Fight Smart #1 Ljungqvist versus Novichenko Swordfish 2017

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To read the commentary: TURN ON THE SUBTITLES (English)!
This is an analysis of a final fight of the Open Longsword competition at Swordfish 2017 - currently one of the largest and certainly the most prestigeous HEMA tournament in the world.
The fencers: Ivan Novichenko (Men with Swords, Moscow) and Dennis Ljungqvist (Kungshamns Historiska Fäktskola).
Fighting footage was taken from the official livestream of the event: • Swordfish XII 2017
from a video blog by Alte Herren: / @alteherren-historical...
or my own collection.
MUSIC: all tracks belong to their respective owners.

[@happy_camper]

Novichenko is clever, and he has clearly benefitted from using a ..unique..approach. His style will continue to frustrate opponents and spectators alike, but I don’t think he cares.. He’ll win his gold soon enough. I’m glad Dennis found his way through!

[@Sprechfenster]

I agree on Novichenko's prospects. I also believe that such fencers are an asset for the competitive branch of HEMA community as they put pressure on those who strive to stick to the sources to refine their technique and - even more so - tactics to cope with them.

[@happy_camper]

Sprechfenster Blog I do agree. And this fight itself illustrates your point very well!

[@Sprechfenster]

By "English style" you mean something like this?: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHOWnKdprpx4hrc

[@thestuffmonster9856]

I agree. However, I think that this fight was so infamous amongst the HEMA community that many people (especially those who fought against him) will be aware of Novichenko’s tricks (icepick grip, sliding on the knees, and one-handed blows) and will definitely put in an effort to counter them. I’m curious to see how he’ll do in Swordfish 2018!

[@bignasty389]

@Bez Nervoze Thank god.

[@TurulHEMA]

I love the intro man!

[@Sprechfenster]

I bet! :D And seriously - thanks a lot!

[@Dumadunala]

Thank you very much. Very interesting analysis! (Sadly, not with voice. Text a bit too inconvenient to read)

[@Sprechfenster]

Thanks, I'm glad you generally liked it! As for the voiceover - I tried it at first, but it either had to be very fast and kinda unclear or needed a lot of cutting of the recorded fight. And you can't just pause a voiceover and read it in your own pace. That's why I finally decided to have a go with subtitles, with which you can pause, read, think and rewind the video as needed. However, you're not the first person making this remark, so I'll definitely consider giving a voiceover another try in the next analysis.

[@Dumadunala]

Well, i did so, yes) But yeah, i suspect, it would require more video editing work. Better have this version than much more rare and delayed voiced ones i suppose) It's still great work, thank you again!

[@Sprechfenster]

You're most welcome! :)

[@lostmarimo]

the last blow looked like a straight up execution lol

[@Mindboggler123]

That behind the head parry was some anime shit

[@nippertipper7686]

I think it's hysterical that people criticize NOVICHENKO of being ahistorical when most of his techniques can be found in historical manuscripts

[@Grivian]

This is like when the hero is losing the entire fight but manages to outsmart the bad guy in the end

[@Sprechfenster]

Well, I guess it depends on where your sympathies lie ;)

[@mateoaudio]

Anyone knows what protective gear novichenko is using ?

[@Sprechfenster]

No idea, I'm afraid.

[@ДмитрийСеребряков-ш4г]

He is using equipment manufactured by his fencing club. It is called Men with swords, vk.com/hemashopmws

[@Druid_Ignacy]

Isn't the ,,reverse grip thrust" shown in Flos Duellatorum manuscript?

[@dpc9644]

Doesnt matter if Novichenko's blows would be effective with real swords on a real historical duel or not. He's adapted to the rules of the sport and exposes the sport competition for what it is. Good for him. I highly doubt he'd risk that weak defence using those quick blows if he was really fighting with sharps unarmored, at least I wouldnt.

[@Sprechfenster]

This is where we can agree, I guess.

[@matthewpham9525]

I mean, he hits without getting hit for the most part, I don't see why it would fail him with sharps.

[@c0nstantin86]

Novichenko is the only one fencing with legit renassance master techniques. The other ones are like kids who didn't do their homework and have to rely more on gut and opportunity, then on controlled and well studied reflex.

[@bignasty389]

Not even close. He's a sport fencer whose concern with historical technique is secondary to gaming the tournament rules.

[@JetConvoy]

You couldn’t be more wrong. Novichenko games the rules.

[@nippertipper7686]

@@JetConvoy Most of his cuts would be lethal or incapacitating without armor. I'm sure historical fencers moved more like him and less like the stiff and awkward opponents he is facing.

[@battleaxebill309]

Y'all need Kendo.

[@alexnguyen5563]

No

[@battleaxebill309]

Do they teach HEMA to police officers in Europe?

[@battleaxebill309]

Kendo is taught to Japanese and Korean officers. Officers in Europe don't practice HEMA cause it's impractical.

[@battleaxebill309]

Police and military know what does and does not work.

[@battleaxebill309]

3:00 min in. The guy in blue shorts takes a low position with his sword leaving his head and wrists open. Why would anyone stay in that position. Then the exchange shortly after the guy scoring points is back on his heels and gets a point with a panicking blow.