Easiest type of sword fighting to learn for beginners?

[@alexanderlindstrom01]

"If you can fit two hands on your weapon then you're doing pretty well." She got it.

[@theophrastusbombastus8019]

Instructions unclear, hand ended on the butt.

[@bobito8997]

The video was edited straight after that, I'm guessing due uncontrollable laughter.

[@storyspren]

Matt: "We're not insulting the katana..." Lucy: "We could, but we're not." xD

[@shadiversity]

The discussion between the both of you is great, Lucy really knows her stuff! In regards to this topic I've recently started to teach my wife longsword and it's amazing the things that I took for granted that a novice finds particularly complex. It's been very eye opening. In case anyone missed the most significant part of this comment I'll point it out, MY WIFE IS LEARNING HOW TO USE A SWORD, WOOT! only took me eight years. As they say, couples who sword together stay together, or at least know how to disembowel each other. . .

[@GargleMyMayonaze]

Hey Shad I watched your sparring video and I have to say for someone who's self taught you're not bad, I was pleasantly surprised, but I think you should really spend more time doing cutting practice, the main problem you have your edge alignment is really terrible, you strike with the flat of your blade a lot, not trying to be an asshole, just a helpful criticism.

[@robertlewis6915]

Those who stay together slay together.

[@luger9857]

Ive been teaching my wife sword techniques for a while now. Particularly thrusting motions😃

[@Eagle-eye-pie]

An armed marriage is a polite marriage.

[@Jazzman-bj9fq]

@@luger9857So you also enjoy being the 'pin cushion' sometimes ;) Sorry, couldn't help myself on that one. Good show!!

[@isildu]

Is that a swordless piece of wall in the Eastom home?

[@wilfdarr]

isildu He obviously needs more swords.

[@penguasakucing8136]

isildu Perhaps...but it does not mean the floor isn't... I mean, somehow Matt always able to get one by reaching down...

[@Sacharius]

staged...

[@wilfdarr]

Regi JK lol touche.

[@Tullio238]

Well there is at least one Easterling running round the home

[@thebobbytytesvarrietyhour4168]

Having done both smallsword and rapier, I have noticed that with the lighter sword, people can abuse the lack of weight to get away with improper technique by flailing. For actual sparing, I find giving the newcomer the less forgiving weapon helps them learn better.

[@Pawnce]

The Basket-Hilted Two-Handed Smallsword: Ultimate Noob Weapon

[@fatefulbrawl5838]

Are those actually real, are just a combo word? Cause I've checked.

[@unknownghost3145]

@@fatefulbrawl5838 @Fateful Brawl pretty much just a madeup combo word. Baskethilted two handed sword sounds terribly restricted to any 2 handed movements, and a smallsword is a thrust only (Triangular shaped blade) which is for 1 handed sword. So in conclusion, It's a very restricted and cumbersome hortionzal heavy bowl guard around your hands with a thrust only blade. *Definitely a worthy noob weapon!*

[@fatefulbrawl5838]

@@unknownghost3145 Hmmm, thanks for the info.

[@bandswithbards1973]

I laughed more than I should have when he said neither of them is a rapierist

[@CarnalKid]

YAY, LUCY!

[@metteuston7699]

Loocy Euston?

[@pellaken]

She needs her own series, either on her own or on this channel; she is great!

[@perw12345]

Mettwoch ?

[@CarnalKid]

+Teddy Boragina If she had her own series, nobody would watch Matt's videos anymore. He's currently torn between wanting the extra views she brings, and fearing that she will replace him. Heavy, man.

[@jdzencelowcz]

She his wife or sister?

[@Brashnir]

Really love Lucy's inputs in this video, and think she raises some excellent complementary points. Looks like you two made excellent choices when you picked each other.

[@zsoltbocsi7546]

arent they siblings?

[@alanaubryknight]

I am Deaf! you do such a good job on so many of your videos making sure they are closed captioned. Will you please review and see if cc is still an option? Deaf people like this stuff too!!! And you being one of the most looked up to researchers in this field, we need that information from you rather than a walmart sofa armchair self proclaimed expert! Lol. Thanks!

[@Cheezmonka]

Commenting on this for extra visibility

[@ThatGuyMarquis]

I agree with this person plz make captions for deaf people.

[@TechnoGlobalist]

@@Cheezmonka me2

[@nullunit]

She waits patiently and watches him, waiting to pounce... Seriously though., relationship goals. I like you guys together.

[@Master...deBater]

Wow...Lucy's smile could bring the sun up in the morning!!!

[@MonkeyKingsformerroomate]

Lucy's face expressions during phrases like "Neither Lucy nor I are rapierists" are pretty damn funny. Maybe I imagined that one. Either way I like when you guys do vids together.

[@indy2867]

I'm SO glad you mention not just "fitness" but specialized fitness. If you're question is "what can you learn in two months" then I think the answer is REALLY posture and movement. Work on getting the posture of a horse rider, or a classical dancer first. Then work on being able to squat and lunge without losing that posture. Separate your upper body and lower body. The upper body makes certain shapes, and smoothly transitions between various shapes. The legs are the mobile platform that moves that upper body around, in both the horizontal AND VERTICAL planes. You would be absolutely better served doing just that for two months, but students don't sign up for class to work on posture, they (quite understandebly) want to fight with swords.

[@Blake_Stone]

0:12 - Lucy you realise that by the laws of KZbin you are now obligated to start a channel called "Sortagladiatoria"?

[@KnightSquire]

YOU FOOLISH FOOLS! The easiest sword style is movie style... hit your opponents sword a few times throw in a twirl and go home the victor. DUH!!

[@storyspren]

NinjaEugene's style on the other hand is so complex that only a fencing god like him is capable of performing such feats.

[@louirudy670]

KnightSquire Nija Eugene is god tier.

[@ianseymour3497]

Obviously, if you follow my interpretations of the techniques for longsword, it is by far the easiest style to learn for both beginners and masters who think they know the correct interpretations.

[@elirantuil5003]

Louis Rudy His only rival is the formidable HEMA douche

[@louirudy670]

Eliran Tuil they shall never fight for it would destroy the universe as we know it

[@Child_of_the_lie]

I know this is an older video, but it caught my interest. I've recently started training at a HEMA club, an introduction to German longsword. I was more interested in learning the sabre, but after a couple of classes I definitely see the wisdom in using longsword as an introduction.

[@lancerd4934]

I haven't seen the video yet, but I'm gonna go ahead and say "cutlass". Linear footwork, 1 engaging guard, 2 cuts, 4 parries, and 1 riposte. You can teach the entire system in one afternoon, and then it's just practice, practice, practice.

[@ljprep6250]

Good video, you two. And at 26:30 or so, you finally let Lucy finish a sentence! OK, more videos, guys! Question: What exercises should potential swordspeople use to build up their sword-necessary musculature prior to their first classes?

[@cam9378]

Both Eastons. Chilling and sipping drinks. Bantz. >30 min runtime. Maximum comfy.

[@reministic7165]

I agree with you, Matt. I've been studying the rapier for a while and when I tried some longsword after that it felt SO much easier than when I started the rapier.

[@CDKohmy]

I had my first in-person HEMA lesson today focused on rapier and after I went around and handled various swords (longsword, arming sword, backsword) and bucklers and noticed longsword was absolutely easiest to wield. The rapier style was by Gerard Thibault btw.

[@regulus6773]

Are you still involved in HEMA?

[@CDKohmy]

@@regulus6773 yes, but haven’t been able to be as actively involved.

[@andrewkgsmith]

You're a lovely couple, when will you have a mixed tag team match with Skall and Kara? Haha

[@eduardofreitas8336]

andrewkgsmith that would be kind of unfair haha

[@JayMoreau]

Great content as usual. I enjoyed having Lucy's counterpoints as a part of the discussion. Cheers, Eastons!

[@ralphweaver1176]

Do a regular "Night with Lucy and Port" video.

[@brokenursa9986]

For me, being self-taught until now, I've found longsword to be very forgiving to figure out, even despite the more complex techniques. Blood and Iron's KZbin channel has helped me immensely to improve my ability with a longsword.

[@willek1335]

Matt, your wife is a good co-host. BTW: Can we please see you two spar?

[@penguasakucing8136]

Wille k Yes please, we want to see both of you trying to penetrate each other's defenses. The deeper, the better. BTW, hello Hirdmen

[@wilfdarr]

Wille k Had he kept pushing I'm sure we would have 😆

[@willek1335]

Hey YGO!

[@maelgugi]

wouldn't that be considered domestic violence? :D

[@GCurl]

Scholagladiatoria KZbin RED edition! ;) XDD

[@joedoherty1062]

As a beginner rapierist and longsworder, Rapier is HARD for a beginner. It's so unintuitive compared to longsword. Everything is geometry and angles, and subtle movements. Swinging a stick around is so intuitive and baked into instinct. But these subtle angle changes and things are very unnatural. I love rapier though because of the challenge

[@PXCharon]

I've been practicing rapier for about 15 years, and teaching for 10. Rapier is difficult to teach, too. There are a few systems that are very simplified and easier to convey, but I find them to be incomplete and the student will plateau very quickly. Saviolo and Swetnam being prime examples. Capoferro, Fabris, Rada, all require a level of subtlety and fine tuned mechanics to get it right. Throw in the sometimes confusing depth of raw theory and you have a hard road ahead. But once it all clicks it's worth every second of training.

[@elioamedeo]

You know your italian pronunciation wasn't really bad until you did that weird super Mario accent XD Great video as always

[@scholagladiatoria]

Come on, that's half the fun of doing an Italian accent. Probably needs more hand movements though.

[@elioamedeo]

😂

[@FogmanS2N]

I think it would spur further improvement if you discovered whether you have any Italian ancestors. I know of a very reliable site for that.

[@e.zponder7526]

Drinking a lot of port probably didn't help in that regard. For best results, he should be drinking grappa.

[@davemeggison4283]

Wheres Metatron when you need him?

[@Vitadoc01]

I love how lucy is constantly smirking and eye rolling at mat :D

[@ElDrHouse2010]

True. Because a training small sword is something you can even give to a child 10-12 years old to practice with. Small Sword is by far the easiest. It's only thrusts so you don't even have to learn to slash, it's light, comfortable, noob friendly all around. Makes sense.

[@kccarnine2124]

This was everything I was hoping for! I love all of your videos but I hope port chats with Lucy becomes a regular thing.

[@Sophocles13]

You should do a "Best sword style to learn for the Apocalypse" where you have to consider carrying it everywhere, fighting people and potentially animals, and versatility i.e. use as a light tool.

[@sf90001]

Sword discussions and wine? Two of my favorite things! That would be a funny video, discussing wine with Metatron.

[@DylanSwayneHughes]

how would you rate the level of sword-related household damage you experience normally? :)

[@bozo5632]

In financial figures, and also by weight, volume and number of incidents.

[@laionidas7614]

There's a reason probably, why Matt crops out his ceiling in all of his videos.

[@Zockchster]

My ceiling lamp is more tape than lamp. Matt's is probably even worse.

[@georgekidder1062]

One of the more enjoyable videos I've watched recently. Many points to laugh at along the way. Good Job!

[@Tomartyr]

I prefer the term 'double-fisting' over 'dual-wielding'. It's still a bit gimpy but a different kind of gimpy. Also I have an issue with Matt's choice: the smallsword might be easier to learn but it's probably not easier to use effectively. Something that you've pointed out many times before is that people, especially the inexperienced, tend to resort to slashing over stabbing when panicked.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

that is true however if you have nothing but thrusting to focus on then at some point itll get drilled in, i believe he also forgot the biggest advantage for a noob with a smallsword, the things are stupidly light, though the hand protection isnt very useful in most cases.

[@bozo5632]

Double fisting, from now on. The question wasn't which system is the easiest way to become an effective swordsman, it was, which is easiest in the first few weeks for total beginners?

[@Tomartyr]

+bmxriderforlife1234 That's true and it's not like having a cutty-slashy sword is particularly noob friendly as then you have edge alignment to worry about anyway. +Bo Zo Yes I just think they should make it clear that they were talking about which is easier to simply learn rather than which is easiest for a beginner to pick up and perform effectively. (which is what I assumed they meant) But if the question really is just about learning then surely the easiest would be the shortest treatise/manual if you only had to read and memorise it.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

edge alignment can be learned pretty quickly.

[@123animefreakify]

Another term you can use to describe duel wieldin is ambidexting which is a term to desrcibe double fisting.

[@karlkruger7310]

In "The Sword and the Centuries " By Alfred Hutton on page 74 writing of the use of a Rapier and cloak {as defense} He says " This fight was very easy to acquire & Swetnam says that in a very few lessons a boy of 15 can learn to defend himself against any man whatsoever and indeed we ourselves know a little boy of that age, Master Charles Sefton, who more than holds his own with the gentleman who taught him."

[@TheOhgodineedaname]

"If you can fit two hands on your weapon then, you know, you're doing pretty well and you get quite a lot of leverage" When is this channel getting censored for lewd content?

[@nullunit]

The best part about that is Lucy's big double thumbs up in the background. So either she is covering for Matt or he is packing the legit panoply. :D

[@joeleek9976]

DushinSC -definitely tell that it isn't grape juice in those glasses

[@MunyuShizumi]

"So, what you're doing with your thrust-only weapon, you think of the complexity of that in the first 8 weeks.." "I think the smallsword is simpler."

[@PlayaSinNombre]

Joe Leek any (tawny) port in a storm...

[@extrasmack]

Really enjoy these informal evening in with the Eastons videos. Both informative and highly entertaining. By all means please do more.

[@SanderMakes]

"Longsword, the weapon for the weak and feebly" - Matt Easton

[@candleman2123]

Just found this, enjoyed Lucy's insights. Surprised I haven't seen more of this, I'd be keen to listen.

[@jthewelshwarlord6331]

I started my practice with Figueirdo's 16 Rules of the Montante and when I started practicing with AHF, some people commented on how fast my fendenti and flicks were. Endurance requires attention now, which Rowarth's sabre is helping with.

[@TheTruth-xp2of]

It's nice to see some videos like this, where your statements are challenged, causing you to further explain your reasoning. You do tend to come out well prepared and cover as many angles as you can, but it's always good to have another perspective bouncing off observations you haven't covered.

[@PadraicSmith]

I don't know why but the first few minutes, after you pulled up the sabre and longsword and mentioned dual wielding I just started laughing. I don't know why but I just found the interactions you two have quite funny. 25:47 Bologense sauce and buckler. 26:31 Bologese Sauces (And hooray! You finally acknowledged the sauces!)

[@StateOfMind63]

I have to agree. I picked up smallsword far quicker than Longsword. Started learning them both at the same time as a complete beginner. Took me somewhat more time to get competent with a longsword but that could just be me.

[@codycole2684]

I cut trees down with a one handed axe...the fact the handle was snapped in half ages ago is completely unrelated and has nothing to do with it...

[@hazzardalsohazzard2624]

For a moment I thought Lucy was saying she'd studied Silver for 300 years. She's looking good for her age. There's a style for Broadsword/Backsword which is fairly simple. My club instructor says it can be taught in 5 minutes. You need hanging guard, which is hilt above the head, point forward and keep it between you and your opponent. Then basically windmill the sword from your wrist, without moving anything else. You have two moves and can hold your own in a fair fight. This is from a Broadsword manual which comes later than what Lucy does. Also, Longsword may be easiest if all you do is thrust with one hand, recover to a two handed position and then be ready to retreat at all times.

[@josephdedrick9337]

whats the source by chance?

[@Scarecr0w_ofWaaagh_strawpies]

honestly I like the Sabre. Rapiers are nice but I enjoy Sabre or sword and shield.

[@forgingapath8809]

This come through as a really good example of 2 people with a good grasp of swordsmanship approaching the same question from very different angles. Lucy is taking the question very literally in terms of someone who’s straight off the street, encompassing the physical aspects aswell as the ease of learning the manuals. Matt seems to look at it from a teachability / what the type of sword provides over all, it’s also extremely easy to see his bias for the longsword lol. Was quite a good watch, my wife commented that a desire to learn a particular sword is just as important as the ease of learning, if you just don’t like the look/feel of a saber, it doesn’t matter if it’s easy to learn.

[@gabriel300010]

"longsword is for weak feeble lazy people" - Matt Easton

[@GraupeLie]

Hahaha, guess that will be my weapon of choice then! :D

[@pralinechocolates1]

Ok I’m almost 48, Never had training and I’m going to train myself. You guys video was clear and smooth...I’m going with long sword because I need both hands on the weapon for maximum damage. Wishing you all the best. Take care and thank you so much for uploading these videos!

[@youtubevoice1050]

Could it be that manuals left out details on purpose? That was often done in japanese manuals, because of the competition between different schools.

[@julians.2597]

Could be, we have no idea, but the books itself were mostly confidential, so it seems likely that people just learned the basics from their teacher

[@nathanfagan9881]

Really liked the format and was good to have you bouncing your opinion off another party. Keep up the excellent work,

[@DoktorWeasel]

Yeah, I love this format. And Lucy is a good co-host Although Matt clearly used to being the only person talking and needs to work on giving her more time. But having a second person with different take on things is a nice changeup. I love the few videos with Lucy (and fewer still when she's not silent and in full fencing gear) and the ones with Dr. Capwell.

[@bozo5632]

+DoktorWeasel - +1

[@Thetermsofservice1]

Notice Matt keeps his innuendos to himself when his wife is around

[@richardbonnette490]

That is very good, he SHOULD keep them to himself, especially online, in public, or in private. Good note, Larold.

[@eligostheexalted]

@@richardbonnette490 Shut the fuck up, you prude.

[@richardbonnette490]

@@eligostheexalted Seriously, this is a year old comment. Why would you even bother? Look, If you don't like what I have to say, you can try and be civil about it. Although, seeing how the corona virus is what brought you here, I guess you did not think this post through, so I won't mind it. If you want to know why I said that then - a year ago - it's because I come from a big family. I made this comment thinking about how much I would hate it if my younger brother or sister would learn about innuendos from a video on swords. You may think it funny, but I disagree. Although innuendos are ridiculous, and in ridiculous things we find humor, it is not that funny when it is either a serious matter or when it is unwanted. I happen to have read on the statistics of abuse in domestic homes, and the related causes that cause such problems. A demoralization of the mind from a young age is a prominent factor in creating criminals, sex abusers and sexual predators, and immoral lives, which I what I was thinking of when I wrote that comment - one year ago. So I prefer protecting children from stupid and fruitless "jokes" rather than allowing the limited and short-lived laughter one might have from such jokes. Other than that, as you are free to keep your opinion, I have no problem with your comment. Simple. Have a good day! May God bless you and keep you safe! Pax tecum!

[@eligostheexalted]

Richard Bonnette Imagine writing a thesis in response to an insult.

[@andrzejsobanski6752]

@@eligostheexalted Imagine insulting someone in response to an opinion.

[@huskiefan8950]

Honestly you guys took on a really complex topic here, and did a good job. Noone knows everything about every style and weapon👍 nice one

[@The1Helleri]

1/5 HEMA Practitioners will be rapiered in their lifetime. But don't worry. Neither of them are rapierists.

[@Psiberzerker]

"Strong in specific ways." Yes, definitely, one of the first drills I do is holding out the weight of it, and building the muscles to just hold it, steady, and get used to the weight/leverage without tiring. If you can't do that, you can't learn anything else effectively. (I still start with spear, and shield.)

[@Psiberzerker]

After that, I show them low guard, tip up, right about the hip, and extension. Now, do that 20 more times, take a break, grab some Gatorade, and do it again, 20 more times. I'll show you something else tomorrow, when you tell me how bad your shoulder, wrist, and forearm hurt. (Also with Spear and Shield.)

[@CplDiesel]

I DEFINITELY think you should do more videos with your wife. I loved the back and forth.

[@matthiasfeldmann3684]

You actually drink port! And you even kind of advertise it. I LOVE IT!!! Please keep on doing that. People need to drink more port again. My whisky is becoming increasingly expensive, because there are so few port barrels available. (I also like the rest of the video quite a lot, but the port related part is realy special.) ;-)

[@KuriPango]

Yeah Lucy

[@MikeySworda]

Lucy is an absolute riot. A quick, and understated dry wit, replete with wise-ass smirk.

[@Canuovea]

I think you are talking about two different things. 1) How easy they are to teach. 2) How easy they are to learn. The interpretation of the manual will mostly be left up to the teacher, not the student, at least in the first two months. Therefore if you separate that from the actual learning... it makes a difference. So perhaps it would put longsword more in the running. That isn't to say the ease of teaching and learning are entirely unrelated, but they are different things.

[@wierdalien1]

Cano Vea id love to experiment with myself. I am dyspraxic so I would be good marker on ease to learn

[@shmuckling]

More "port" videos and Lucy is a great co-host indeed. Port videos seem to last longer and so contain more information. It's great to hear Lucy's point of view and the video feels like a conversation, which is generally more interesting to listen to.

[@nathanwheatley8500]

"Long sword is THE most popular weapon in HEMA. . . ." Well . . . maybe. It depends what you mean by "HEMA." If you mean "HEMA tournaments," clearly. If you mean "organized groups within the HEMA Alliance," yep. But, if you mean, "among people that study historical European martial arts," it may very well be rapier. Because then the SCA gets pulled in and, within the United States alone, you have thousands of people studying and practicing rapier. So, you know, context. :)

[@skibo3522]

Well done Lucy & Matt, it's always AMAZING to see just how many words Matt can actually verbalize before he must absolutely stop and BREATH. Seriously though for as long as I've been watching Matt's video's for this past year I guess I just was not cognizant of the fact that there are schools of practice for every bleedin' blade ever made. So if I have this right now, if one were want to, could one show up to 'Rapier Practice' with one's 1908 Cavalry Sword and expect to be able to use it as much like a Rapier?? Thanks if anyone cares to answer the question who has 'Matt-like' knowledge of these things. Thanks for posting by the way, ~Mark~

[@622PSS]

Have no idea about the difference between the use of a sabre and that of a backsword (e.g. 'passing footwork'?). Please do a video on that. Thanks in advance.

[@xiezicong]

+EnglishMartialArts collaboration incoming

[@harryravenkiller8580]

The two of you have good energy... i did enjoy this video muchly!

[@Zagardal]

Now I can't stop thiking about how you hit on each other with sword puns or stuff like that

[@Theduckwebcomics]

Great chemistry. More of these chats please! Maybe once a week, or once a month or something?

[@TheLowstef]

Matt by himself? Great. It's what I came here for. Matt and Lucy together? Better. At least for some videos.

[@tombearclaw702]

Another taxing thing about rapier (I'm not hema I was a Epee fencer) and other thrusting weapons is those weapons tend require more use of fine motor skills for precision point control and it also more mentally and visually taxing especially early on to recognize the small subtle blade movement that constitute attacks and parrying etc

[@MarcRitzMD]

In Pathfinder and DnD, it's called Two-Weapon Fighting.

[@briankirk4097]

fun video. I think ease of use for beginners largely boils down to which weapon and system have the least number of guards, and therefor the smallest set of decision tree while still being competent. To this end, my vote for easiest to learn systems would have to be Swetnam Staff (only 2 guards with well defined actions and a very small decision tree). Lastly, one thing I think you have to consider with thinking about training someone for just 2 months, is how close that will get them to someone who has been practicing for 2 years. I think that the subtlety of something like a smallsword means that the 2 year person is actually going to be much better than the 2 month person. On the other hand, with sabre, I think the 2 year person will have not distanced themselves as far from the 2 month person than in the smallsword case. Therefore, the sabre must be said to be easier to teach for beginners because it will get them proportionally closer to the "average" fencer. just my 2 cents.

[@akeffs]

8:20 My weapon is too short for even one hand, feels bad man. :(

[@mcorte2224]

akeffs thats sad really, wish you the best

[@wilsoncalhoun]

SWORDSMITHS HATE HIM! TRY THIS ONE WEIRD TRICK TO ADD FIVE INCHES TO YOUR GRIP!

[@impersonal6959]

+Joshua Noble This comment is gilded in gold!

[@davemeggison4283]

Damn, tricky to get in close enough to make it count then??

[@johnmcmanus7809]

ahh ickle!

[@Swenthorian]

tl;dw? Go to 29:00. And then come back later and watch the whole thing, because ScholaGladiatoria is fantastic.

[@tristanroberts]

the talk about hand protection raised an interesting question for me. In sailing there's an old adage that dinghy sailors make good yachtsmen but yachtsmen make shit dinghy sailors (because dinghies are much less forgiving so teach you to worry more about the details). Do you think a similar thing could be said about swords? Are longsworders likely to make better sabreurs than vice versa because it forces you to worry more about your hand or is there not much difference?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes this does exist, though it is complex in how different weapons/systems benefit others.

[@stephenpajer3920]

one point that you missed both is the didactive advantage of the protective gear needed. It is fairly easy and cheap to get decent protective gear for smallsword fencing, also it does not weigh a ton, since you can use modern sport fencing equipment. You can start with a fencing mask, a glove and a hoodie. Also, since the impact of the thrust is very easy to control, the smallsword offers the opportunity for beginners to execute techniques with partners much earlier than for example a longsword. Also smallsword footwork has hardly any variations (compared to spanish rapier or longsword). Also because of the fact that you only focus on thrusts - the smallsword is in my opinion the easiest/fastest style to learn. Because you only have to learn one half of fencing. i sum up: - no complicated footwork - no cutting - no wrestling (just a few disarms) - early full speed exercising of techniques with a partner, even free sparring - easy on the hands and body due to less weight - cheapest weapon and cheapest gear - availability of gear - practising alone even at a small flat is possible (no swinging it around and getting caught on the chandelier or knocking over grandma's ashes from the fireplace) - treatises are understandable and detailled - and there are lots of them

[@captainhellenic]

her eyeroll is epic.

[@trappychan]

Powerlifting shoutout :D And awesome Lucy in the same video! :DDD Oh, and I know the tired arm thing too well. Rapier is my favourite but I just can't wield it for long, my grip and shoulders can't take it. Longsword on the other hand, I can spend the whole day sparring.

[@Feminismisfornobody]

>exams looming >everything is awful >new matt video >everything shall be okay

[@TheZombieCurryKid]

School is for chumps!

[@DaSpineLessFish]

Feminism is for nobody I could study C2 or I could listen to Matt talk about penetration

[@Feminismisfornobody]

C2 is piss easy, go for matt unless you have fp2/3 the next day, there is no excuse not to listen to matt

[@DaSpineLessFish]

C2 is piss easy if you're not stupid.

[@TheZombieCurryKid]

He's right though, arrows are only for 4chan.

[@r.matthews594]

Can't believe I missed this video when it came out. You are right in saying there is less variety of techniques in kenjutsu/iaido, the single edge limits you. I also find the footwork in Meyer to be a little more liberal. Which is why I've seeked out HEMA (Meyer longsword, want to get more into saber) over the past couple of years, there's more variety. Along with actual sparring, which matters immensely. Great video Matt.

[@retepish]

Do they all ways pull swords out when drinking wine?

[@Xanatos712]

It's the Eastons. They pull swords out to check the mail box.

[@gabriel300010]

do you not? I always thought only people who dont have swords dont pull them when drinking wine... I for example only have a broomstick, and have never drinked wine without using it as a sword.

[@MrSmoore77]

First time I met my best mate he was wobbling about with a naval cutlass and a bottle of whisky

[@Tax_Buster]

Henry Cavill has a training video in preparation for his role in The Witcher. Just like what you mentioned, his trainer said that although Cavill is Superman buffed, the muscles that he needs to strengthen are different for purposes of sword fighting. The video is here on YT.

[@jessehardin5094]

8th like and second comment. Hell yeah! Cheers from GA, USA Matt!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Hi!

[@alanj7099]

scholagladiatoria is every form of sword have a break point and form to break it?

[@trock7542]

A video on the Estoc would be cool

[@ClintThrust-e8r]

Does a video with the wife, spends most of the time blocking her face with a giant sword lol.

[@w1ck3ds1ck]

Well it is a video about swords, not faces.

[@orangeiceice12]

Same thing I do to my wife

[@bluegent7]

Sword of the Patriarchy.

[@avisariods4063]

and starting to talk while she is still talking developing an idea

[@emarsk77]

As a noob (about 6 months of training with longsword, sidesword, rapier and a bit of sabre), I'd vote for the longsword. I agree with most of what Matt said, but I'm with Lucy about the hand protection: it didn't come much into play in the first few months of training. I disagree about the treatises, though: as a student, I don't feel it matters much whether they're clear or not. Yes I like to read them, but ultimately at this stage of my formation I learn from my teacher, not directly from the treatises. I'd make one further point: at first I found rapier not only physically demanding, but also terribly awkward. It demands much more technical finesse than the other weapons, both in the footwork, in the handwork, and in the "feeling" of the blade. Recently, I took a couple of classes in smallsword, and while it's much less tiring I'm not sure it's easier to grasp for a beginner (my bit of rapier experience proved to be really useful): it may make fewer things than other swords, but - like with the rapier - those few techniques must be executed with more accuracy to be effective. I can't say much about the sabre because we did very little of it, but for me the sidesword is STILL very tiring - the worst of them - while I'm definitely more comfortable with the rapier now. All of this in my opinion of course, which, given my lack of experience, may be totally wrong. Cheers!

[@Bottlekiller]

Drinking and brandishing sharp objects. Just my kind of video!

[@DamianBloodstone]

I loved this discussion on the ease of sword styles to learn. Thanks for the great video and the information.

[@timbehrens2863]

Cool video. Just a quick site note. You interrupted Lucy a lot. I think she might have said a bit more and you could have had a bit more of a controversy/discussion. Besides that cool video. :)

[@rafaelvieira6449]

I fully agree.

[@The_PotionSeller]

Brimborius der Ältere Stuff like that tends to happen after a few glasses of port

[@Baker_7498]

So many side eyes!

[@maelgugi]

People always interrupts other while talking, that's how it goes, the more you know the other person the more likely you are to interrupt him/her. I see nothing to complain here...

[@myowndata]

think so too

[@jacktraveller8290]

For me I think the hardest thing with sabre footwork was less that it was more tiring than longsword (although that is true), it was that it's harder to coordinate. Passing is very similar to walking, so in drills and early sparring it's much easier to think about and get your feet and hands working together. For the longest time even in drills, lunge/recover would break down immediately as soon as I had to do something with my hands.

[@CarnelianUK]

I'm surprised you picked smallsword - as you've mentioned in previous videos, human beings instinctively prefer to use caveman chops, not pokey thrusts, so surely cutting swords should come more naturally to beginners? As a further note, do you think that part of what contributes to the difficulty of longsword or backsword is not just who the manuals are written for and how methodical they are, but down to language? The various longsword manuals are presumably written in mediaeval latin or german and have then been translated. George Silver is written in Elizabethan english, whereas sabre and smallsword are Victorian or Regency english which is much more familiar to modern readers and therefore easier to understand what they're on about. As an analogy, pretty much anyone can read Oliver Twist or Jane Eyre. The Faerie Queene or Dante's Inferno are a little more mentally taxing.

[@robmoore107]

Ben Kirkby As a non-swordsman!i would my early lessons to help me unlearn my instinctive proclivities, such as the cut and slash forms I learned as a 6 year old. I would think a small sword would be great to unlearn my amateurish Robin Hood styles.

[@Likexner]

I guess they dont consider real fighting because theyre talking about the first couple of months where you might not even spar.

[@vodkatoxin6914]

I would recommend DaDao for complete amateurs but first 2 months I would recommend shamshir/kiliç and buckler/shield and if you truly got expert training then you could advance to shashka only

[@velikiradojica]

You two never engaged in rapierism? Good! Sparring for fun is the way to go, just make sure you don't thrust too hard or one of you might get hurt ;)

[@velikiradojica]

That's the joke.

[@laionidas7614]

I'm still happy I started with classic foil. It's very easy to get into, though the downside is that it is simply not a weapon, and requires you to unlearn a lot (like using the blade's flexibility to 'whip' someone in the back of the shoulderblades =P ), when you arrive at learning to use actual swords. Regarding two-handed vs one-handed swords, I always found one-handed swords to be easier to pick up. Thus personally I'd always recommend a beginner to start with a one-handed sword, but that might be due to my own almost complete inability to multitask. I sometimes feel that the trouble I have coordinating two hands places constraints on my performance that exceed those imposed by the reduced control and increased weight perception when using one hand. Finally, I'd say Japanese sword is one of the hardest to start with. However, if you do intend to train with Japanese swords, it is probably better to do start with it, because there are in fact a lot of facets of Japanese swordsmanship that are completely alien to European swordmanship. It must also be said that traditional use of the Japanese sword, at least on a certain level, can vary widely between one school and the other, depending e.g. on whether the respective school trains for use with and against a particular type of armour, or none at all, and for which class of warrior the style was intended (levied footmen, professional soldiers, dedicated martial noblemen, etc.).

[@RazerTNT]

8:20 priceless

[@Chiron7]

a very interesting subject, I must say the instructions can make all the differents, which I think is the key to the answer of this question.

[@stephenstokes4350]

Matt my man why you always gotta cut off Lucy man...#FreeLucy

[@charlesstonebridge525]

also, a 'points over port' series of videos like this would be amazing