Day 45 of Training With The DRAGON SLAYER Until 10,000 Subscribers

[@Genktarov]

The manuals for large swords (e.g. montante/spadone/zweihander) do actually show flowing through in spinning motions like you were attempting, so those might be less impractical than it seems. It's difficult enough to block an 8lb montante, much less something five times that weight. A strike fairly far up the blade is going to still have about as much energy as a sledgehammer swing if you can figure out the biomechanics. The only other thing I can think of is a cross-application of the Systema technique of trying to do these motions as slowly as possible (building muscle control through the whole movement to increase comfort/smoothness) while trying to breathe and relax the body as much as possible through the whole movement. Smoothness is going to be absolutely key to figuring out how to use this effectively. You have a new sub for 10k friend.

[@haletheblacksmith]

Thank you so much for the advice! I'll try to put this into practice! And thank you so much for the support towards 10k subs!

[@AlannaStarcrossed]

Montante is also about 6 pounds, not 40

[@caravaneerkhed]

I think with a giant sword blocking and swinging should almost act as the same action. The entire purpose of such a massive sword is to discourage anyone from entering the range due to the fact you can’t really block a 40lb object flying at you with force. So your defense is offenses imo usually when you see guts block he’s either literally hiding behind the sword or simply swinging against his opponent. When he fights serpico he is basically using the range of the sword and his ability to swing it horizontally from an extended stance to prevent serpico from entering his range.

[@haletheblacksmith]

Brilliant! Okay, so offense is the best defense!

[@engineertechno5108]

If you want to make wielding this behemoth any easier I'd recommend adding more weight to the handle via pommel, making the hilt longer or adding a guard to the hilt (added hand protection, although at that point it isn't really the dragon slayer anymore), trying to handle something this long and heavy with a lot of control is going to be impossible regardless of how much raw strength you have, I think utilizing the momentum is your best bet here as that's generally how real greatswords were used (I also recommend watching videos to see how a greatsword is used in general), if you want control you're going to need to hold onto the blade (known as half swording) as this is also how one would use a greatsword if control was more important than reach in the moment. Just throwing some ideas out there to make it more greatsword-y but if you don't wanna go that route then by all means train however you want, overall I wish you good luck in your training and I can see you getting far passed 10k subs easily

[@haletheblacksmith]

Thank you so much for the advice! I'll take it into consideration as I train! I hope someday we reach 10k!

[@DeusVultLurch]

What might help your structure (& what I used to do in sparring) would be to couch the forward hand on the forward thigh & pushing down on the pommel down your center line to help lever up the blade & give you an easier time keeping the point "on-threat". On-threat: "to present the point at an attacker(usually at the throat) to close off a direct advance" Static blocks with the dragonslayer might be more viable by connecting the point to the ground & using the flat as cover rather than couching the strong(1st 3rd of the blade closest to the guard). Guarding with the weak(forward 2/3rds of the blade where the center of the percussion is) is ill advised even with a normal sword as that is where the laver works against you on contact.

[@haletheblacksmith]

You my friend, are wise indeed! I love learning about this! Thank you so much for the advice! I'll try to put this into practice when it comes to defensive forms.

[@jylbo]

On your way to 10k !

[@haletheblacksmith]

Getting closer by the day!

[@basbomb2018]

Something I thought of is that it reminds me a lot of judo and using the opponent’s weight and momentum against them. In this case your “opponent” is the sword lol but in theory you could use judo throws to swing it over your shoulder and such. Just an idea. Super stoked for you about all your adventures!

[@haletheblacksmith]

This is a really cool comparison. It honestly is very similar it seems lol. Thank you for your support, this adventure is only getting crazier!

[@Slimerror]

That's actually a really good comparison, the only problem I see with these super heavy swords is the idea of defensive moves in general... Great swords were historically used for area denial so they would be swung wide with momentum and just deny that space, but these swords are too heavy and unwieldy to do that safely. I'd have to try and weld one myself to get any real understanding of the mechanics.

[@basbomb2018]

Thanks you! In regards to defense, I do see the issue with static blocking which could be remedied by parrying however I think the speed of a smaller sword might allow for a change of course in anticipation of said parry. It’s a challenging proposition no matter which way you slice it (lol). I do agree with the effectiveness of area denial. Good call

[@Slimerror]

@@basbomb2018 I think these swords would best be used for wide cleaving attacks side to side. It would take incredible strength and conditioning but I really see no other way of using these practically for anything less of intimidation alone

[@heyitzrudy]

Love your stuff man, keep pushing and you'll be passing 1M in no time!

[@haletheblacksmith]

I'd love that to be the case, only time will tell!

[@dariomanente741]

Absolutely legit and realistica I think you should try a hema longsword tournament you would beat everyone so easily because the sword is bigger then the others

[@haletheblacksmith]

LOL yesss you totally get it! One hit is all it takes!

[@illfragu1]

Loved the video! That sword has a backbreaking weight distribution, so please be mindful of your back and shoulders when you practice. I subscribed and im excited to see more🎉

[@haletheblacksmith]

I'm glad you enjoyed and thanks for the reminder. I definitely need to be cautious of the weight!

[@alexstrom3099]

I donnow how i get there but... why not? You doing something interesting and i appreciate it. Liked and subscribed

[@haletheblacksmith]

Lol thanks so much I appreciate it!

[@minch333]

Fun! Not sure if that blocking really solves the issue though as you're swinging in the opposite direction to the slash you'll be blocking. I can't see either sword being practical but it'll be awesome to see how close you can get to practicality with either and you should get fucking ripped in the process

[@haletheblacksmith]

None of this is practical by any means... sword fighting isn't really necessary anymore lol... but it is really fun, and yeah, the workout is also pretty convenient.

[@WolfA4]

Well... the good news is you'll get strong from this, the bad news is you're going to have some serious joint pain down the line. The only thing I could suggest is maybe get some boots that are taller (like combat boots) to give your ankles better support and have a steel toe cap in-case you drop the sword on your feet. Also you may want to incorporate exercises that improve your core strength like planks, crunches, side bends. Your lower back will benefit from a stronger abdominal and obliques.

[@haletheblacksmith]

Sweet thanks for the advice! I'll try to be more careful... consider Subscribing to end this journey sooner lol

[@zipbob90]

Oh heck yeah! The form is looking good! I don't know about you, but this might be the first time watching where it really looks like you were training sword practices for the extra big sword, and not just learning to lift and swing it around!... Though to be fair, every existing sword technique is all just lifting and swinging things around in different ways in different situations. lol And we are nowhere close to it being a usable technique, if that is even theoretically possible, and even less likely - testable. If you want I'll come up with another follow-up move each video that you can try or assess the ability to try and pocket for later. Seeing the way you're impressively handling the dragonslayer, I think the spin is more possible and utilitarian than I initially thought. So here's something you could try: Once you have the sword up on your shoulder (which you seem to naturally lean into an almost ox/key guard from your almost plow guard to accomplish) try just to lower the tip of the sword slightly; with your right leg step behind (opposed to the stepping in front you're doing for the forward overhead slash) and this will begin to spin your body around while the sword is still resting on your shoulder. This way the sword swings in a horizontal slash keeping that area threatened (reason having a shoulder/neck guard would be a great idea so that you could turn the sword sideways and not risk cutting your neck), then once you are are facing essentially 180° from your initial position (in an almost wrath guard now), step again now with your left leg leaning into the motion and dropping your arms down to create a diagonal slash towards your initial facing direction of your plow guard stance. Woohoo! We just did a spin move modified from montante techniques but since the dragonslayer is much heavier we have to think about it in leveraging your entire body to keep threat zones up! Flashy, but teaches a core understanding of weight distribution. Just make sure practice stepping with the weight before twisting while swinging so you don't snap anything.

[@haletheblacksmith]

This is AWESOME... However... it'll probably take reading through your instructions a few times to fully understand what you're envisioning. But I love the idea, I think I'm grasping what you're saying. It'll probably be a bit before I can fully do it though. Thank you so much for your support and ideas. It means a lot and is super encouraging! God Bless

[@haletheblacksmith]

I just acted it out!!!!!! THIS WILL BE SO COOOOL! I'm trying this! Hopefully all goes well, and its what you're envisioning!

[@zipbob90]

@@haletheblacksmith I believe if anyone can pull it off, and make it look epic, it'd be you! Good luck and Godspeed!

[@scarsandstiches254]

It should be recognized that with even real world greatswords (English Greatswordss, Zweihanders, Montantes), you're supposed to let the momentum carry the blade in spins and flourishes, because it's meant to discourage a single, or numerous targets from closing the distance. Therefore, make sure you know how to control it while using it's weight and momentum to carry it into more lethal blows. Also always remember, big swords are best used against groups.

[@haletheblacksmith]

Yeah you're right. I'm just training basic strength right now so that when it comes to momentum training, it goes easier.

[@graphixkillzzz]

you should spend a few days just trying to hold it out level, unwavering; if you don't have the strength to hold it steady, you won't have the strength to move it with skill. "I can teach you to fight with the Green Destiny, but first you must learn to hold it in stillness." -Li Mu Bai

[@haletheblacksmith]

I can sure give that a try! it'd be crazy if I could someday!

[@KurNorock]

Instead of trying to figure this all out by yourself and very probably severely hurt yourself, you should take an actual HEMA class and specialize in longsword and montante techniques. Once you get a solid base of understanding, you can then try figuring out how to modify those actual techniques to use with these giant swords.

[@haletheblacksmith]

That'd definitely be the smart way of doing things... but this is fun too. Also I am being careful along this journey as to avoid future injuries.

[@beowulf_of_wall_st]

Imagine going and paying your respects to your loved one's grave and this is happening

[@haletheblacksmith]

Lol fear not I dont do this when there are others around.

[@RandyMachoRonin]

Guts sword? That's Zangetsu

[@haletheblacksmith]

Thats the warm up sword lol

[@val_royeaux844]

you seem to be focusing on vertical strikes, cutting down like aiming for the shoulder, which if it lands would be devistating, but that is a big IF. imo the best strikes will be horizontal or lateral, as a vertical strike could be side stepped and then punished, but a horizontal sweep can only be ducked or backstepped which the former is much much harder to do and the latter does not leave any room to punish as you are immediately back into prime for another sweep. lateral strikes, partly a vertical and partly a horizontal stroke, is like a balance of both worlds. in my head im thinking of how Thorfinn would combat this weapon, and against a sweep is his hardest challenge.

[@haletheblacksmith]

Thorfinn analogy hits hard! You're so right! I'm definitely gonna start training momentum!

[@TheFireDragon-f2d]

Try three stabs while shuffling forward before it falls. Like you are driving someone back.

[@haletheblacksmith]

Ohhh that's a good idea!

[@damyandimitrov611]

Use one hand

[@haletheblacksmith]

Lol... I will when I can

[@damyandimitrov611]

@@haletheblacksmith There is a manga called Red Storm. The main character uses a two-hand sword with just one hand. This is because his teacher didn't allow him to use two hands and made him use only one hand from the beginning. The teacher said something like "It is a one-handed sword if you use only one hand". If you're into manga and big swords, you might want to look into it

[@haletheblacksmith]

hm sounds interesting

[@opus5770]

this is cool and all but a 3 lb warhammer would have already hit you six times while you were attempting to get into your guard and completely wrecked your shit, lmao. this is fun but it won't ever be practical. i would suggest that you need a much longer grip, at least a foot longer, in order to get some real leverage. also, don't be afraid to go with the momentum and let it swing around a lot (that's exactly how great swords are wielded). i subbed to see the rest of this journey! this is cool, have fun with it.

[@haletheblacksmith]

I'm glad you enjoy... it may not be practical... but there's no point in saying it can't be done until someone tries! Thanks for following along! We'll see where things go lol.

[@val_royeaux844]

imo you should drop weight, ie get a third sword that is a bit more within your current range. you dont just need power here, you need density. when youre exhausted, dropping weight and focusing on smooth motions will help your feeling of control. itll build denser fibers and also be easier to transfer the muscle memory of that smoothness upwards in weight class. honestly guts is not graceful at all but hes also a fucking monster so its not the same. unless you see yourself swinging a sledge hammer with one arm, focus on grace.

[@haletheblacksmith]

I totally get where you're coming from that's why I have my 20lb sword and also I'm currently working on an actual long sword as well.

[@gibarel]

I dont think putting a double bladed sword on your shoulder to block is a wise idea, especially one this absurdly heavy, the weight alone could hurt you if you arent careful when resting it.

[@haletheblacksmith]

You're definitely right, but it's a stance that is helping build strength in areas that are lacking

[@dearcastiel4667]

NGL, this is an accident waiting to happen. With a real sword, you usualy can stop or slow it if something goes wrong, and they can't bend your own arms in a wrong way. With this, if something goes wrong you just let it go and pray...

[@haletheblacksmith]

Praying is all a man of God can do!

[@BUTCHDen]

Are you nuts.?! 🤦🏼‍♂ Your anime-swords have no balance. Any small batman on them and you will be carried away. Whatever musculature you develop. Take a normal two-handed sword and train with it. You know that, right?

[@haletheblacksmith]

Haha obviously a normal sword works just fine... but why not have a little fun in this life! Do something new and unique!

[@jorgen3662]

that was pathetic, get more reps in lad

[@haletheblacksmith]

Lol, right I'll do that!

[@bulimah9686]

You want to maneuver it then get a real sword. Not these stupid large swords that would never be practical in a real foght

[@haletheblacksmith]

I have a real sword... actually like 20... big swords are just cool.

[@bulimah9686]

@@haletheblacksmith it is... i know one other youtuber who has done this and injured himself multiple times trying to do this and has gotten even some of his followers injured trying to do this. just be careful and dont try to do everything you do with a regular sword with this sword. as you said you dont want the momentum carrying you and you dont think it would be practical even though germans with zweilhanders would do this exact same thing with a lighter sword than this doing lots of wide circling slashes that keep on going. i think you should study on how you should wield a sword this big instead of winging it. cloud from ff7 even uses a sword really big like the dragon slayer and his attack style is using the momentum of the blade to strike as the heavier the sword its going to be harder to stop it mid swing you might even injure yourself in the long run if you keep trying to act like its a regular sword. just research and try to stay safe.