Heater Shield Basic Training

[@georgepapadopoulos3734]

I always enjoy your videos for i always learn something new.Happy New Year and greetings from Greece!God bless you...

[@BladeFitAcademy]

And may God bless you, George! Thank you for your kind words and here's to a greater 2021.

[@Pamjamelia]

Your passion for sword and shield is downright contagious, you're fun to learn from. I will also say it's interesting that you went with a gladius to go with the heater shield. Some might say it's an anachronistic combination but hey, it's a combination of two cool weapons.

[@BladeFitAcademy]

Thank you for the compliment. Really the only reason I used a gladius in this video is because of confined space within the studio, especially head space, as it's also my garage. So think of it as an indoor trainer in this situation.

[@Pamjamelia]

@@BladeFitAcademy Yet even still, your garage door was not spared. But yeah, that's fair!

[@freedomforall1712]

Awesome! please do more because no one does sword and shield.

[@BladeFitAcademy]

You've convinced me. Thank you for the kind words.

[@wodan1537]

How do you deal with someone who is constantly attacking you? Also trying to take down your shield.

[@BladeFitAcademy]

A couple things. First you must meet their energy by increasing yours. If they are applying constant pressure against you - side step or triangle to your left. This makes them have to rebalance on a turn and exposes their right side to your blade. Second method. Rebat their sword attack by striking it with your sword before it hits your shield. Using your sword as a way to confound their timing- breaking up their attack. Third, give them a target just within distance, one they won't refuse, then slip the leg as they attack, moving out of range by a few inches. Then when their sword has just completed the apex of the strike- use a timed attack and strike their sword arm as it is extended. Do not hide behind the shield and allow them to take control of it by coming up on it or pinning it. Recognizing your best angles of attack and the footwork to get you there is essential. Triangle steps are your friend. Not sure if thrusting is allowable in your game, but thrusting from the low hip and the high shoulder are great ways to keep them respecting distance.

[@wodan1537]

@@BladeFitAcademy thank you. I will try it in my next sparring.