SCA Longsword Technique with Duke Dietrich: Tail Guard

[@xbbao]

I finished reading your longsword book and always wondered about how to approach enemies from this stance. Super informative, thank you!

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

You are welcome, and cool, I'm glad you were able to apply that to what you learned from my manual! Rock on!

[@jasonz7788]

Thank you for all you training videos!! Great instruction!

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

My pleasure! Glad you find it helpful!

[@LawSword]

I don't really even do this type of stuff but i really like swords (especially longswords) and this seems cool so... Good content lol 👌

[@AveryCloseCall]

Really excellent techniques and instruction, thank you!

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

You are welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@Cabochon1360]

Very nice. I've used this technique; didn't know it was called a tail guard, but that makes sense. Sadly, I almost never get to fight against another greatsword; it's almost always sword & shield. But some of the same attacks work there.

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

While there are some greatsword or greatweapon-only tourneys, you are right, most of your opponents are going to have a sword and shield, and it's our job to be ready to defeat them vs whatever they prefer to bring to the field

[@rngriff1]

Thank you Your Grace!

[@AsciiKing]

Thanks!

[@mikeycrabtree123]

Excellent instruction. I'm more of a kite & sword guy myself. My question is what is your response to someone like me back stepping from the opening sweep as you make your compass step. That's my thought of how to handle this as a sword & kite man. Back step while attacking your exposed side/back.

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

Against a high end sword and shield fighter, my goal is to control the engagement via initiative and range. If my opponent steps back when I'm doing the initial opening sweep, that suits me fine...I will follow my sword in with the footwork as planned, but more likely turn the head blow into a feint, while still out of range, and in actuality throw the X-cut followed by the back edge. The opponent will have to be REALLY on top of his game to read the head feint, defend against the X-cut to the opposite quadrant, AND defend against the head blow that goes to the opposite quadrant than that, all before being able to launch much of a counterattack. Not impossible, but I like the odds as the longswordsman :-)

[@mikeycrabtree123]

@@DietrichvonStroheim thanks for the response. I like it. Gives me a lot more to think about. I would love to have an opportunity to attempt to avoid a trouncing from you one day! :D

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

I would be honored!

[@mikeycrabtree123]

@@DietrichvonStroheim, what kingdom are you from? I'm in the northern most point of Meridies, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

I'm in Aethelmearc, in central Pennsylvania. I actually began my SCA fighting career in Meridies too (albeit the farthest eastern point in Savannah GA). That kingdom is full of wonderful people and a great fighting community

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

Is that a montante feder? Or a regular longsword feder? I don't like my red dragon synthetic longswords, too short for my style. I've tried looking online. But no luck in finding a good decent looking montante of my liking. I prefer a danish style design on my montante feder.

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

Montante would describe it better than regular longsword, I think. My preferred two-handed sword measures from the ground to my underarm.

[@rngriff1]

Thank you Your Grace. Where did you get the sword?

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

It is from a Polish swordsmith (I believe), name of Regenyei

[@bubbahottep8644]

Sir, do you ever find yourself having recourse to throw a one-handed wrap with the Great Sword? Thanks. Ooh, and where can I pick up a copy of your longsword manual?!?

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

While it's happened, it's not something I would go for, with intention. I'd really rather not be that close, unless I am quickly transitioning past with a compass step. In general, if I'm throwing a back-edge shot, it's going to be with both hands on the hilt and a back-blade 'Zwerchau' after an offside pump fake or similar setup. If you get my your email address, I'll send you a PDF copy!

[@rebekahsmith5651]

I have watched several of your videos to get a better understanding of pell drills. I'm coming from Dagorhir, so we don't do headshots. What can I do to better myself as a fighter (who hasn't been able to fight in 4 years due to medical) and what do you recommend for warmups to get myself back to fighting fit? I'm comfortable with sword/board, two swords, and single sword.

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is the most useful exercise for combat conditioning. And you can start it at whatever your fitness level is, with weights or just with your body weight (ie situps, pushups, squats, burpees, or some modification thereof that you can manage). Good luck with your training!

[@jeffrobinson1975]

What is the manufacture of your longsword if you don't mind?

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

It is a Reggenyei two hander

[@jeffrobinson1975]

@@DietrichvonStroheim Thanks! Cool moves.

[@437cosimo]

Oh well done. Cosimo.

[@DietrichvonStroheim]

Thanks Cosimo! Glad you enjoyed!