How to Fight 7 Swordsmen at Once - Donald McBane's 18th Century Pub Brawl Survival Tactics

[@FandabiDozi]

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[@hamasmillitant1]

ppl never always attack at once never had to fight swords but i have had to fight large groups of ppl and the trick is figure out who they all dont want to fight/follow in group and mess them up fast rest back off

[@Capitanblue-]

Ironically I learned most of the principles mentioned in this video from minecraft

[@tcuegonbear]

Had to pause the video just to say how much I enjoyed the stop motion candle and toothpick visual aid. Can't really say why, but it put a smile on my face.

[@goodcitizen3780]

No this is the most accurate! The candle animation was the best and was also very instructive.

[@Fynach]

I agree, This was really instructive! I also paused to rewatch it, and it looks cool as well :D

[@preacherjohn]

Yeah it was charming & informative.. Reminded me of the stop-motion animation of the mice in Bagpuss when they used to sing & dance.. :)

[@doctorsketch7476]

This happened to me yesterday! I hate when 7 men decides to hit me with their swords randomly.

[@SeanFKennedy]

I can't remember a day where I haven't been attacked by 7 swordsmen.

[@SiiideSa]

That's a sticky situation for sure.

[@StressLevel100]

europe moment

[@Zippsterman]

Normally you have to wait for the camera

[@Swamp_Ave]

So glad a modern audience can use this information

[@TheSaneHatter]

"Never insult seven men, when all you've got is a six-shooter." - Zane Grey So maybe it's better for Donald that this was a SWORDfight.

[@afqwa423]

Depends on the circumstances, if you ask me. Seven men rarely have six men's worth of fight in them.

[@billhsu6349]

M1911: hold my beer.

[@papwithanhatchet902]

And that’s why you carry two six-shooters.

[@standandelivery]

​@@afqwa423do you mean that the 7th man loses his will to fight someone that just kicked 6 of his comrades asses?

[@Nefylym]

@@standandelivery ... would you?

[@christopherreed4723]

One of the things I love about the 1973 production of The Three Musketeers (and the separate The Four Musketeers sequel) is that the fencing *isn't* perfect-form salle d'armes stuff. It's catch-as-can, rushed, all over the place fighting with no points for fair play. You'd think Aramis, going for the priesthood as he is, would be the epitome of fairness? Nope. Tricks his first opponent at the convent ("Wait! First, let us pray!"), loses his sword to a second in a confused scuffle that sends both of them sprawling, gets to his feet first, and promptly takes his opponent out of the fight with a kick to the face. Porthos slugs one in the jaw with a rock as he's looking the other way, and Athos gets nutted by *his* opponent before D'Artagnan charges across the courtyard to rescue him. This approach is obvious difficult to train, since even the most open-minded training partner will tend to object to being kicked in the nuts, but it's an important lesson to take away. In a fight for your life, "fair" means that you're the one walking away afterwards. That's true in one-on-one, and it's much more true when you're outnumbered.

[@KaijuBiologist]

There are no rules in a streetfight.

[@venturabushcraft5916]

I was always taught to move around to keep all the attackers behind one opponent. This causes them to collide into each other and not give them a clear line of attack. Good stuff mate. 👍

[@terrylandess6072]

This is how I avoid the bowmen in Kingdom Come Deliverance.

[@SusCalvin]

@@terrylandess6072 I just thought of what would happen if those seven all pick up a cobblestone each to throw. I guess the same principle applies, manouvering so they can't all throw at the same time helps.

[@akaroth7542]

Rock 'im, Lads!

[@nishidohellhillsruler6731]

I once got into a fight with 10 guys. What I did was tu run away from them, until I saw a narrow fly of stairs and I went up it. Since it was really narrow and very tall, they could only come at me one at the time and could only attack me from one direction. Things were going well for me, I had already beaten eight of them, until my cat jumped on my belly and whoke me up... 😃

[@joehoffman3546]

Lucky! Your cat teleported you to safety. :p

[@greyvr4336]

@@joehoffman3546 Kitty knew he was in trouble and intervened. Get it some Churu treats as a reward.

[@mikaelkarjalainen9336]

Did this on a boat from Sweden to Finland, high ground and 50 year old drunk finns. Worked Like a charm until the guards took me to the private suit below deck

[@OldGregsMangina]

Molon Labe Spartan lolz

[@wampuscat1831]

Seems mostly you get one or two as antagonists the others follow fill in space . Me former military, railroader, arborist climber even in my 40s lean and mean. After cursing the other side of town ,they came looking for me on my turf at a lil pub , 5 of them.They sat across from me got drinks then informed me of their intentions. A huge iced mug of brn beer had been set before me. It pissed me off for them to come there in broad day light threaten me because they are to ugly and stupid for their local women. As I sat I gave each of them a cold measured look. Then asked Are sure this is what you want ? One then a second fiddled out a yes the others gave approving grunts and nods.Just as I figured about 1 1/2 trouble makers. Ok says I , just as soon as I enjoy my mug beer we can go out back.. But there is just one thing I tell. What's that ?their general asks. All eyes on me and me to them I smile , Don't none of you hold back ,all of you come all at once bring to me hot.. They all became dumb founded, then one uttered out I don't like this.Another he s crazy.. As I was about to finish the mug the beer keep Jim (Airborne Marine )grabbed it filling it asks me What do you think your doing . Me I motion to them Well they asked for it ,you heard them. Jim responds your not being fair ,your being greedy you know how much I love this stuff. Says I there is just not enough to share ,it would end to quick. By now the generals army is freaking . I ask them Can you get three or more friends to come help you so I can let my friend Jim in on this . By now the army was mutneying pulling 1 and Half off the bar stools ,I told you it was a mistake to come here,leaving half drank drinks shoving them towards the door. Shut up We gittin out of here before they both let loose on us .. Out the door they went. Tom gave the room a dry look said Well looks like those BOYS didn't want a real fight after all.. I'll bet the laughter was heard down the block even the quiet depressing looking cook laughed until it hurt..

[@ajherring92]

Your entire channel further illustrates the point made in a reel I saw on Instagram that martial artists are nerds. Same could be said for bushcrafters. Proud to say I belong to both groups and that challenge sounds fun.

[@brightlord-ov7cm]

Always boils down to how badly a person wants to survive and what they are willing to do to stay alive. Never underestimate a person who wants to live no matter what. They will go to extreme lengths to make it happen.

[@h0rn3d_h1st0r1an]

7 swordsmen that look like Tom walk into a bar.....

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

In our Kendo dojo, the younger Sensei used to ask us if we wanted to play, after the Armor and Shinai were put away. And he would take on all comers at once, hand to hand, and even though we had some real trained fighters, and a lot of enthusiastic amateurs like I was then, he ALWAYS came out on his feet after having disposed of as many of us as wanted to play. And mostly it was because of his situational awareness, he was always able to trip people or turn them into others, while setting himself up for a throw on the actual guys who could compete with him. He left me to last one time, and as I tried to get my hands on him, he had time to say "Are you ready to fall properly?" because he saw I was committing too strong and fast, and didn't want to hurt me. 🤣🤣🙃 He weighed only 65 Kgs, and I weighed 90 and could, at 20, throw 70 Kgs from the ground, up over my head with one hand and I told him that was what I was always planning on doing to him if I got the chance and he smiled and said "Good luck with that" :) :)

[@bastait]

you were like whats he gonna do whats he gonna do he was like heheh what am i gonna do what am i gonna do. pretty funny.

[@eliabeck689]

Reminds me a bit of how my senseis taught me when I was still taking martial arts. Though I do wish we would have done a bit more sparring (both one-on-one and weighted fights); we always spent most of our time on katas, and while that's great, I'd be utterly useless in a street fight despite my black belt, 'cause I never learned how to get in and win a match. :)

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

It WAS funny, it was like a magic trick, you couldn't believe he was doing it, and afterwards, it was wonderful to think back over how he he did it. Everyone in the class had the same reaction, and we really enjoyed him defeating us as much as we enjoyed trying to scrag him. But our ACTUAL Sensei, the 64 year old, was so much better that the younger Sensei used to just laugh at the thought of taking him. Sensei Crawford could fence with a blindfold on, and beat most people who had fought for even as much as a decade. I saw him do it time and again, people would go into the attack, and he would make TWO hits before they could make one. Wrist, head and you were a dead man :) and he couldn't see anything . . . He used to be so much faster than I was, and so utterly UNBELIEVABLY accurate, that if I would do something wrong in the set-up for a Kata or when we were fighting even, he would reach the rubber tip of the shinai out, and touch it to whatever part of me allowed him to control me, and with just a couple of pounds of pressure he would either bring me to a halt, or push me aside, or even often he would put the tip on my hand, and then he could just walk about controlling everything I did with just that few pounds of pressure on the hand I was holding the sword with. And you couldn't do anything, you couldn't regain the initiative, couldn't go forward, couldn't go back, couldn't lift or drop your hand, because he was just always pushing exactly right to FORCE you to go and do what he chose. And it was astounding to have it happen, but what was mind blowing was the EASE and CONFIDENCE he had while doing it. It was like "It is proper that you are doing my will".@@bastait

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

Most of a fight is in muscle memory though. If you have trained to block and deflect blows through the Kata, it is automatic once the fight starts. And if you don't HAVE the nasty in your nature, you are going to not want to hurt anyone anyway. Better to have a hold in mind, or simply push the person over because you are trained to be balanced. @@eliabeck689

[@bastait]

spars lead to injuries and death thats why most martial arts that actually teach you anything dont do that much sparring in the modern day. you can be a bjj chud if you want too though. @@eliabeck689

[@johndorber6877]

A Japanes historical swordsman known as Musashi took on an unbelievably large group and survived. He said to attack the corners and to tie up and confuse all under heaven which amounts to what you were teaching as well. I always enjoy watching your videos and learning your advice. One never knows.

[@aaftiyoDkcdicurak]

I was hoping someone would mention him. He said that you should have your enemies follow you like a school of fish.

[@bomblessdodongo3093]

The way you worded that makes it sound like he isn’t, in fact, the most famous swordsman in history This is like saying “Oh yeah that one boxer, what was his name…? Ali?”

[@johndorber6877]

There are plenty of famous swordsmen in history. Musahi fought over 50 men in a group duel and that is authenticated, he also wrote a famous book which still sells highly today after about 600 years, the Japanese navy named a battleship after him which was sunk in WWII. He was the real deal, even if not the only swordsman in history,#.@@bomblessdodongo3093

[@eddard9442]

​@bomblessdodongo3093 is he the most famous in the world? Japan sure, but the world? Not anymore. There was a time when eastern martial arts was in the spotlight but the west has caught up, many books from European sword masters have been translated in the last 25 years.

[@robdeskrd]

​@eddard9442 Name some swordsmen who are more famous than Musashi..... do have any idea how many cultural spheres Musashi has got a following in? Martial arts, history, international businessmen, anime & video game weebs &, philosophy throughout Japan, China, Europe, U.S., Latin America, Canada. His Book of 5 Rings made a splash in the business world when its was translated into english by V. Harris 1974 and marketed to buisnessmen as guide to learning strategy back when Japan's economy was just past the middle of its Post War Economic Miracle period and the Japanese economy was a surging juggernaut of growth for like 50 years. Also, consider he was self taught with a documented dueling record of 59W-0L-1D making him a legend in the martial arts world, that he wrote a world renowned book on strategy and a philosophical book on cultivating self reliance to achieve a successful & satisfying life making him a figure of historical study, lastly the prevalent use of Musashi as character in modern movies, manga, anime &, video games makes him a character of vast cultural significance to modern audiences in East Asia which has by far the highest population density in the world as well as the success of Japanese entertainment media throughout Europe & Canada/U.S./Mexico- taking all that into account then Musashi has gotta be the most famous historical swordsman and you mentioning the effects of the H.E.M.A. crowd over the last 25 years is pure seething cope-ium bro 😆😅🤣...... I also like what H.E.M.A. is doing but it's a simple matter of numbers Europe has about 776 million people but east Asia has 1.66 billion & north America has 570 million and H.E.M.A. might be mainstream in Europe now but it isn't anywhere else where as Japanese culture especially through entertainment media has become mainstream all over the world.

[@MartinGreywolf]

I've done a fair few group fights - usually as a spearman because I have a deep-abiding hatred for my fellow man's kidneys - and it is surprisingly difficult to be a part of those seven. Well, maybe difficult isn't quite the right word, but you need to use some pretty counterintuitive strategies for optimal results. And by that I mean that you, a part of larger group, have to have a very defensive mindset and often retreat, which is really hard to do when the bloodlust descends. What you want to do is make sure that the distance between at least two (preferably three) of you and your enemy is roughly the same *after* any step your enemy may take. So, if he rushes to the edge, the guy at the edge either needs to be position just so or has to take a step back to not get in the way of his friend next to him coming to his aid. This means any attempt at cutting off escapes is a lot harder to do because you need to make sure you won't get isolated, and this whole thing means you need to know where everyone in your group is *at all times* while they run all over the place. Not only is that hard, it is an entirely separate skillset to swordsmanship, to a point where I've seen some really good HEMA folks get their shit utterly wrecked by experienced LARPers who were adequate at best swordsmen, but had excellent battlefield awareness. You get the same effect in larger fights - I once held up a flanking attempt of about fifteen people by myself because no one wanted to get stabbed and they all hesitated and tried to go a bit too much around, and I also got folded like a cheap suit by two people who knew how to move together.

[@mrkiky]

Yea you have to attack the main character one by one or else the movie ends too quickly.

[@matthemming9105]

Fantastic video. I especially enjoyed the use of candles for illustration.

[@danielflynn9141]

I'm currently reading McBane's book and found this incredibly useful. Thanks so much!

[@1st1anarkissed]

McBain arrives bleeding, torn and ragged, panting. Wife does not rush to him with concern, no, she has seen this before. Instead she scolds him for being out drinking and fighting yet again. LOL he had to show her the crowns to get her to call a doctor and then I bet the doctor got the crowns.

[@adamwu4565]

McBane was referenced in The Princess Bride, though I think he was called "McBone" in the text. When I first read it, I thought it was just a made-up literary joke, where, after a detailed discussion of famous fencing masters, all with appropriately Rennaissance Italian sounding names, suddenly this Scottish dude gets name dropped out of left field. It blew my mind a little when I later found out that he (and all the Italian guys too) was actually real.

[@ThomasBoyd-yf5wm]

Awesome. Brilliant content. Support your work in Scotland.

[@detroitredneckdetroitredne6674]

Hello from Detroit Michigan brother thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise and for taking us on your adventure through time and history GOD-BLESS brother

[@LukeAps]

I love the candle visual, great job.

[@AdianGess]

Hello there, great vid. Enjoy the wee snippets of history you bring to us. Was also very nice to meet you in Dingwall. M y daughter are learning archery thanks to watching you vids. Cheers

[@Kenbur]

I truly have enjoyed these last two videos on McBane. I believe I would have loved to have a cuppa with the swordsman simply to hear and see the tales and ability he wrote about. Thanks so much for sharing about him. For some reason this video brought to mind a more modern story of learning about fighting and self defense. a friend of mine who was very much into marshal arts went to an exhibition done by a black belt in karate. after the usual demonstrations of hand to hand combat and feats of speed and power, the Sensei proclaimed that he would demonstrate how to defeat 5 other black belts at one time, easily and without much effort. he then had the 5 other black belts present, encircle him at about 10 feet distance as he sat on a chair. as all was ready he screamed out the "begin" command and as the audience leaned forward in anticipation............ he jumped up on the chair, pulled a revolver from his sleeve and proceeded to shoot blanks at his 5 opponents who all fell to the ground. the reaction was of course shock at first and than gasps of breath and finally hilarious roars of laughter as he bowed very low to the crowd and said, "even a black belt can use a little help defending themselves at times" - my friend was laughing as he told me the story and said it was without a doubt the most truthful exhibition of self defense he had ever witnessed.

[@TallianAdventures]

Im an aspiring KZbinr and i run into issues in my videos on how to describe or even show what i want the audience to see! I had to say i loved the way you demonstrated with the candles and toothpicks! a really great idea!

[@SprikSprak]

Nice message at the end, and an important one. My teacher always used to say the first fight you should win (and ideally the only one) is the one in your head against your ego, 'You win the fight to not win the fight'. Fighting is ugly and has some real health and legal implications no matter how justified you may feel, it's always better to think before you act.

[@mudwalkers8338]

That’s something that gets skipped over a lot in talking about self-defense: do what you can to avoid trouble altogether. 😅

[@tonywilliamson-bruscaglia3070]

Thank you so much, mate, I had never heard of Donald McBane before. This is epic, a man winning a 7-1 sword fight before sounded like fantasy and it’s epic to learn of this highlander.

[@thebigriddle2000]

I fenced for 25 years. I bought a pair of single sticks. There was no rule book, best out of three in the round full body. I made my own pair from plastic banders, and dowel rods, later used two small baskets from the dollar store. The basic tactic is when attacked linearly, move circularly around the opponent. If attacked a high line, aim for a low line. Secondary intention action, open line, when attacked defend, parry-riposte. Wait to be attacked by drawing in the opponent with opening or pressing the attack (this means moving forward with no attack, waiting for response. Then withdrawing, but care to watch for the attack when retreating, then set up with intended defense).

[@thomasvillejeff-yw4st]

I just hold up a photo of Chuck Norris and everyone drops their sword, and begs for mercy. This technique works even if the opponent is blind.

[@TheJeremyKentBGross]

Sounds like something that would be taught by Master Ken.

[@stevehorton621]

Pretty much the same approach to dealing with multiple attackers that Miyamoto Musashi taught in feudal Japan, and that I learned in karate training, proving them universal

[@aaftiyoDkcdicurak]

Have your enemies follow you like a school of fish.

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

It's a strategy in videogames too for dealing with hordes of enemies.

[@seventy501]

i use it in Kingdom come, and sekiro lol

[@seventy501]

@@aaftiyoDkcdicurak its pretty natural for a group to do that. (From experience irl)

[@stevehorton621]

Yup. Nice to know that some of your video game tactics work in the real world, huh?@@seventy501

[@lostboy8084]

What probably wasn't mentioned was the situation awareness he must have had. One thing that I don't recall you mentioning is that the cane was most likely used to break their legs as I do recall you saying that he broke some legs and probably arms.

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

Excellent point. Cracking joints with the lighter, harder to predict and unexpected offhand cane was a major factor in his survival. Good eye

[@Jen999]

Awesome!! We loved this.. have heard of McBane story.. admit we doubted its authenticity a bit.. However.. watching this was eye opening.. and the principles made sense.. We thought all three of you did well.. and you all followed the principles.. and earned those badges.. Would enjoy seeing more videos on sword fighting.. we are new to your channel.. and you may already have covered this.. Thank you so very much for this.. thoroughly enjoyed it we did.. We have a question.. how do the Highlanders keep their caps on? In all the videos we have watched them .. actually you and your friends Tom.. whether it be swords or staves or what not.. always the caps stay put.. We wonder how this is done? Thank you💜💙

[@deathwolf54]

so did he just circle kite them untill he could kill them?

[@Vargre]

Well, he didn't actually kill anyone. He wounded them, at least badly enough to not continue the fight. And then he fled from the last two. The trick of fighting more than one opponent isnt necessarily to circle kite them, its to get them lined up or in each others way and then dispose of them as quickly and efficiently as possible. You want to fight as few people as possible so moving to that spot, where your going to confuse and basically screw up their attack by getting their mates to get in the way is ideal. I fight SCA so we dont take hands and we dont take a shot below the knee. Its considered armoured with steel greaves and gauntlets, so something like this is about impossible to do. You also have to hit much harder than HEMA. 2 or 3 is the most ive ever been able to take, and it about kills you as far as your wind goes. I don't care if you've been running all your life, taking on more than one opponent in armour is hard enough. Taking on anymore than that is usually suicide.

[@foox6101]

Love your content man! Keep going. You have taught me and so many more about outdoors and Highlander history and myths! Thank you

[@randy-9842]

Thanks, Tom. This was a fun, informative, video and the event must have been loads of fun and practice as well. The cold brew with friends and "frenemies" at the end looks enticing as well. :D

[@FandabiDozi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adukill]

Awesome! everything, the storytelling, the technics, simply loved it. Thanks alot. Subscribed. Ohh and of course the candle lights explanation, magical!

[@svetlankartalov2745]

Very similar to Musashi' tactics with two swords, especially in fighting against group of swordsmen

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

Musashi, in my opinion, did more with what he had. He A. Didn't start bar fights in enclosed spaces because he basically mugged a guy. When he fought multiple enemies in similar number, (usually greater), they were usually not simple soldiers, but actual students of some academy that had their pride etc injured and just wanted to snuff him to keep secret the shame, and he read the room, enough to bugger off or at least get a head start and make himself a strategically advantageous position, (or alternatively surprising them by bursting out naked and crazy when they were trying to surround him) and used all manners of unexpected attack and retreat, sting and move, etc. Which were looked down upon but it's not like the other side was fighting with honor. You're not wrong, especially when it comes to the effective and not always kill shot strikes, just stop them from being able to attack, fight, or give chase, or alert more when possible. Not trying to take away from the accomplishments of McBain, nor the value of the advice. Different times and cultures, people's and styles etc. It does share the use of both hands to maximize area of attack and defence. I just feel apart from the basics of that, and some manuering strategy, the two circumstances are pretty disconnected, again, with all due respect.

[@elevatormusicirelia9043]

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story and your own trial! Bad ass! Shout out from ID!

[@RM-yw6xe]

Love your videos always, bud. I will be using this in the writing of a specific scene in my next story. Great work here.

[@3nertia]

Thanks for the video - this is Fandabi Dozi!

[@no1ofconsequence936]

How not to die from seven swords: buy eight beers. Or so the master says.

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

Probably have to return the money stolen first, but still solid advice

[@clearmelody6252]

Damn. I don't know why I've never heard of McBane until now! Dude was a Scottish Musashi.

[@HeronPoint2021]

so we now know where the Simpsons; got the handle " I AM MCBane"!!

[@seanrobinson377]

Great video! I really like that you had the opportunity to participate in the McBane Challenge. It puts brawling with a sword into a little more depth of perspective. When you get the chance, read up on Duel at Xeres, page 141 in McLemore's The Fighting Staff book. I great tale of Englishman Richard Peeke armed with quarterstaff vs 3 rapier wielding Spaniards. The extended version of the whole situation, as written by Richard Peek himself, can be searched on the web as Manly Peeke or Three to One.

[@BasMeek]

Amazing video! So much fun to learn about McBane and see a fun game of hema. Thanks Tom

[@earth2jennyl]

This was great! I loved seeing your fights!

[@spiderill7791]

This video was bloody brilliant! So glad the KZbin algorithm gods smiled upon me today. I love how much of a rogue this McBane guy was 😂.

[@MichaelMassie]

Excellent video. This is similar to the concepts I was taught in Hwarangdo and Krav Maga. Forward aggression, constant movement, and stacking to avoid fighting two people at once. I gotta say, I think it's much harder to follow these principles in empty-handed combat, because it's so easy to get sucked into clinching range where you can get tied up. Long range weapons allow you to maintain distance, and as long as you don't get run through or cut down, there's always a fighting chance you'll survive.

[@HeronPoint2021]

that what I tried to explain to my lawyer: No, even though I wrestled in HS, I'm not going in. I have not idea what either party have in their kit; I'll keep whatever I have in my hand, and use it until I'm safe.

[@scottangel6462]

I have been subbed to this channel for several yrs now and I have to say that I haven't seen a bad one yet!! Since I have part Scotts-Irish heritage, I really enjoy learning the history of it. The 1700's being my forte and being a survival and martial artist it just fits!! Good job Tom!!

[@howard_francis_davies]

This is a great video. Thank you sharing it. It must have been easier to defeat the seven people when they weren't also trained in the strategy of defeating seven people. That looked like a lot of fun

[@NateFookes]

Your videos are so fun and interesting lots of knowledge and it never gets boring to listen to or watch keep it up please

[@timdolan4873]

Thanks Tom for your teachings!! Here is a book you may like to read “Yellow Wolf, His Own Story” by L.V. Mc Whorter. Yellow Wolf was a warrior with Chief Joseph as they fled from Idaho toward the Canadian line. Quite a warrior with honor, valor and undaunted courage!!

[@colbunkmust]

I'm guessing since McBane seemed to receive non-debilitating wounds I'd gather most of his foes were also carrying spadroons as well. Most spadroons don't have the blade balance, geometry, or weight to deliver heavy cuts(depending on the make and model) that would result in less serious injuries than a thrust from a smallsword, which would likely be more an impediment to flight if it struck home.

[@b.h.abbott-motley2427]

Smallsword thrusts to the arms, legs, or various parts of the body would be unlikely to cause much hindrance, especially if they were shallow.

[@colbunkmust]

@@b.h.abbott-motley2427 even a relatively shallow thrust into extremities is likely to cause a lot more bleeding and movement dysfunction than shallow cuts. It's way easier to achieve a dangerously deeper wound with a point than a cut as well, especially when the target is wearing clothing.

[@xwolf6960]

Al’Lan Mandragoran is the only man to face 7 swords and triumph according to the wheel of time book I read years ago.

[@imstupid880]

I imagine holding the cane in the middle was a similar idea to the Shillelagh, where the lower half is braced against the forearm to use for parrying as well.

[@ImmortalLemon]

McBane’s life was so crazy it makes Ernest Hemmingways life look like a cushy noble life

[@mikegould6590]

We were taught something similar in Hai Loung. "The Circle Breaks the Line". Stay mobile, and force an opponent into the line of another. Use their numbers against them.

[@A_Medieval_Shadow]

Usually when it comes to dual wielding, I think of asian Martial Arts like Escrima, Kenjutsu and so on. Seing this was a welcome novelty for me. Also: Greatsword goes woooooosh

[@lordllewellynofdarkdelight2613]

Informative and entertaining! Thank you and well done!

[@elijahhutchinson3031]

The illustration utilizing candles was kind of awesome.

[@fjyamaha-fc7cm]

that would be harder than it looks, you all did great, jason stayed on the out side edge really well

[@hannesh234]

Hey! Me and my mother started weaving fabric recently, and have made good pieces, even made a suit jacket out of the fabric. We were wondering if there was anything we should know, before making the fabric for a great kilt?

[@thefatefulforce8887]

Cast fireball! Great vid.

[@infoscholar5221]

The Scottish melee version of Star Trek's Kobayashi Maru, I love it! One important challenge left out of the recreation, everyone probably had a few pints in them, and no one killed anyone, because wounding in a fight wouldn't get you hanged. Pirates of the era knew this, well.

[@YukonJack88]

I’m writing the rules for a new DnD rpg game and my knowledge of what to simulate is so enriched by the Hema community. One concept I’ve found displayed is: momentum Mc Bain was a brutally seasoned player and probably sized up the lot with weapons as soon as he meet them. I’ll bet he positioned himself as best he could before his opponents could even understand that he was going to take them all on He could have dropped 3 of them right off and kept the others reeling Momentum As a force off will power to gain and maintain advantages Now Question Am I off on my assessments in this?

[@nathanirby4273]

What an absolute chad mad lad

[@johntheknight3062]

"What would you do?" Um, die?

[@dess_greenwood1081]

Interesting fight techniques. While I've never had to fight seven swordsmen at once to is a valuable skill to understand. 😁⚔️ Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm going to have to look into this McBane fellow. He sounds quite interesting.

[@toddellner5283]

A stick held in the middle as a parrying weapon with a dominant hand weapon is the basis for whole martial arts such as Nguni stickfighting.

[@TalmidAndy]

I am surprised that it took this long for McBane to come up.. a great book if you can get hold of a copy.

[@Nantosuelta]

Skill is obviously the greatest deciding factor in any martial engagement, but mindset and psychology definitely play a role. Movies have created this myth of many enemies just suicide charging a protagonist only to be cut down one after the other. In real life it would be very different, people will obviously try to avoid being severely wounded or killed, and unless you are going up against a group of highly trained combatants, one very skilled individual could likely hold off and win against significantly greater odds. A larger group might try to intimidate you with their numbers, but if you held your ground, looked like you knew what you were doing and killed or gravely wounded even one of your enemies, the others could very easily lose courage and either run or be much more easily dealt with. Adrenaline and survival instinct would also play a huge role. If you are one against seven, you're in complete adrenaline overdrive and fighting for your life, where as the enemy combatants are lulled into a sense of security and likely wouldn't be fighting with the same level of ferocity and self preservation.

[@Afro408]

Seems that there lots of these type through history. I once read a contemporary account describing the famous Japanese swordsman Mushai as the same type of nasty, fight picking and murdering 'fundamental orifice'. 😉 BTW, good video and story again Tom. 👍

[@Degner]

I studied under Maestro MacDonald at a weekend event here in America a few years ago. He told us quite a few stories about McBane. I popped this video on thinking "I wonder if Paul's seen this yet", and -boom- there he is swinging a sword!

[@alanschaub147]

Principle 5: Take out either your strongest opponent first, taking them by surprise if possible. If you cannot take out your strongest opponent first, then position yourself so that weaker opponents are between you and your strongest opponent.

[@arailway8809]

I'll tell you a bigger one than that. Benvenuto Cellini had a brother. The brother had a sword pupil that was arrested by the law with a posse of 30 men. The brother attacked the posse and seemed to be doing purty well with the swordsmen, but one of the posse had a gun and shot him. Bravery should have its limits. Thanks for your video.

[@TheWriteFinder]

What a great video and overview. Thanks

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

Absolutely loved this video!! A good amount of history, instruction with clever stop-motion example and demonstration of swordplay! Very re viewable. Could have had more variation with the 7 Toms by wearing your different kilts though. 😜😜

[@gipsymelody1268]

it is possible the main reason: that 7 man not cordinating and cooperating as a superior team cause everyone want be alive survive and even without a single cut cause even those cuts was super dangerous!!! a person who is that scattered in corners more dangerous and will not thinking clearly so attack very aggresivly! like: ''i will die today but who will be the first who die with me?!'' and now start the true game!!! no one want to die mostly when there is such a big advantage and it actually give a very big opportunity to the defender against the attacker!

[@JesseP.Watson]

Ah yes, the legendary Sheep Dog technique.

[@wasteyelo1]

In answer to your first question, I'd shit myself.

[@afterzanzibar]

I really like the idea of Scottish swordsmanship mixed with survival skills. It's something out of the ordinary and I like the freshness of that a lot. Did this idea evolve out of general want of knowledge of the men of the old highlands who had to survive off the land? Just an aside, I'm a fan of Scottish strength culture like the Highland Games and Dinnie Stones.

[@LovesickJo]

I gotta say, your outfit looks really cool.

[@fiddleriddlediddlediddle]

"What would you do if you had to fight seven swordsmen all at once?" Iunno, die probably.

[@thecook8964]

Flight, flight or freeze. Stroke/heart attack is a possibility.🤔 I'd probably take a page from the chickens-tonic immobility 🤣

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Quite fascinating!

[@TalesForWhales]

Interesting that a spadroon which gets a bit of heat from swordsmenpeople was at least good enough in the hands of a scoundrel to survive this level of tomfoolery.

[@aaronyoung8301]

Reminds me of bits of The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi "One short, one long," "Bottleneck and confuse," "Tie them up." But he covered more aggressive battlefield tactics rather than public fights

[@weepingwell]

If i was attacked by 7 swordsmen, I'd probably take my chances with another hand grenade.

[@astrayadventurer4450]

Kinda reminds me of old Jackie Chan fights lots of dramatic positional movement using environment to you advantage.

[@TheOnlyHatchet101]

A publication called "The Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor" is a much better reference. Also, a detail of the basket quillon guard, as opposed to the pass de'anne, or the leverage of a half-haft plays deep into this incident.

[@paulday-lh5mx]

Run like hell, in the hopes none of them can run as fast as me.

[@Magnus689]

Dude's Musashi of Scotland.

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

More Shinmen Takezo (his original name) but yeah

[@ianking-jv4hg]

When i hear this story i think of two things. First; "Touch not the cat but with a glove" Second; Miyamoto Musashi and his observations.

[@jeanetteschulthe1andOnly]

Cool outfit. The green and blue one at the beginning.

[@ericpaisley8501]

See kids, at the end we learn the simple truth: "Here's to alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems." - Homer Simpson

[@greencreekranch]

No one cared who i was until i put the kilt on... No wait, wrong bane

[@doubleb222able]

"Now my favorite" Dramatic pause "A TOMMY GUN" Stanley Ipkiss The Mask

[@yourfriendlyinternetmeatshield]

*makes a baloon poodle, and lets it pthhhhopppbbbbbbb away* "sorry kid, the the animal was rabid and we had to out it down.... now get outta here kid ya bother me"

[@StarsiegeMercenaries]

If I ever find myself in an 18th century melee i'll be sure to have a Stone Thrower. This changes the whole field of battle.

[@discipleaj]

_"I dont wanna hear it McBain, that _*_CANNON_*_ of yours is against regulations!"_

[@davidchalona6494]

Great stuff. Thank you.

[@timog7358]

i love everything about this video

[@silvafox8371]

Great video Tom thank you

[@grumpyolddude439]

INteresting tale, and character to be sure!