema however there aren’t any schools near me. Northern Michigan doesn’t have a whole lot outside of tourism but I try to make the best of it

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

Early period skal: "katanas suck!" Middle period skal: "there are a lot of rumors going around that I think katanas suck and I want to dispel those rumors" Modern period skal: "there are a lot of rumors going around that I think those gabagool gumbas can't sword fight well and I want to dispel those rumors"

[@bretalvarez3097]

Fantastic comment

[@fatalexcerpts]

@@bretalvarez3097 don't you mean, "a la verga, wey! comentario es pinche fantástico, esse!" ???

[@kh3rb]

@@fatalexcerpts what

[@bluesoul7163]

This guy is too much i Wanna be like a Vicking lol.... He loves axes and northerner weapons... Sooo maybe is him a little biased.

[@LittleMoths94]

Hey Skal. Just want to say I really respect your intellectual honestly. Especially as you’re not an academic. I also think you’ve been looking more and more healthy these last few videos. So If you have been putting in the work on that, it’s already starting to show.

[@BorotalcoSuperFresh]

With a group of friends more educated than me in historical sword fighting, we came to the conclusion that in some cases Fiore was blatantly trolling in his manuals (and we are italian, and some of us known the "old fashoned language" in which they are written)

[@lucasavelli2945]

Hi! Maybe in the miscellaneous plays... Otherwise his teachings are good and deadly. Check the video response I made for Skall

[@BorotalcoSuperFresh]

@@lucasavelli2945 Yeah, obviously not always, only in some cases...we thought that he didn't like to put all the information in the manuals just to keep "he's secrets" that he only could teach ib first person. I'll check your video 👍

[@lucasavelli2945]

@@BorotalcoSuperFresh yes! This is true. As I wrote to Skall, he kept is art secret, and this is why he had to fight duels with masters full of envy. I may be wrong but I think fencing was a pretty secret art before mass printing.

[@sualtam9509]

@@lucasavelli2945 I mean who woul ever say learning fencing from a manual could ever reach the levels of training with a master? So even if there were mass printed manuals, people would still train with the masters since it wasn't a hobby but a real life skill in war.

[@lucasavelli2945]

@@sualtam9509 that is clear! I think it is the same for written culture: the book reaches more people so more people will learn the arts. The books also functioned as publicity, I guess!

[@Nico-fg9tn]

i've been watching your channels for years and i love it, keep it up my man

[@jthunderboldt]

I just like learning about swords and the different styles that go with each weapon, so can we all just agree (I know it wont happen cause this is the internet) swords are cool and we can have our favorites with out automatically falling into a stereotype

[@n3soccer_39]

this is probably the best example of taking constructive criticism and correcting it that I've ever seen on the internet. so much respect for skall here.

[@geweurzgurke]

For a long time in the Middel Ages and Renicance Perioud there was not even a german or itallian nation. PS: How dare you like somtheing I don't like/don' like something I like!

[@kyomademon453]

A german or italian state? No A german and italian idea of country? Yes

[@gakulon]

@@kyomademon453 There was a sense of German and Italian heritage, but there were moreso regional identities instead of national identities until the 18th and 19th centuries when German and Italian nationalism grew in popularity and the desire for a unified state was flamed by the political and cultural leaders of the time.

[@KantosKan]

There were German and Italian states. For the entirety of the Renaissance. Very distinct language and ethnic groups. Lots of cross-over though in terms of culture and technology.

[@kyomademon453]

@@KantosKan im talking in the modern sense of a single country, ofc back then there were many, bavarians were their own thing, same as saxons, or neapolitans and venetians, there was the idea of the region having the name, however they did not see it as a single country. Its the same with spain or france, spain was the iberian peninsula as a whole with many kingdoms/countries, france was sort of the same, someone from the loire valley and toulose shared the same "france region" however the place were they lived was their country

[@positroll7870]

Um, not true for Germany. The kingdom of the Germans was founded by Otto I (or, arguably with the election of his father as the first non-Franconian king). Otto then married Adelheit of Lombary, thus became King of Italy, and then recreated the Roman Empire by getting himself crowned by the Pope (like Charlemagne before him). But for the next >800 years, the German princes elected the King of the Germans, who then also automatically became King of the Romans and then was crowned Emperor. Thus, around 1500, when the Italian parts were mostly lost again, it became the Holy Roman Empire of GERMAN NATION, until Napoleon destroyed it 300 years later. Of course, it wasnt a nation as defined by modern republican ideas, but a feudal version thereof. None the less it was very real.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

As an Italian and Italian Longsword instructor and fencer which also follow your channel since some years I never felt this issue at all.

[@marcodatreviso9619]

If you wanted to split hairs: Fiore wasn't technically "Italian" since there was no unified Italy...so been racist towards a nationality that didn't really exist at the time, would be impossible! I don't get why people have to go for the extremes every time, saying everyone is racist or no one is. Did they ever experience the real world, the one where people don't always shout at each other in rage?

[@hrotha]

Identity and statehood are not the same thing

[@Nerobyrne]

well there was no unifying Germany either ^^ At least not before Bismark, I don't know when those journals were written.

[@nathanmeulensteen339]

i agree with the second statement about racism, however your first argument isn't really valid since culture and statehood are not the same. For example Thebes, Athens and Sparta are all Greek, however there was for a very long time no actual Greek state.

[@jameshildebrand907]

It's like trying to claim 'racism toward muslims' when muslim isn't a race.

[@thearcanehunter2736]

You can be racist like that. It's still a style from the state, so you can hate it because it's Italian, even if it wasn't made while the nationality was around. Still, people always go to extremes (it's why the worlds really messed up right now), so I agree with you there.

[@just_a_kat6094]

Availability bias isn’t a thing. Accessibility to materials/training, whatnot, in ones own language isn’t a bias. It’s an availability and convenience thing. There’s nothing wrong with branching out too. Respect to you, Skallagrim. You’ve got ours.

[@Krankynator]

5:15 "You've seen all kinds of stuff" *shows a weapon that's literally **_ALL_** kinds of stuff*

[@sen_sheepdogpup1842]

This is why Skall is one of my favorite channels. You are extremely down to earth, you always have been and I have always greatly appreciated that. You don't try to hide errors you may make along the way. You are not offended if someone disagrees with you unless it is a ludicrous comment as we have just seen. The diversity of your channel is one I have not been able to find in other similar channels. I admire your integrity and honesty. Thank you for sharing your passion and always being honest with your audience.

[@Wargsy]

Never even went through my mind that you were biased against anything apart from Katana's myself.

[@Ranstone]

A couple Katanas survived our nukes, so that's kinda cool. Not as cool as nukes, but ... yeah... :3

[@ZioTommy9901]

It would be nice to have a video explaining the general differences between the major fighting systems for longswords, i'm not talking about move-to-move comparison , raher describing the system's general approach to the weapon and to combat

[@ShatterPalm]

Speaking as a weeb, the people who most frequently call other people weebs are weebs. It's nearly an in joke, at this point.

[@kronksstronkstonks6360]

"Shut it, weeb" is like the less combatative way of showing disapproval , as compared to "Your waifu is trash" which is basically a formal challenge to a katana duel with edgy entrances and unnecessary screams and shouting.

[@readalotknowalot]

@@kronksstronkstonks6360 also, "You haven't seen *X* yet? What kind of a childhood didn't you have?"

[@kronksstronkstonks6360]

@@readalotknowalot ooh ooh theres also "X is your favourite? What, is it your first Anime?" And "How much anime have you even watched?". So much gatekeeping you need to be a locksmith or battering ram to move from sub-community to sub-community within the community. *Good times.*

[@readalotknowalot]

@@kronksstronkstonks6360 yeah, and "Hey, I want a suggestion for a decent show that has -""WATCH *X* SHOW ITS THE BEST SHOW EVER AND IF YOU DONT LIKE IT THEN YOU DONT MATTER"

[@Stettafire]

@@readalotknowalot People say this to me about JoJo. And, I don't even watch TV, let alone anime! xD

[@Starless85]

Thanks!

[@czuofiegmen617]

There is a reason why western martial arts died out: guns

[@jakewolf079]

I don't know if you're joking or not but here is the real reason why the West didn't preserve their martial arts as well as the East do. (For those who don't know, many Japanese sword arts we see today are directly passed down from previous generations while the HEMA we see today are recreated based on pictures and writings) The reason is that western civilization see sword arts as practical combat practices while the eastern civilization see sword arts as part of their culture, when guns gets popular the west simply dropped many of the older sword arts like longsword and arming sword etc. while the Japanese kept all their teachings going. In terms of European sword art, we're lucky that those writings and paintings are still around for us to dissect, but the truth is, none of the teachers passed down their teachings, at least not in human form.

[@czuofiegmen617]

@@jakewolf079 It was a joke but that doesn't mean it's not true. Guns were more effective so we picked winning wars over traditions.

[@czuofiegmen617]

@Klaidi Rubiku Tradition will kill us all

[@ScottKenny1978]

@@jakewolf079 it helps that the Japanese were still in a medieval culture in 1868. China wasn't as bad, but the massive warlordism they suffered really helped preserve their martial traditions into the 1920s. So you had people learning directly from current practitioners, instead of trying to recreate from manuals. Admittedly, that can cause some other issues, Swordsage has a major rant on the mystical in Chinese martial arts.

[@thewalmsleys]

You like and respect the art, craft, skill, and blade. No need to explain yourself. Let others judge. In my 2 weeks since finding your channel. Ive seen you show and talk about all arts and tools. But can respect the fact you took the time to respond to them people that just like to judge. Keep up the good videos. They and you guys are appreciated, and thank you for your works you share.

[@THEbROCKol]

I'm italian and now I'm so not-offended, It's irritating!

[@vitriolicAmaranth]

I read this as "I'm-a so offended" at first and thought you were making fun of yourself lmao

[@BellumCarroll]

@@vitriolicAmaranth read that in Mario's voice haha

[@Red7924]

Volevi offenderti per forza bro?

[@THEbROCKol]

Yo fellas mine was just a joke, I'm not offended nor upset nor angry nor... you get the idea. Have a good one boys

[@counterblast3885]

I’d have to say that Skallagrim is probably among the most diverse sword channels here. In the past few years especially we have seen weapons from wayyyy more cultures across the globe here. In fact, Skallagrim, can you talk about the Aztec Obsidian Macuahuitl sometime?

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

"I am entitled to being peeved." "Yes, and I am to simply don't care. Bye."

[@jamesconlon8429]

@0:46 I've done this technique many times in tournaments, it really depends on who you are fighting, for some opponents its damn near impossible, for others they practically give it to you.

[@chrismcmahan8832]

When you look at swordsmanship there's flaws and every style Italian German Japanese whatever sword style you are using it's going to have a flaw that another one is slightly better with

[@harlequinems]

You've grown so much over the years as both a person and an entertainer man, from a stranger you'll never meet, I'm proud of you! :P

[@hernehaugen6878]

You say you're an entertainer first? Then you're a Skald? Edit: Yes yes, I'm bloody aware that interpretations of fighting manuscripts aren't the same thing as poems about heroic deeds

[@ViktorasZZZ]

Thank You, Skal! Keep doing what you're doing.

[@Maliheim]

This was big of you, but you shouldn't have had to apologize at all for this. You stated your opinion on something, and entertained. Of course some people are going to joke about a technique they find funny. People take themselves too seriously. It wasn't racist.

[@sombraarthur]

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?! Ahahahahahhahaha

[@taianonni]

Interestingly, going on your point that some martial art schools will improve: others may degrade as well. My original school I was with for my first decade of MA training was very hard and traditional when I first started, physical punishment and even language classes as well as physical testing of forms and sparring. Towards the end of my time, the instructor began doing "time outs" and silly "humiliation" techniques towards students, eventually became a belt store with next to no real growth. The school closed shortly after and it saddened me so much after they devolved because that was the foundation of my learning and the style is efficient and effective. The instructor's master was a traditional, respectable and strong person from the couple of times I met and was in his seminars. I could only imagine his disappointment if he were to have visited that school at its twilight

[@Thephantomofthreerivers]

Everybody who disliked this video is one of the people he's talking about.

[@kskairborn]

howly, someone here doesn´t know how KZbin works. Such a video-title like that and the answer in less than 10 sec.... love you for that!

[@TruthIsTheNewHate84]

People who comment and/or say things like the "racist" commenter are the reason our social and political climate is so toxic today. Keep doing you Skall.

[@jarongreen5480]

By this point almost no one uses the word "Racism" in its proper context. Instead they use it as a buzz word an easy win card against someone they disagree with "I disagree with this guy what do I do?...Uh Call him racist then everyone will say what a horrible person he is and then I win the argument of Spok is better than Kerk!" Honestly it really pisses me off.

[@TruthIsTheNewHate84]

@@jarongreen5480 yep. Its frustrating.

[@TruthIsTheNewHate84]

@Bliksem De Boer nope. Its lost its meaning completely.

[@TruthIsTheNewHate84]

@Klaidi Rubiku you take what i said too literal. Of course it's not only today.

[@thearcanehunter2736]

@Bliksem De Boer What!?!?!? How dare you, you're racist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, seriously though, it's so dumb. It means nothing now.

[@MrEdium]

YOUR CHANNEL IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

[@CDKohmy]

Unfortunately almost everyone is biased against the 3 English longsword sources.

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

Many don't even know they exist.

[@christophero55]

Really appreciate you giving that short answer.

[@Harshhaze]

11:13 *Tips fedora* "Thanks Skall" *Kisses waifu body pillow*

[@Tybrarian]

I've watched your videos for probably 5+ years now, and you seem extra hard on yourself as of late. I don't presume to know you personally; this is just a stranger's observation. I almost never comment, but just know I enjoy and look forward to your videos.

[@CreativeUsernameHere-r1k]

I eat stabs/thrusts and pokes for breakfast. I use rapiers for toothpicks, change my mind for an unarmored duel.

[@gamebrainjagras4193]

I’m glad you put the short answer in. I know some people who filibuster for 20+min to a simple “yes or no” question. This was a question that wasn’t yes or no.

[@murilocaruy]

Skallagrim doens't like Italian Swordsmanship because they don't have pommel throw technique.

[@GuitarsRockForever]

He is German, so even he does like German source more, that is nothing wrong.

[@bristolpete]

Hey man love your work. Maybe you'll see this comment maybe you wont but who cares. Highly entertaining! You are one of my outlets for my nerdy and historic self and I really appreciate all of the the enjoyable content you have posted throughout the years. Thank you. It's been tough with all of the crazy stuff going on but you have given a lot of time and thought through all of it. If there is anything you have to be proud of, you made a strangers day better and it wont be forgotten by me. Thank you again.

[@kenicherothered6816]

I was just here for the short answer, stopped watching at 7 seconds in. /S.

[@fuferito]

One thing is clear from Skallagrim's apologetic video. He is an epic level Canadian.