HEMA vs Kendo

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#HEMA #historicalfencing #hematips

[@FedericoMalagutti]

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[@matutakenoko1]

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[@Ramash440]

It's always awkward to do cross-sparring when you're the kendo guy. Usually when you let out your kiai in the beginning of a fight, your opponent responds with a louder kiai. When you do it against someone who does HEMA, however, your answer is just silence ... and probably a couple of funny looks.

[@abelerives119]

It would be fun to be a party to it all the same.

[@Vatras888]

Then just dont do it?

[@sotUUs]

@@Vatras888 It's an integral part of kendo.It felt funny at first but I can't imagine doing a sparring without kiai.

[@Vatras888]

@@sotUUs Well it is possible. When ypu fight with someone who is not kendoka you can just dont do it.

[@sotUUs]

@@Vatras888 Perhaps, but it just come instictually,because it has nothing to do with your opponent.It is to build your spirit

[@warny1978]

As a kendoka, I really admire the dexterity and the grace of the HEMA fighter.

[@tonymontana3949]

This is tone of respect

[@qwertyqwerty-ek7dy]

He looks like a dancing pirate. Really cool to see it being so effective.

[@warny1978]

@@qwertyqwerty-ek7dy yes, i was pretty surprise that it's both effective and spectacular.

[@qwertyqwerty-ek7dy]

@@warny1978 Yep. Usually the more "flashy" a fighting style looks the more fake/inefective it tends to be. This was a really plesant suprise. :)

[@karimsonsafehold9233]

@@qwertyqwerty-ek7dy It prevents the enemy from locking unto a body part, as it is constantly in motion and swaying. This can throw less experienced opponents off. The counter is to hide the length of your blade and take advantage of a person's lag moments when swaying and off balance.

[@MegaLimonella]

Hello guys, Marcello here, the man with bogu... To respond in a general way... I stopped practicing kendo many years ago for various reasons, but I have practiced for over 11 years with excellent results. This fact is certainly evident in the video, but the intention was that of one study on distances and possible attacks, but also to expose own passions. The match was quite sudden for both and this was a good thing for both.Unfortunately it was not possible to make videos of all the meetings, for example with Lancia, long sword, bocchiero, ecc. It was interesting for both I think. Compare isn't our intention. Anywhere we had a lot of fun. Ciao

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Thanks for answering here Marcello! I hope you liked the video and, even if I was not there, thanks for this beautifull "cultural exchange" between martial arts. Hope to know you in the future. And congratulation for the skill demonstrated! All the bests! Federico.

[@aparioss1072]

It is great to see records of cross sparring between people who know what they were doing. I've seen too many clickbaits about this topic.

[@wilowhisp]

This is the best Kendo vs Wma bout I've ever seen. Id love To see more exchanges with this quality of fighting.

[@ChristopherYaj]

This kendo guy is maybe a nikyu at best. Crosses his feet and drops point and gives up the center circle far too easily.

[@igneous061]

What a gracefull thrust on that third exchange

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Very cool indeed!

[@Back4Fungame]

He walked into my rapier, your honour!

[@TurulHEMA]

@2:45 I never thought I would see a spin move that didn't look moronic. It was actually pretty cool as it offered a hanging parry in the event of a lighter after-blow and made another secondary cut after.

[@paynesmith3008]

That movement is textbook Capo Ferro. See Plate 19.

[@TurulHEMA]

I guess I really need to get out of just looking at Longsword and Rondel. There is just so much cool stuff I do not yet know!

[@flashingsword]

It was a retreating step, followed an extension of the arm and body so that the tip of the sword made contact, then the twist and step backward (in this case towards the opponent) to power the thrust with his body weight. Fancy.

[@justsomeguy3931]

Another time spinning is totally legit martial arts with swords kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5bMl5KCositiKs I think the main culprit is people who didn't understand basic fencing, much less what they saw, portraying these techniques in theater, movies, games, etc.

[@Sleepy12ftPanda]

He's practically dancing.

[@Vitadoc01]

The thrust at 2:40 was absolutely fabulous. Watched it a dozen times.

[@bjf10]

Great stuff. These sorts of interactions have such potential, provided we approach them with open minds.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Derian le Breton I agree :-)

[@viggoeriksson878]

Wow the hema guy is realy damn skilled

[@anhquannguyentrung7434]

2:45 beautiful combo

[@levifontaine8186]

I practice mainly sidesword & rapier, and I got a chance a few weeks ago to fence with my steel sidesword against a skilled kenjutsu practitioner who was using a blunt steel katana. It was a fabulous match.

[@jedrzejraczynski3301]

Amazing! Big bravo to both of fighters!

[@szablotukpolski5201]

Nice video game ,applause :) if anyone would like to hear about the history polish saber, I invite you to my chann nellll ll ... szablotłuk polski

[@jakewolf079]

Absolutely fantastic video with informed & respectful audience. Thank you.

[@atomic_wait]

Some really beautiful exchanges! Very interesting stuff from both fighters.

[@AaronRowell]

Love seeing this. I practice kendo, and I appreciate your idea of, "learning from your opponent." This is definitely something we strive to do in kendo. Thanks for the video.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Aaron Rowell I agree, there is always something to learn from every opponent and every martial art, be it Kendo, one of the various HEMA, Karate or whatever. You are welcome

[@Boxland_]

Thank you for the slow-down and commentary!

[@GamerMax]

One of the people in my HEMA schools who started in Kendo. I often get odd strikes to the ribs I never see coming...

[@joeconte8475]

This is the best mixed style weapons bout I’ve ever seen. So much fun to watch Fabio’s style, graceful and effective. Both combatants are very skilled practitioners of their respective art

[@jasonjames9836]

I really appreciate your slowing and providing “play by play” commentary. Do you have more fight breakdowns like this?

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Jason James no but probably I will do more of them

[@juanpablogonzalez8528]

This was wonderful

[@Back4Fungame]

Interesting to watch, thanks for sharing.

[@StudyofSwords]

Excellent video.

[@percivalconcord9209]

Quality content right here.

[@gary7846]

the hema guy should fight while biting on a rose or something, because his style is graceful

[@sakeytoes]

yooo...

[@c0mbat_m0nkey5]

I dont' know anything about HEMA or Kendo but I really admire that each combatant showed respect and it was interesting to see two different fighting styles compete against each other! Very good fight.

[@jungi001]

absolutely beautiful!

[@ronron5197]

Beautiful fight, but the kendoka don't try to strike kote, i seem he had some good opportunity because his adversary keep his right Hand in front. Easy to tell, difficult to do !!!

[@flashingsword]

Rapier also has a hand guard, so strikes to the hands and wrist are very difficult.

[@ronron5197]

@@flashingswordyou'r right, but the kendoka is to gentleman and the kendo is to far from the real sword fight in my opinion. But we are only spectator in this fight. The european player seem expérimented.

[@levifontaine8186]

Rapier has a very protective hilt, the hand isn't really exposed. It's designed that way so you can extend it forward without exposing the arm

[@arpioisme]

Fabio used marozzo's spada sola provocation that i never manage to understand here. The one with falso dritto beat then roverso tondo. Thanks to the slow motion, now i know how to use it tactically

[@Alhok]

Beautyful, simply beautyful!

[@chadherbert18]

I love mixed style fighting! :)

[@sibsart2039]

Love these cross style sparring.

[@cuckedbaseman327]

This is like the UFC of weapons fighting. I know nothing about sword fighting but It seems like both styles can learn a few things from each other.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Great match, 10/10

[@take1186]

素晴らしいですね!! good movie! thx!

[@FedericoMalagutti]

take 1 you are welcome

[@mellonhead9568]

i love hema i hope to come across it some day.... i love the staff stuff too

[@RamonChiNangWong078]

I dunno much about Hema. But god, that footwork from the fencer is so smooth

[@MrTryAnotherOne]

Very interesting

[@HistoricHisterics]

The way the guy with the Sabre just glides across the floor. Majestic.

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

That's a side sword btw

[@BURGAWMMA]

I love these comparisons but they fail on one major accord...kendo is a very restrictive sport only allowing a couple key target areas to be struck whereas traditional Asian sword fighting was far more diverse including trips, takedowns and throws plus leg attacks... unfortunately all the characters that represent Kendo in these contests fail to use its entire repertoire and simply stick to the tiny few basic target areas in modern-day sport Kendo...thats too bad (great videos tho)

[@justsomeguy3931]

2:44 and they spinning in a fight is "fantasy bullshit." No, it just has to be done the right way at the right time and for the right reasons. Simply spinning, then attacking as normal, is the BS. I like how you break down each exchange in slow motion, it really helps with learning and demonstration of principles and actions. Good sparring, and although I'm not super versed in either of these disciplines, it does seem to me that the overall skill of both is not equal. The guy with the sidesword seems more experienced, to have more more dexterity, and be more skilled/trained. Metatron's katana vs. longsword sparring was so good because the skill, experience, and physical abilities of both was so even. Controlling variables strengthens conclusions. Again, I'm no expert at either of these, I don't know either of the people, so I could be wrong or totally incorrect. I think the Kendo guy should be more aggressive. Standing at distance and fencing or playing with measure is more suited to a side standing style rather than a squared up one, more suited to a 1 handed sword with more reach than a 2 handed one, and more suited to the basic stance and strengths of that "foil fencing" type garde - keep opponent away, deny them anything, and then execute plan. The 2 handed sword (especially shorter and thicker katana) has more power for binds, and the body mechanics and stance are set up better to grapple or do swordwork at very close measure - especially with sword better for cutting (katana) than thrusting (sidesword). The katana can be used in one hand at grappling distance as well as most other swords, even better in some ways because they're a bit shorter blade than an arming sword or sideword or basket-hilted ones etc. It's like Mohammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, Ali tries to rope a dope and float like a butterfly, sting like a bee; and Frazier tries to bully fight and get across that "no man's land" to the inside where the advantage is his. If Frazier tries to hang out at the distance, he's playing Ali's game. That's what the Kendo guy does here. It's a big reason I think that swords like rapiers, basket-hilts, and other thrust dominant swords that use 1 handed foil fencing type stances, are better suited to duels than large melees or disordered group fights or when the need to simply draw the weapon and strike quickly is crucial (most self-defense fights, typically reacting to ambush and over very quickly). In a group context, or if one was charged by many opponents who would not stop or delay, a katana would be better to cut them down fast enough. Again, all just my thoughts and humble opinion. Sweet video, I look forward to seeing more.

[@brokengamer7737]

The fencer here is probably one of the best fencers ive seen on youtube.. tho admittedly I havent searched much haha.. The kendoka tho seemsly less experienced unlike the one ive seen on korean and japanese channels. I guess it would be natural that the best Hema practioners would be in the west while the best Hama users will be in the east.. Would be very interesting to see a spar between the two styles at an equally highest level.

[@funnysecksnumber6998]

fabio has great footwork

[@davidallen7540]

Class video

[@Liquidcadmus]

Very interesting :)

[@gagworks]

The one handed sabre has a massive range advantage while presenting a smaller target because of the bladed stance. It will be hard to counter this with any kind of two handed sword.

[@Byzantios1]

There is a great rumor that Fabio is His Holiness's finest assassin

[@sparrowhawk81]

This is a good video. However, I am sorry to say that I don't think this matchup makes a lot of sense. HEMA is not nearly as delineated of a term as "kendo" is. Even within rapier fighting you can find a myriad of teachers and styles and methods all across Europe. Kendo is a highly highly highly formalized and restricted form of martial sport that was based on some formalized dueling practices. They don't train a wide variety of parries, they don't train for grappling or anything of that sort. It is not so much a "fighting" system as it is a highly focused "sword dueling" system in which it is sort of assumed in the teachings that both combatants are doing kendo. What you SHOULD do, is try to find someone who studies and knows how to spar in kenjutsu. The -do and -jutsu suffixes mean different things. It's the same distinction between juDO and juJUTSU. They are very similar, but judo is much more formalized and "sportish" I guess you could say. A kenjutsu practitioner who is used to going at full speed would be a much more interesting match up.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

It doesn't need or want to have more sense than siply "A guy which practice kendo wanted to have spar with my friend Fabio, and he accepted because it was a cool idea". We don't try to prove anything "iper-realistic" or anything else. That's it.

[@alexandersmith1264]

Well for kendo the sword fighting isnt the main component, its self improvement and bringing that self improvement that you learn from kendo into your daily life

[@mariuszkalandyk8017]

All this is quantum. Both correct and incorrect at the same time. Modern kendo was derived from compiling several schools of japanese sword fancing. It's aim was to preserve the art and produce space for practicing in times of peace. And as all budo is highly formalised. Which does not mean caustic. Pre-modern kendo did allow and teach elements of grappling and even kicks. However, those were later removed in order to make room for more fluent and easier to judge sport oriented matches. To examin an example of an old style kendo, please check an episode of You asked for it dedicated to Kendo original recording from the 1950'. Todays sport oriented kendo seems linear, but in fact it isn't. There is a lot of direction and axis changing moves and techniques in use, however you will not see them so often during sport events. Also, a lot of sword actions is available, similar to combined attacks, feints even moulinet. It's all there. Although, parrying follows a slightly different concept. As there is or rather should not be block as separated action. Parrying is rather incorporated in riposting and countering. The certain limitation of kendo when compared to HEMA schools is the sword. Shinai is in fact a representation of nihonto. A curved, single edge, two handed saber like blade. That forces kendo practicioners to limit their movement in order to maintain proper cutting lines and angles. Also, in most cases attacks made with just one hand are considered invalid except for certain stances, like jodan or nito. However, there are some further rules regulating when and how one hand techniques can be executed. In general, amongst kendo practicioners changing general stance in the middle of the fight is considerd impolite, so whenever we do change we either inform our partner upfront or aknowledge during the fight that this change might be troublesome to our partner. General rule is if you pick one stance you keep it unless you agreed otherwise with your opponent. Sound silly once you put that in the real life combat situation, but kendo in not a real life combat fencing anymore. All that being said there is much more in kendo than in usually displayed in cross-style sessions. Most of experienced kendo players will not involve themselves into such contest on the same bases as experienced long sword practicioners would not compete against rapier on regular basis. For such exhibison to make sense we would need to confront equally experienced players that are not shying away (especially on kendo end) from going outsite routines and regimes of their daily practice. Also, common rules would need to be agreed for such event. Or we may just give them sharp blades and watch the show :)

[@EruWan_Ernest]

It's the case of olympic fencing also. But I think this was not the purpose of the video.

[@funzies2577]

check out the toyama-ryu practitioners. some of them spar with steel.

[@captainwesticle1654]

I just started getting into HEMA, because it was the only way to fight with a katana against other swordsmen in my area. I've only been at it a few weeks, but I am feeling like the katana seems to be at a disadvantage no matter what weapon the other person is using. You are either at a loss with length(longsword, rapier), or quickness(sabre, short sword). I have a few videos on my channel of me fighting various opponents with my katana. More are to come. I started watching your videos to improve, as these guys are all using moves and techniques I have never seen before. I don't expect to win many matches, but the katana is my weapon, and I'm having fun, which is all that matters. Thanks for posting so much good material on your channel. You have a new subscriber. :)

[@Ianmar1]

How is HEMA working out for you? I can imagine that there is quite a bit of crossover with longsword which like the katana is a push-pull weapon. The main advantages which the katana has are related to balance and differential tempering process which give it substantial thrusting and cutting power at the expense of finess and durability. As a sidearm the utility advantage becomes more obvious in the context of iai(do/jutsu) / batto(do/jutsu) which deal in asymmetric (ambush) situations. Unlike the reach weapons you mentioned the draw and cut can be performed simultaneously. Unlike the finesse weapons, one cut is decisive theoretically allowing you to take down multiple assailants before they realize you have sprung their trap.

[@captainwesticle1654]

@@Ianmar1 I have a TON of HEMA combat videos on my channel at this point, katana versus pretty much everything else. :p As I have adjusted to the moves people are using, I have improved quite a bit. The best rapier and longsword guys are still giving me trouble, but I seem to be able to hold my own against everyone else, no matter what weapon they are using. I also just recently got a new katana(there's a review on my channel) that is a little longer and heavier. This has improved my combat against the longsword immensely, as I can actually win the line against them now. The other one just didn't have enough heft to it. I am still sticking to my guns on this, and refuse to buy a longsword, but I don't expect to lose every fight against longsword guys anymore. :)

[@Ianmar1]

@@captainwesticle1654 Cool, I will check out some of your recent matches!

[@Ianmar1]

@@captainwesticle1654 Hey, I had a look: you have very good progress ofer the last few months! Are you open to feedback? Kendo is my main sport but I came from FIE saber and have familiarity but not yet skill in iaido and koryu.

[@captainwesticle1654]

@@Ianmar1 not being open to feedback would be pretty arrogant. Since I started this activity, I have realized how little I know, and have been experimenting with all sorts of stuff: stance, footwork, how I hold the sword, etc. I am open to any and all suggestions. :)

[@Blutroth]

Very nice Volte.

[@threespherestaijiqigong2604]

Great sparring exchange!! Thank you for sharing! What side sword is being used in this video? Is it the Blackfencer Light Sidesword? The blade looks like it bends better on the thrust than the V4 model Blackfencer Sidesword?

[@tarquiniussuperbus21]

Very nice, I like swordsmanship regardless of origin.

[@fengxuezhou]

Also from my experience, sabre is a very flexible weapon with a long range, for two handed sword player the best way to break sabre player is to use a longer sword, since can use longer (and heavier) weapon is the major advantage for two handed swordsmanship, and one handed sword is always better at flexibility.

[@scottgarner7369]

Much appreciated. Were they of equal experience.. seems so? I’d like to see kenjutsu vs HEMA as well

[@PalleRasmussen]

As far as I know, Kenjutsu is very much the same as HEMA.

[@reinoldi1097]

like the gambason^^ elegant traditional clothing on both sides :D ignoring the modern shoes :P

[@RackTheMilesWelding]

I'm wanting to do both

[@hankmoody5514]

2:44 Great move

[@canamotion]

Nice

[@funnysecksnumber6998]

what about the longsword? sabres are cool to i guess. i just practice longswords, or WILL rather, joining hema lessons next month.

[@bassforhire555]

How do the rules for the match get decided? I'm assuming scoring and fouls aren't the same from one to the other? Is there a protocol for this sort of spar?

[@stickthesecond5085]

one handed sword i think will usually beat a longsword since it just doesnt have the reach since your using both hands thus having your weapon constantly closer to your body the blade length is cancelled out so even though technically a longsword has more length then a sabre it wont be as extended out however the sabre sits on one arm so it always can be extended far away from the body

[@Manweor]

Actually a longsword gives you leverage. You can turn, recover etc way faster and hit much harder without extra movement. In a totally unarmored context (like this one) I would say they are about on par, while in a lightly armored (even just heavy clothes) context the longsword is the best tool hands down, because the sidesword's cuts would need to hit the head or be very powerful to do any damage, while the longsword would be still very effective with little effort. Anyway, if you need a quick, long reach thrust you can hit with the longsword by holding it from the pommel.

[@stickthesecond5085]

@@Manweor yeah i have changed my opnion on this stance the extr range you get i very negligible rather i think using a one handed sword frees up one hand to act a counter weight that helps in control of the body but yeah when it comes to striking and recovery two hands = double the muscle double the speed

[@Sleepy12ftPanda]

Not to undersell Fabio's skill, but I think the deciding factor of most of those exchanges pretty much came down to sword length.

[@SEXCOPTER_RUL]

I've never done hema or anything like this in real life, but it seems as if the hema fighter has so much more range,that the kendo fighter has to rely on extremely fast counters in order to get a clean hit and not get hit themselves. I've been getting into the subject and studying videos like these in an attempt to improve my skills in VR melee games, and alot of things actually make sense once seeing people use techniques in real life, then trying them in VR.

[@shrekas2966]

Kendo is like sport fencing. Its disconnected from actual fighting. Even in this video, shinai, the training tool for kendo, weights about 400-500 grams, while synthetic sidesword for hema weights about a kilogram, just like a real weapon.

[@alexandersmith1264]

Kendo is more about speed, short explosive movements. And placing pressure on the opponent so your a step ahead in the engagement and to make their moves become less concise so their reaction is slower

[@chickensandwich1589]

The rapier was designed for the one on one fight in a civilian context as well, so it has an advantage hands down compared to a katana length japanese sword.

[@eksno]

Is it fair to have 1 handed vs 2 handed? I don't know that much but wouldn't messer or longsword be more in the same ballpark that the kendo guys weapon was in?

[@Romudlog]

Hey Federico, Indipendentemente dal fatto che uno di loro sia più tecnico o più avanzato nella sua pratica, direi semplicemente che uno usa la sua arte mentre l'altro fa uso di uno sport. Penso che sarebbe piu interessante opporsi HEMA al kenjutsu ... o uno concorrente di spada longa con un kendoka.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Romudlog come ho ripetuto molte volte. Non è uno scontro organizzato per qualche motivo specifico o per dimostrare qualcosa. Quei due ragazzi hanno deciso di trovarsi e tirare assieme per vedere cosa sarebbe successo e questo è quanto. Sicuramente altre sfide e scontri sarebbero sicuramente interessanti in altri sensi e capisco bene il tuo punto di vista. Ciò nonostante come dicevo, non vi era interesse che vi fosse qualche tipo di “parità” che sarebbe stata comunque difficilmente ottenibile.

[@Frogemoth]

Sport? Ci sono settimi e ottavi dan di kendo che sono anche praticanti di kenjutsu (ad esempio i sensei della polizia di Tokyo insegnano anche itto-ryu). Ad incrociare la spada con loro c'è da aver paura

[@spinnetti]

Cool stuff. For HEMA guy, seems to me the opportunity is to exploit the fact that you have the false edge to work with also, which wouldn't be expected in Kendo. Also, seems like HEMA guy would have more opportunity to set aside the Kendo blade as it is so often presented in Longa ?

[@giancarlozingarelli1969]

Faresti lo stesso video in italiano?

[@magestic3320]

Эхх были бы русские субтитры ;с А то мой listening skill ещё не настолько хорош , а послушать автора хочется..

[@HuxleysShaggyDog]

Is this more Saviolo? Bolognese? What's the 'style' used by Fabio here?

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Fabio studies mainly Saviolo and Di Grassi.

[@TaoistSwordsman]

Mixed swords is still a pretty young sport.

[@elnombredelarosa3167]

What rank is the Kendoka?

[@human890209yang]

It's a bit not fair that a two-hand shinai has the same length as a one-hand rapier. And the shinai seems slower even wielding with two hands. Cause it's a first touch/hit fight, the agility of weapon is very important.

[@chickensandwich1589]

The rapier's strengths are it's length and point control, it is a heavy weapon though.

[@bobu5213]

The fencer who practicer HEMA has definitely used to be a fencer. You fight on a line a lot.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

BoBu no, he never practiced fencing. But he is a third Dan Shotokan Karate.

[@bobu5213]

@@FedericoMalagutti Interesting, That could explain some of it.

[@TheVolcidor]

Il corpo a corpo a mio avviso non è questione di stile ma di attitudine, un buon kendoka può distruggerti con in mano un rapier e viceversa, un buon combattente ti annulla anche con in mano un cacciavite

[@marcusinfestus1333]

I appreciate this video. I think that to give the armchair- Samurai a fair deal, you should compare HEMA to Kenjitsu; this video is definately a Martial discipline vs. a sport. The HEMA practitioner seems to be enjoying much more flexible rules of engagement than the poor Kendo practitioner lol

[@Ianmar1]

Very few kenjutsu kenjutsu styles do any sparring.

[@reches1029]

amigo hacerte un video wudang quan

[@elementrixonline4951]

Hema guy is very flexible

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

That was enthralling. Two very skilled swordsmen but to my eyes, HEMA allows much greater opportunities in both the attack and defence. I watched a video of a Kendo chap against a HEMA fellow armed with a rapier; the rapier proved much faster and deadlier!

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Yes but in some ways is, most of all, due to the rules relative to the form that Kendo have to follow, which in some ways I don't dislike too much ;-)

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

@@FedericoMalagutti Indeed, but I've always thought that Kendo was too linear when I've watched it and no less skilled even so.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

@@grendelgrendelsson5493 I agree.

[@abelerives119]

The differences in rule sets and potential targets imposed by the rule sets will explain away a lot of potential downsides to one art vs the other.

[@Sm4shBG]

@@grendelgrendelsson5493 Kendo is A LOT of etiquette. Grabbing the sword or taunting the enemy would get you thrown out of the dojo immediately. Also it's more about self control/disciplin and precision then hema, so not rly comparable

[@DecoyJayc]

29" vs 34". It's rough.

[@chickensandwich1589]

Isnt kendo more like foil fencing though? Rather than actually fighting with a katana?

[@chickensandwich1589]

@@quigongym5206 I think you miss understood the question.

[@ColdNapalm42]

In a way...yes. however kendo isn't as derived form as foil fencing.

[@percivalconcord9209]

That's actually quite an outdated line of thinking. Kendo is derived from Kenjutsu which is more similar to HEMA but by no less is still quite potent. A more common way of viewing it is Kendo is like Boxing much as HEMA is to MMA albeit early UFC 5-10 MMA. If anything it's just quite limited and rigid but they are good at it. I don't know much but Kendo Competitions, I think there's more emphasis on proper forms and cuts towards specified targets rather than general survivability.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@@percivalconcord9209 kendo is like boxing and HEMA is related to MMA...okay there. Yeah I have no idea what you are smoking...but you should stop.

[@percivalconcord9209]

@@ColdNapalm42 Not related. Its just an analogy. Kendo is a limited swordfighting system much like boxing encompasses just the punching aspect and maybe a bit of stand up grappling (Clinching) in a fight. Longsword in HEMA for example encourages strikes to all targets, grappling, etc Much like MMA allows for most things, striking, wrestling, throws, ground game, etc OP question makes it seems like Kendo is perhaps closer to "sporty" than "martial" which isn't true. It is swordfighting, just rather limited in some aspects.

[@giaikhong6838]

The sword is longer than shinai

[@user-mg1qn2pj3r]

hemaは売名行為をする時は必ず剣道を利用します。 剣道ルールでは絶対に戦わないのがhemaの特徴です。

[@spencernoffke8259]

Why not both?

[@Yubayasun]

鎧を着て戦っているのか、鎧を着てないのか、それを決定しなければ意義が無いと思います。

[@dappykenny38]

I really prefer western fighting styles than Asian ones. Pankration over Jiujitsu/Aikido/Judo; Kickboxing/Savate over Karate; and Saber HEMA than Kendo/Kenjutsu etc.

[@mikirapsable]

Non capisco perché abbiate scelto di simulare spada da lato vs katana invece che spada lunga vs katana: secondo me sarebbe stato più consono (in termini di utilizzo simile). In ogni caso ho apprezzato il video, essendo io stesso praticante di HEMA trovo questi video interessanti (e sono un tuo fan). Saluti da Torino :)

[@MegaLimonella]

Lo abbiamo fatto, ma non è stato ripreso

[@wildwankers96]

I'm a bit confused as to the lack of debana-waza, it all seemed very reactionary from what I saw. Imo one of the biggest tools Kendo has in the matchup is the speed and interception of strikes, as well as the willingness to close the gap after a strike instead of retreating, going straight into taiatari. Still was a great video, wish you guys had time to make more like it!

[@catsultan949]

They are sparring under a HEMA ruleset where double hits are counted as a loss so you can't rush in without any setup

[@hysteria2831]

skip to 2:00 to see fight

[@Dezzasheep]

This is kind of comparing apples with pears. Yes they both use swords, but kendo is pretty much rules based fencing, with HEMA (from what I can see) is fighting art, only restricted by safety limitations. One big factor which always seems to be omitted by kendoka in these matchups, is the concept of 'sutemi'. That is to commit 100% to an attack, without fearing consequences while performing it. If this was to happen, the kendoka would be ploughing into their opponent - creating dangers due to pointy metal things and non matching armour. People would get hurt. Therefore, you see a lot of hesitant stopping, backtracking and poor commitment in strikes. Watch kendo sparring to see what I mean regarding sutemi. While I don't know much about Kenjutsu, I imagine this would make a more faithful pairing with HEMA - they are both representative of their older martial origins.

[@ColdNapalm42]

Kendo is not how you use a katana...kenjitsu is.

[@PalleRasmussen]

And, as far as I know, very similar to longsword HEMA.

[@ColdNapalm42]

@@PalleRasmussen depends on the HEMA school. The ones that are mostly focused on tournaments...that can be true. The ones more focused on the techniques is more like kenjitsu.

[@jotape5681]

Actually kendo IS how to use a katana, just its not the full picture of the japanese sword, but a basis.

[@kronoscamron7412]

exactly, it will be more realistic if the fight is kenjutsu vs hema

[@kronoscamron7412]

true.

[@fengxuezhou]

I think Kiai is the thing that HEMA community should really learn from Kendo. Since a strong Kiai from your torso in the right time can cause your opponent feel panic and don't know what to do, and you will have 0.25-0.75 second to attack. Isn't it the fact that in order to break someone, you first break him/her mentally.

[@catsultan949]

in HEMA you have single time counters meaning that you can defend yourself with the crossguard and attack at the same time. But it requires good timing. So screaming would just telegraph the attack

[@ryggamortis7594]

Good video but in my opinion its not a good match up unless both combatants are using 2 handed swords. The free hand on the fencer gives him grappling capabilities and makes him a smaller target. All nitpicking aside tho bravo 👏🙌👏🙌👏

[@davidgraham370]

I'm assuming that in HEMA you are to assume the swords are real, yes? In Kendo we have to treat the sword as if it is real. I am only saying this for one reason... 2:53. I don't think in reality, assuming you are treating them like real swords, you would handle another person's sword or else you could get cut? Correct me if I'm wrong because I don't know much about HEMA. :)

[@FedericoMalagutti]

David Graham I have answered the same question 3 or 4 times in this comment section, if you are in search of a longer answer scroll down, but long story short, if your stop the opponent sword from his motion on his cutting axis you can grab it. Historical manuals since 1300 are full of sword grabs. The sword needs motion to cut deeply. If you grab it when it’s not moving and you hold strongly you have good chance to hold it. Cheers

[@TheLoboGarou]

@@FedericoMalagutti Los manuales Históricos sobre el agarre de una espada con la mano no se refieren a una katana, el filo de una katana no es el mismo que el de un estoque, florete, espada larga, etc, con una katana puedes cortar haciendo palanca desde la empuñadura más el peso del cuerpo, sobre todo si se trata de algo como dedos, aun con un guantelete de cuero... Saludos

[@kronoscamron7412]

The kendoka is playing with kendo rules for scoring an ippon, while the hema guy does not play by the rules for instance he does not try to grab the opponent's sword.

[@profesorbooty]

Absolutely, you can't grab the sword in kendo, nor would you want to grab a 3 foot razor blade. That being said in traditional japanese swordsmanship there are all sorts of reinforced thrusts and cuts where you put your hand on the blade.

[@kronoscamron7412]

@@profesorbooty true there is even a Musashi Sensei technique where he pushes the opponent's sword downwards then steps on it to disarm the enemy. I tried this and it works well, but you cant do this in kendo.

[@verybarebones]

Grabbing what is supposed to be a sharp blade with your bare hands seems unwise as fuck.

[@SuperBadTroll]

now I know why my portuguese tercos would still beat katana samurai even in melee

[@ironjohn]

The Rapier is longer, lighter and because it can be rotated faster with one hand. This test would be good if they both used the same two-handed sword. A youtube videos 90% unfair. 　 European long sword vs Japanese short sword. European fast one handed sword vs Japanese hard two handed sword.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Fighting is rarely fair. Anyway, on average, rapiers are slower than two handed swords, simply because the difference in weight is marginal on more or less the same lenght, while not being divided at the same time between two hands. In this specifica case it's even lesser relevant, because both the shinai and the nylon waster used have a completely irrelevant weight. What really changes here is measure. But anyway, no one was in search for a fair fight, it was just two people practicing different things, with their respective tools facing each other. Everything else is only in the mind of the viewers.

[@hoanglinhle4468]

I don't get it. Does Hema try to simulate "armor" or "un-armor" fight ?? If armor fight, them don't hit hard enough to call a "strike" If un-armor, how can they catch sword with their hand ??

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Unarmoured. As soon as a weapon doesn't move it doesn’t cut, unless we talk about about lightsabers. Because the weapon needs motion to cut. So if you stop the opponent weapon you can grab it quite safely. Ancient manuals are full of sword grabs, in the proper conditions.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

Still, there is people which in hema practice armored fighting too, which is practiced in period armour because of obvious reasons.

[@hoanglinhle4468]

I am pretty sure there is no way to catch sword with bare hand. Especially 2 hands sword. I have seen a lot try to prove that point and fail hard.

[@FedericoMalagutti]

That’s your choice, I prefer to hear the voice of the masters of the past and of my experience. Plus, armored is the same as unarmoured because in both the cases the inside of the hand is protected only by a thin leather, or otherwise handling the weapon would become clumsy or even impossible. That said, in both contexts we see sword grabs and they follow the simple rules I explained above. Cheers!

[@hoanglinhle4468]

Actually, thin layer of clothing and barehand are much different. You are correct in case of practicing, but not anywhere near real life. Since they will try do anything to pull that weapon out. (Unless your grip power are as strong as gorilla) You can ask your master to hold a knife again a little girl and see the result. My “master of the past and present” teach us to hold their hands instead.

[@90rev2]

That kendo guy has no composture he's leaning too much into it, his head is way too forward then the body, you don't lean in to someone with a sword on you unless your sure you'll hit. Patience grasshopper ha ha ha ha ha! The other guy has good posture and graceful movement, RESPECT -__-

[@90rev2]

@Bold I been doing Kendo for 3 years now after having done Taekwondo up until now (3rd degree blackbelt), Kali/Arnis for 6 years, Vale Tudo 1 year, trust me every time in Kendo I move my head in like that I'm an open target, my sensei always says it's your body that moves forward to get closer to the opponent not the sword by it's self. The sword doesn't take much force to cut so in Kendo not much force is added to arm movements, but more emphasis on body posture to not get knocked down or moved around by the opponent.

[@michaelintile7836]

Don't Fabio (in principle) get hurt by grabbing his own blade - rapiers are very sharp?

[@shermanfirefly5410]

There are techniques of which allows you to do so.... For example, you may check out this video---kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKjYgoOcq7iGotE Though I'd have to warn you that most of these techniques would perform better with a glove, since your hands can get pretty slippery, and that's bad