Solo training advice 1: one-handed swords

[@tsurenami]

I’m here cause I literally found a sword in an abandoned house and decided to keep it

[@remington2216]

Is it any good ? Also it's been a year

[@loveswords2000]

You are the chosen one

[@saeyabor]

Dead from a curse or...?

[@gamertardguardian1299]

I came cause my moms ex boyfriend left a cheap sword at our house, it’s not sharp and it’s kinda bent, but it’s pretty cool and I usually play with it to relieve stress. I came because I was sick of just mindless tosses and dances and decided why not do something productive

[@arthurmorgan9449]

You are the main character

[@MarcRitzMD]

I have been exercising my forearm since I was 13, I am ready!

[@NoobGamer3D]

Marc Ritz ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@UniTea__]

+Marc Ritz *is still 13*

[@falconsite]

I've been exercising my fore skin since I was 13, I am ready!

[@MinZilla]

😏

[@michaelsoeu]

on wat website do u take your forearm trainijg

[@saponi78]

thank you for the videos. I'm in the U.S. and around where I'm at there are no schools or clubs for this, but it's something I have always wanted to learn.

[@Fiora350]

gus green yay! Fellow lonely 😅

[@illusionairy]

check your local larps or foam combat groups such as belegarth or dagohir good place to start if theres no schools near

[@dahwriter]

I too am known to every so often sit on the couch and waggle my sword. What?

[@michaelromero2122]

May I join please.

[@shorelockhomes943]

............okay..............sounds fun.

[@thatAshGuy1764]

Watching some cute anime or something-

[@HPaulHonsinger]

Clear. Direct. Simple. Something that someone who knows nothing about this art can start with to get the right muscles trained to do the right thing. I can't imagine a more useful video on this subject. Outstanding job. Thank you.

[@Dojibu]

Doesn't have to be a sword... Finally, a few of them wall hangers will be of some use!

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

I've had a crappy wallhanger almost fall apart from the sheer acceleration. Be careful with that, you don't want stainless steel blades flying around.

[@TheUlisesRamone]

I'll be using a machete, bc i'm mexican... and because i don't have money for a sword.

[@junichiroyamashita]

Ulises. I am with you with that

[@planetclownfishbrain7052]

Probably stole that too.

[@CoffeeSnep]

An appropriately sized and weighted stick serves nicely for solo training too, if money is a problem.

[@nicknikolayev2317]

Well, that'll do

[@thiagocarvalho2928]

Still better than me. I use a broom stick.

[@AdelaideSwordAcademy]

so agree with this - swordsmen need bloody great forearms! thanks for these helpful vids

[@RottenRroses]

My honor got gravely insulted the other day, so I wonder, how does one go about challenging people to a duel these days? Are there any formalities one has to consider? Is it even leagal to fight a duel, possibly resulting in the death of one of the participants? Both parties would agree to the terms of the duel, of course. Swords are not as common as they used to be. Thank you.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Duelling is illegal in most developed countries, so you should discuss this with your lawyer.

[@gabriel321654987af]

RottenRroses I'm sincerely not sure if that's just sarcasm or if you need to work on those temperament issues. I doubt nothing from internet nowadays...

[@parksparks5296]

Gabriel Oliveira The Joke ---> Your head --->

[@gabriel321654987af]

Parks Parks Oh the irony...

[@mmstover331]

Well first, I'd imagine in our litigious society today, you'd want to get the insulting party to sign a release so they can't sue you in the event they are permanently disabled, debilitated, disfigured, maimed, etc. and manage to survive the duel(one good reason to use swords and not single-shot dueling pistols that I can think of). Then, if they agree and sign, you'd want to mark the occasion with a ceremonial slap to the face with your riding gloves, spit on his shoes, insult his mother, or whathave you. I would also set the date of said duel, specified in the paperwork at least a month from the current date to give the attorneys general of the states, provinces, territories, etc. time to respond to your letter informing him of your intentions, with accompanying copies of your signed affidavits of release and waver.(Don't forget to have the release nnotarized!) It sometimes helps to address the attorney general(or cheif law enforcement agent in your district) by his or her first name and explain that your honor can only be satisfied by the letting of blood. This will likely accomplish one of three things:1) He will understand completely and will make known to you any further provisions you must meet to insure the public safety and release him from any liability. 2) He will send sheriffs deputies to bring you in so that a mental evaluation can be done on you for your own good. Or 3) He will spend most of the day wondering what "honour" is, and failing to find mention of the word anywhere in his collection of law books, he completely ignore your letter and either throw it away or pass it on to homeland security, fbi, mi 6, etc. and you won't know which until you attempt to board an airline. Hope that helps. : )

[@kevinhughes3477]

thank you for making this, I've just gotten my first sword and I can't join a club yet, but I want to start training

[@Almanthe1st]

Finally a channel that provides very interesting knowledge! Every time i watch one of your videos i learn something new. Thank you very much.

[@jefbord]

That's the saddest cactus I've ever seen....

[@MrOtzelot]

best comment so far =)

[@timothyfreeman97]

@King of the Chair swords

[@timeandspace_3.142]

And the plants look shabby too

[@Darrellychs]

Lol

[@Johnwang1191]

They've been subject to bit of stray swordsmanship I suspect

[@Duchess_Van_Hoof]

I really appreciate this video. Having one hour single trip to the fencing school and me being focused on one-handed fencing. This gives my ridonkilously heavy french cavalry sabre replica a proper purpose too. Thanks!

[@DaveCollins123]

Thanks for that, Matt. It's just what many people like myself need since there are no schools close enough to enable regular training. The only alternatives would be intensive private lessons with someone like yourself or some good video tuition to school us in the basics. Love to see more of these and even a comprehensive DVD for sale if you had the time and the will.

[@jonathanpresson777]

When I was studying blacksmithing, my instructor told us to do this with the larges hammer we could, but down at our sides and with both hands. He also told us to rotate back and forth to work our collateral tendons so as to give more control over the direction of the hammer. I find it interesting that there's a crossover here. By the way, if you get yourself a 5lb sledge (mostly used with a pritchel to place nail holes in shoes) and do this, you'll be surprised at how light your swords feel in hand.

[@Halinspark]

This explains why people I know use/used swords wave things around like that so much.

[@BobbyNiggs]

Awesome! Not only did I learn about how to train with or for one handed sword fighting tactics and strategy, but I learned how to exercise targeted muscle groups in fun ways!

[@raptorbadger3131]

Im just here so i can get better at hitting my friends with a foam sword.

[@aozzya1563]

lol same

[@iansufrir5301]

@@aozzya1563 same

[@Lexedin]

Same but I’m also self taught with a one handed sword

[@loutravis9701]

Same

[@CreativeUsernameHere-r1k]

Almost same, we use steel/bronze ones... or wood if we're half naked

[@apair2896]

Been needing this. Have a growing collection of Katana's, Wakizashi's, (both training and stainless steel) and few daggers + 4-5 finger pocketknives laying around (excluding num-chuks. Hit myself too many times.) Big help on how I'm supposed to swing half of these beasts

[@syphonfilter8372]

Thank you Schola. I've been looking for advice like this since there isn't a group where I'm located.

[@MisterKisk]

You mention the sabre grip and the hammer grip, could you possibly make a video about the so called "handshake" grip? I've read quite a few differing and conflicting things about it and I'd like to hear your opinion.

[@drhputra1635]

Kisk79 handshake grip is similar to the way you hold your phone on one hand when using it. Or, as the name implies, grip the way you grip other's hand when handshaking

[@cornholejackson225]

I just get them with the pointy end

[@simoneriksson8329]

I found this video agajn in on my youtubepage... I just want to say thankyou for this drill and the other solotraining videos that followed it. I don't have acces to a hemaclubb but these videos have helped me to at least get a basic grip on historical fencing an that have been very helpful for me when I have had the oppurtunitie to attend hemaseminars. Please do more off these and thanks again

[@captainjigglebeard7785]

Thanks for this. Whether you see this or not, you now have another subscriber. I am looking forward to seeing more swordsmanship content.

[@loveprophet92]

Thank you for these wonderful lessons kind sir

[@SerbianTexan]

Thank you! Excellent! Please keep them coming!

[@Haszczu87]

Thank you ;) I reaanact medieval knight for few years, I was even fighting on tournaments but last time I sit in home because of exams and I was wondering how can I keep forearm in good shape.... so it helped me a lot! :) I might use it on castle to train some of novice guys ;)

[@Dominator046]

I came back to this looking to advise some training to someone who typically does rapier but wants to improve other facets of their swordplay. I was in the office and trying to watch this with the captions and no audio. Oh my goodness, my sides. IT'S HILARIOUS.

[@bobcollins4246]

well met. i just purchased my first sword. 1845 infantry officer... im adding forearm training at the gym and am getting out my old juggling clubs to strengthen my arms. this is just what I was looking for! many thanks

[@TheByteknight]

Strange.. I was just thinking of this.. how to learn to do solo training. If there are solo training dvds on this, I'd buy them. I'll be on the lookout for more of your solo videos. Thanks!

[@adityasuresh6607]

Wiggling the sword while talking on the phone , neighbours looking through the window thinking ,i will not disturb him for petty things.

[@CJ-ej6sk]

Great video much appreciated. I used to use the slats of wood that were left over from our renovation. The neighbors already think I'm nutty so whatever. It helps to have a solo routine and a bit of advice. TY.

[@vmfjru47]

Thanks for the lesson! More of these kinds of videos please!!!!!

[@scholagladiatoria]

Well... it's not really about weight (as that remains constant), but high reps and speed. So the muscles will not necessarily get very big, but they will get strong and tight. Very few other sports of activities use the forearms in this way.

[@Komatik_]

scholagladiatoria Tennis or badminton, perhaps?

[@scholagladiatoria]

KomatikSRK Similar, but the sword having more inertia and having to move it with force in more directions, it tends to be a much harder workout for the forearms than tennis.

[@NerQu]

That's a great video, I'm waiting for more on one handed swords. I'm particularly interested with viking combat. Unfortunatelly, there's little written about it. I'm certainly going to do more waggling with my axe.

[@chrispbacon955]

Great advise. Video's are very informative and fun. Top marks.

[@axeltasong2361]

omg this was so helpful and easy. all the other videos ive watched just arent what i was look for but this was! thank you sooooo much :)

[@TreborYl]

This was very useful and practical, I liked your explanation, and it helps me a lot, as it points a place to start, specially to condition one´s muscles for it.

[@Filofeten]

I am complete noob at fencing, did this with a Condor naval cutlass ( cant afford a proper sword just yet), and after 30 sec was dead.. But i will be keep doing this as often as i can every day from now on. Feel the burn ;) Thank you for a awesome channel Matt.

[@fakecubed]

Muscles build strength during rest, not the workout itself. 48-72 hours between workouts for a muscle group will maximize your gains.

[@MsTokies]

closer to a male /female gymnastic build except they still got the chest.. point all the muscles have a point to them "balanced"... lots of good info good job

[@Chugosh]

As a guy that once tried SCA fighting and never got beyond beginner stage, thanks for this simple basic exercise. I think a main reason I never got beyond dabbling was because I was forever too stubborn and impatient to mind the basics. I'm getting back into the SCA after years away and if I get into any of the fighting it will likely be the fencing or the "cut and thrust" style that looks a lot like the HEMA style from my novice perspective. So this will be very welcome!

[@stevenj9414]

If you want to fight in full armored combat with steel weapons, you can look at the Adrian Empire. We have rapier and cut and thrust like the SCA, with slightly different rules. Also our armored combat, we use steel stage swords like BKS, Fabri Armorum, and Hanwei! It's about as recognized as the SCA and there are chapters all across the USA and Canada.

[@DanPFS]

Ultimately if you want to do HEMA, find a HEMA school. The SCA is not bad, but my experience is they don't necessarily care about authenticity in their techniques (depending on location etc. etc.).

[@Tall_Order]

I'm here because I bought a Cane Sword for self defense. I'm doing the motions just fine. I keep the curved part of the cane grip facing outward so it don't bump my wrist. It's good exercise too. I feel the burn and my hand smells like leather and grease (like a home depot). lol

[@CharlesOffdensen]

I hope you will do more of these solo training advice vids. They help a lot. And forearms look good! xD

[@kenibnanak5554]

I think a large hammer of similar (or more) weight would allow indoor practice without smashing the furniture if space is limited, while still working the same muscles..

[@MegLivingInsideOut]

Very informative as always. Thank you!

[@LaughingOwlKiller]

Thanks for this..I'm one of those that can not get to a club to train. I used to chop firewood and that gave me alot of strength in the shoulders and forearms..but sadly I had to move to a city (job related) and lost all of that strength...this will help. Thanks again.

[@Xanatos712]

Another good exercise (this is something I'm doing right now actually) is just to hold your sword/whatever-long-heavy-object horizontally with an outstretched arm, preferably still in its scabbard if you're doing this with a sword. I do this quite a lot when sitting at the computer or doing other stationary tasks and it develops the strength in your sword arm quite dramatically.

[@Crosshill]

how to get blisters 101, slowly conditioning my pristine medieval fair lady hands

[@TheZiiFamily]

You just go straight into it nice

[@zanderrose]

"Most people tend to not have very strong forearms" Well, I play guitar so I'm not really worried about that part at least

[@Hobojoe162lol]

Sams here

[@CommandoIvan]

Then he wasn't referring to you, bud.

[@zanderrose]

La Nausée This comment was made several weeks ago, and I have since found out that my forearm strength was not adequate. It certainly is now, though

[@jackmargiotta5012]

Thanks for the advice, let’s try it out!

[@1NaturalMystik1]

its strange how you just happen to make a video about this when just yesterday i found some very sturdy foam swords at walmart and decided it was time to start teaching my kid. i started him on the exact thing your talking bout here, its actually quite fun running him around the backyard blocking and parrying his attacks :)

[@DanPFS]

You may talk about this in a future video, but it's also important to work on strengthening the muscles in and around the shoulder (e.g. rotator cuff), at least partially because these are very easy muscles to injure otherwise, but it will also give you greater control and endurance.

[@sarahjanerobinson8940]

Im starting my own club 😆 this video is very informative, thank you

[@jello788]

This guy is the man lol

[@ryanaegis3544]

Can you show us more attack angles ( we got 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7, so missing at least 5 and 6). Parries would be great as well ( the only routines I've actually practiced are parries with their accompanying step backs. Counter strikes off parries would probably be next. And then we could probably get specific instructions for some more unique moves based on fighting style. Yes, I am that guy who will do these at home and in the park.

[@Pyrobaconstudios]

One of these days i need to get a dedicated training room as every time i get the random urge to practice a certain technique i realize it's either night time or the weather is entirely too awful for me to bother.

[@macabrederek9179]

Haven t found a place to learn in my location, and tried to follow the three training videos I've found on the channel, unfortunately I've been practicing with a display set of katanas, mostly I am just trying to get the wrist strength and see if I can maintain a routine. I didn't think that it would be as hard as it is to maintain. Would love to move to longsword or rapier, but if given the opportunity to learn, I'd rather have enough strength to do proper practice. Thank you for posting this, and I hope you would continue with this series. (And you're right, bringing back the weapon with the same speed and bringing it out is difficult, definitely feel a bit of a burn doing this for prolonged periods of time).

[@fervensmortis]

I like to hang a string from my ceiling with a knot or something light tied to the end, and you just bop it around with a stick. Not really swinging hard, just bopping. You can tie heavier weights if you want it to go faster. I have found a pvc pipe with caps on the ends a great sword substitute too. You can fill it with sand or stone and mix in sections of stuffing like foam or cloth to disperse weight differently.

[@Jaydelynn1967]

I need more arming sword techniques and drills! (I would love to start training with swords, but I'm writing a story and need the information.)

[@EmptyasChurch]

Radial Flexion FTW! (For The Waggle)

[@glitterystarify]

great videos! this is very helpful thank you for the videos on youtube!

[@connorcronin3965]

Holy fuck! That is one badass sword man.

[@sunaJH]

Thanx for a good lesson:)

[@manpreetkaur040587]

thank you sir its was great learning video

[@WintersunEnsiferumx]

Do you have to switch arms if you want to get both arms into shape, though it wouldn't really be necessary to?

[@bimorizkiprayogo7364]

Could you do a video about warfare in medieval south-east asia, if you can, it just seems odd that the don't have a protective armor, shield and mostly used short ranged weapons like one handed sword/ dagger correct me if I'm wrong, must I say I'm embarrassed to ask this because I'm from south east asia yet I don't these things, blame my high school history teachers for never getting into details like this.

[@PadraicSmith]

My god. I've always had massive forearms next to my bacon strip biceps and finally I've found it actually a GOOD thing. Thank you Matt, you've made my day!

[@itznoxy7193]

Love your videos! Can you do one where you demonstrate all of the sabre numbered cuts and related info? I have a long-sword and am learning on my own time but I am interested in adapting sabre techniques as well. Thanks!

[@danielwiechec265]

Can you made more solo training advice for one handed swords?

[@sststr]

Ok, I'm in. All I've got is a Starfire 24" Light Sword, so called. 24" blade, 30" overall length, 2.25 lbs. I bought it probably 20 years ago and it sat unused since, but I found it and now I'm gonna use it :) Not a particularly great sword, but good enough to get started on this training. I'm looking forward to this way more than my daily weight training. And even though my weight routine includes forearm exercises, apparently this "wiggle" exercise must use the forearms in a bit of a different way, because they get fatigued quickly. "They" because when one arm gets tired I switch to the other arm. I may not do the more advance sword training with my left arm, but I can at least do these basic strengthening exercises on both arms! Gotta resist the temptation to skip ahead to the other training videos until I've done this one for at least two weeks :)

[@gunnargunnhilt]

Great vid! Thank you!

[@dysvanlist]

that is a very attractive saber

[@alessioivo9745]

If you don't have a sword or lack room enough or just wanna train hard, maybe handles of dumbbells, used unloaded and at the right point of balance, could be really useful, especially for twisting movements.

[@sparrowhawk81]

The high ceilings thing really does matter. One of the most shameful moments of my adult life. I got a new hanwei practical 37-inch rapier, was doing what I thought were a few safe little exercises with it, smacked a light on the ceiling and it shattered everywhere. I'm normally a really careful person, but getting a sword in your hands...you want to swing it.

[@scholagladiatoria]

I think everybody who trains with swords has hit either their light or their ceiling at some time! :-)

[@-MacCloud-]

the clissold boys are blessed with freaky looking popeye forearms . This is encouraging XD

[@aliamarneh2067]

I made a wooden sword when i was 13 but never thought of learning how to fight with it.

[@DaniloThePopa]

This helps with modern sport fancing too.

[@azzz9765]

Just recently interested in this. If you're keeping track. Thanks 👍😊

[@skullcrow92wtf]

Hi, Love your videos, was wondering if you could do more saber solo training advice? Also if at all possible some tips when fighting against opponents who are using two swords or a sword and shield. Any resources you could provide would be much appreciated.

[@EnglishwithTerry]

I'm here to train for VR swordfighting

[@lukebonser1493]

I do this in the office with a golf club. Though as Stuart McDermid suggests, I alternate with moulinets.

[@justsomeguy3931]

Good training advice: watch these vids while standing at en garde. I do.

[@joshplytas1122]

Working on building a modern version of one handed sword style, as well as single hand sword and shield. Specifically upgrading to fighting katana wielding opponents or opponents with bats and such.

[@kokerbeatbox]

Thank you. That's usefull advice

[@doratheexploder286]

Maybe not the best idea to do the repeated "waggly" with a nice antique, unless you want to wear out the shagreen on the grip?

[@kdfmvkdfvd]

Awesome man, thanks:)

[@hampuswallin2850]

The amount of "um" from this man is Impressive!😂

[@Doradanis1]

wow, thanx! Hope to see more of it!

[@Twiggyay]

Will have to try this with my bastard sword. Gotta get them forearm gains.

[@michaelmottonen3044]

It obviously won't develop any skills specific to swordsmanship, but a sledgehammer is a great tool for training those muscle groups. Plenty of videos up on how to use one for that purpose.

[@Crusader-Ramos45]

I'd train outside my house, like in my backyard or in my front yard. That's more than enough space for anybody training himself in any martial arts.

[@randelldarky3920]

Hang a washer on a string for a small target. Practice with a slightly heavier sword shaped object like a piece of rebar.

[@LockSteady]

After getting the single heaviest saber in my collection (surprise surprise, a cold steel light cavalry saber) once called the "wrist breaker" I realized how badly I needed to start strengh training my forearms. I started with a 3lb sledge and now I'm up to 16lbs.

[@SgtPepper4140]

do you ever warm up before you pick up the sword? Anything you can recommend for avoiding injury? Thanks for the videos!

[@reinderklinkhamer8209]

thanks for this verry nice video, could you please post videos of buckler fighting later on???

[@_soop__]

as someone who never exercises ever, i just found a random sword in a closet, this is very difficult lol

[@cerealkillerbossman6280]

I have two wooden swords and you help me alot

[@Azurel777]

Do you have a video like this on two handed swords?

[@variableaxis9652]

I'm 13 and I have a larping sword so this is very informative

[@liamp1379]

Alex Noden I am almost 14 and I have 3 swords A Katana a gladius an american sabre and I am getting an ottoman kilij and an european sword and a claymore

[@deathroman13]

And I am 22 and own about 15 swords.

[@infamousrainbow4692]

Haha 16 here just gonna use wood cus my epic armoury sword has the weight of an underfed piece of paper

[@aquilinodominguez932]

I'm 17 and i own a machete *dabs in mexican*

[@tuomasmalkki7191]

One should remember that doing this will make your forearms hurt, so prepare to self massage your forearm muscles regularly. I've found that really digging your thumb into the hurting bit and holding helps a lot.

[@Komatik_]

Yeah, the pressure seems to help release muscles that are kinda stuck. I've found the trick effective.

[@GangyBT]

My hand is burning because it has the carvings in it