Sword and Shield sparring Nick vs Mike

[@LiteralmenteFadul]

I can see why historians say most battles were 15 minutes of fighting followed by often hour-long lulls

[@TESkyrimizer]

"time out guys, my arm's getting sore" "yeah me too, see u after lunch"

[@WhoThisMonkey]

All those days upon days of sitting around in heavy armour, and it barely ever gets hit

[@PaganBytes]

Most fights on full equipment last 3-5min and you're exhausted

[@cghjghnjvjvjvjv]

They should invest in the guard break skill tree.

[@andrewc3336]

Or use an axe for bonus damage to shields durability, that can be useful as it forces the opponent to not use the shield as much or risk it breaking.

[@MaxArtemyev]

cghjghnjvjvjvjv simple shortcut: use force, Luke!

[@Chroma710]

Javelins are also good against shields

[@halo48189]

Andrew Corbett nah use raipers the heavy attack damages through shields

[@Ezio9791]

I would just equip a Shotel and do R2's as that attack ignores shields.

[@UnclePutte]

A quiet afternoon at the gym, ca. 1066.

[@rajeshvengadesan703]

50th like

[@jrtomlin1805]

More like ballet dancing. Real fighters didn't play around like that.

[@jacobt1027]

Jr Tomlin It's sparring

[@jrtomlin1805]

@@jacobt1027 Yes, it is. My response was to the implication that it looks anything like fighting done in 1066.

[@sojjjer]

Jr Tomlin you melt if this was set at a gym as the comment said, it would still be sparring

[@TheGuzeinbuick]

It may not be as exciting as other weapons/styles, but you gotta admit the sword-shield combination is top tier. It can subdue every other weapon and weapon combination.

[@lawrencemorris2261]

Shield and pistol, lol

[@TheBigMannyShow]

@@lawrencemorris2261 Why do you have to be THAT guy

[@hellomate639]

I don't like how they're fighting. They're way overexposing their hand and wrist when they have a shield to protect the hand.

[@crustyjuggler382]

hmm, id argue that from the ancient Greeks up until the late medieval period, the humble shield and spear combination would consistently and easily best any variation of a sword and shield combination from the same time period. That argument would be based on a series of examples from history. most one-handed swords were actually carried as secondary weapons with a two-handed weapon or shield and spear or similar weapon, or a bludgeoning weapon such as a mace or hammer as their primary.

[@TheBigMannyShow]

@@crustyjuggler382 100% agree with everything you said, id say that respectfully, the original comment doesnt have enough experience or knowledge

[@mullenio4200]

It's really annoying when people say this or that is wrong. The only way we can know for sure how to use these weapon combinations is try them out. Trial and error. This fight is pretty much as I imagined. Lots of feinting, shield bashing and good movement. Both fighters did well and of course, the finish, when it came was quick and subtle. I'd love to have a bash.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

To say what is right and wrong for something like Viking combat is utterly ignorant. We have no idea. All we can do it use much later sources, or make it up. There is also some assumption that a particular weapon or combo was always used a certain way. That is a very modern and sportive perspective on things. Historically there were a great variety in styles and personal usage, even within one weapon type. What we presented here is one plausible way the fight could have gone. It is based on Renaissance sword and shield work, which is documented and we do practice. When people look at a style that is different than they recognise and call it 'wrong', it is almost always through ignorance.

[@joditiarsutrisno5556]

They who said this is wrong might be going with game or movie reference

[@gerald-jeanboudreault7986]

Jodi Sutrisno Dude they watched Vikings. They’re experts now...Makes me sick

[@joditiarsutrisno5556]

@@gerald-jeanboudreault7986 did you think if they ate some 'berserker mushroom' they would fight like crazy ?

[@xxprodudex1278]

@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing you very good👍👍👍

[@GOMD77]

Idk why they aren't guard breaking or headbutting. Maybe even push them off a ledge. They need some lessons from Warlord

[@showtimeva167]

Pull a Black Prior and just keep on flippin eachother

[@Abdulmanan_ds]

Andy J. Indeed they do

[@guilty_mulburry5903]

Only gankerfags ledge

[@justsiss]

Ikr

[@owenmoore9749]

@@guilty_mulburry5903 only babys cry foul

[@richardtinsel3365]

how come no one ever fights with two shields?

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Hard to carry/wear to start with. Also hard to really do damage with. You'll have to close and brawl, but if your opponent has a single shield they will be able to smother your attacks, resulting in you getting cut or thrust in the openings. A knife and a shield would be better than two shields.

[@zachariaravenheart]

I've actually thought really hard about this topic before. Such a thing could work, however, you would need smaller shields like the blue one the guy in the video had. Also, to make it more effective, it would be good to give the shields a bladed edge, or even spikes. Then add a proficiency in hand to hand combat and translate those skills into shield fighting. I really want to perfect this, but I don't have anything to practice with ;-; I did practice this before with shields friends of mine have, but only one at a time.

[@richardtinsel3365]

okay so shield knight would be terrible at combat

[@Aga1nAndAga1n]

It seems to me that the lack of range would be a huge problem. The sword user could swipe away at the double shield user's legs without fear of reprisal, like the blue shield guy does at the beginning but actually being able to get close enough to hit.

[@zachariaravenheart]

AgainAndAgain Good point man. Some things the dual shield could probably do is a simultaneous low block and high strike since sweeping to the legs leaves the head open and tilted forward. Another tactic could be to block low with one or both shields, then explode up to knock the attacker off balance and open his/her guard. Again, I wish I could test these to see if it can work. Won't know until I try :)

[@Dancorg]

2:17 I had to replay that several times, nice work!

[@ttlpwn34]

lol Don't these guys know you can just keep hitting your opponents shield until he runs out of stamina, and then go in for the riposte? Oh, but make sure you got hornet ring on though, for that extra crit damage. ;)

[@kimjiro4591]

well, this is just a demonstrative sparring tho. But yes, the most effective way to deal with shield/armored opponent is strike them out of balance.

[@xzNightCrawlerzx]

ttlpwn34 git gud

[@ItalianAvalanche]

I think that would just be likely to damage your weapon.

[@kimjiro4591]

Gregory Foresi you wanna damage your weapon or you wanna be dead? Also if you think any kind of blade can directly damage a person through full plate armor then ... smh

[@ItalianAvalanche]

I don't think that and I'm not sure why you'd get that impression after seeing me write that attacking armor or shield will likely result in a damaged weapon. A better solution is to close the distance and grapple your opponent and exploit gaps in the armor.

[@benrechakiewicz3594]

Makes you appreciate how they used to fight in the medieval times.

[@GlizzyMan445]

Top 10 Dark Souls boss battles

[@brandonfarfan1978]

This sparring duel with those fancy round shields is amazing. Also, I like the designs of those shields.

[@EODReddFox]

Kinda crazy that I’ve watched so much of this channel that I can now recognize Nick by just his posture and size...

[@TimmyTurner421]

Yes! More shield + sword or shield + spear sparring please. Very entertaining to watch!

[@ClydePlays]

You guys should score this and put the score on the screen throughout the session. I'd watch tons of that.

[@dunedainmom]

Yes!!

[@SprayedToTheBone2]

The shield probably was as much a weapon as the sword is.

[@Hashishtani]

I think it was more weapon than a sword even... Ancient Greeks considered the shield being main honor, loosing sword was ok, loosing shield was disgrace... I wish they would practice the spartan Hoplon technics, its heavy shield on the strap but the way it's fixed on the hand allow to ram and strike with it very strongly.

[@brettbudgell2271]

+Hashishtani losing* sorry , I had too

[@samfong4658]

*Sorry, I had to. ;)

[@tylerdurden376]

+Hashishtani no, a hit with a viking shield is always harder.

[@MrPanos2000]

+Joel Bernd I'd rather be hit by a piece of wooden planks rather than a massive hoplon of wood,hides and bronze. Most deaths untill the third century BC were caused by shields xD

[@ProffesorGreen0192]

I wish there was an ancient nord in the comments to tell us how it's really done lol

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Likely in a great many different ways. Even in periods of mass standardisation in the Renaissance, a great many different approaches existed.

[@deadpansnarker3749]

Bashing heads in with the shield would be a great start

[@WobblePizza]

Its possible they didn't really know. It's not like they could look shit up on the interent. I bet a lot of them picked up grandpas weapons and went off to war not knowing a single thing about how to use them correctly. I mean how hard is it really to poke holes in people and drain their fluids.

[@rufuscord7160]

I'd much rather have them teach us how to shout

[@meyearsago-lc8bq]

@@WobblePizza, pretty hard poking holes while staying in one piece not getting an injury that will basically make you useless for this battle and next ones. Especially when you're not dueling, but fighting a group of people, sometimes greater in numbers than yours. And the warrior class knew it and tried to teach knightly offspring how to not get killed on the battlefield before sending their children here.

[@TESkyrimizer]

If Hollywood had like 100 extras fighting like this in the background it would be pretty cool to watch! I mean most fights are meticulously choreographed (like in GoT) or just a lot of non-serious shoving and waving their weapon in the air (like in Vikings) but this is a great middle ground: neither choreographed nor completely careless. Obviously battle scenes in films aren't about depicting realistic-seeming combat but more about achieving narrative beats but it does give people some cool stuff to admire.

[@hircustres9276]

the guy holding the camera is a genius.

[@blacksheepinthebigshitty9544]

I got so distracted that I thought they were fighting for half an hour or so. Man, can't believe this was only 5 minutes...

[@kevinmailaeied5519]

damn i like the sound of sword contact shield, if im in there i probaly keep banging the shield for fun hahah

[@CallofWar5]

very interesting. I hope you guys keep up the exploration of weapon types. I love to see them

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+blackraver5 We always do :-)

[@Theendman42]

+Academy of Historical Fencing Why don't they have the same shield? is it to do with the fact that nobody would get hit due to them being the same? I don't know why?

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+theendman That is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string. Sometimes we used matched weapons and combinations, and sometimes we don't. Shields of this type varied massively from down to about the size of a buckler to the absolutely massive so that they cover most of the body. In this instance, they happened to be the shields that the two owners had and brought to training.

[@Theendman42]

Academy of Historical Fencing Okay it is all on what they have bought. I just wanted to know.

[@DarkAgesWarrior]

+blackraver5 think you might like our channel as we are looking to do similar things and would appreciate any feedback.

[@Youtuber111-p2x]

looks like warlord needs a buff.

[@modex20]

tank duels are so boring

[@eliabiundo8874]

i actually disagree. that makes it just really interesting! because if two tanks fight the techinique wins! so that is awesome!!!

[@darksyde0418]

They barely even attack

[@CricketCamel-n2u]

i love sparring video so much

[@MartinMunthe]

Logic dictates that the "punch grip" shield is very light and wide and only held by one grip because it is used at extended arm range away from the body. It is a tool to build distance, block the opponents view and the force limit movement of the opponent. In this clip the shields are used like later day armour shields that where heavy and had to be held closer to the body and be thicker. The viking shield is for smashing into the opponent with its ridge to get clearance for attacking with the sword.

[@spicketspaghet7773]

You presume a little bit. Distance is the key with shields, but there is also a human element. Holding a 2 lb shield at max arm extension depletes your arm's stamina. That is why you see them draw it in whenever possible.

[@Darfail]

this looks REALLY cool

[@Wabbasha]

imagine a medieval fight with both guys in full plate armor, shield and sword... it would last forever.

[@ezequielprimera6812]

-Knight war battle recreation = Not enough technique -Japanese Kendo = Not enough action -This sparring match = just enough action and technique. It was actually pretty good! You can see they know how to hit and avoid hits, and actually get hit sometimes but keep fighting, so you can imagine the wounds haha

[@iwillremoveyourribcage]

i assure you kendo has lots of action, its just not “battle-accurate”, it’s a sport derived from a martial art, you “score points” instead of “going for the kill” in kendo

[@Orimthekeyacolite]

When both of you choose the same character in a fighting game

[@lindgrenland]

Looks a bit like saber sparring where there just happens to be a shield there

[@anthonycarlisle6184]

Good observation 👍

[@LoF375]

Greetings Academy of Historical Fencing, I'm Leonardo Freitas and I hail from Brazil. I'm currently one of the headings of a new forged clan focused on what we call "Nordic Combat" (we actually lack a better name for it). The points of this message are 2: First: I'm happy to see that this kind of martial art is already spread out over the world, I bid you my total respect for the uploads, I can see that you are concerned about showing actual technique on your videos and not just waving your swords around like sticks! Second: That being said, I wonder if you're willing to share some knowledge, you see, since we are new born clan ( about 8 months old), we got few amounts of information regarding the actual techniques used by the nordling folk of the baltics and how their fight was actually done. Althoug all our member are graduated on several martial arts and, by that, we were able to incorporate and creat some moves we consider plausible and effective...we could use some tips and advices from the more experienced! So please, make contact! A video of ou most recent combat demonstration in a medieval event: facebook.com/772259302950247/videos/801272443382266/ My personal profile: facebook.com/leonardo.freitas.710?ref=bookmarks

[@justsiss]

I wonder if there are places where under 15’s can learn, in twelve and really am ambitious to learn

[@CoffeeSnep]

That is a challenge. There are far more Asian schools of martial arts that train children and teens than there are European. At mine I'm the youngest guy and im 19. Joined when I was 17, got third in the last tournament. If you're serious about joining keep looking because you might find one that teaches minors. If not, try a different martial art for the time being, you will improve faster in European if you do. Also, make sure to keep in shape with a combination of cardio and weight lifting exercise. Its really important for this stuff if you want to spar or compete.

[@matthewpham9525]

Maybe try fencing when the pandemic clears. There’s a whole bunch of differences between modern and historical fencing, but there are enough similarities to be useful.

[@CoffeeSnep]

@@matthewpham9525 that is certainly true. The thing I've noticed though is that some modern fencers have a tough time. They get hyperfocused on their ways and they find it more difficult than normal people to adjust. Some others adjust better and get a decent head start after they acclimate. Martial artists don't seem to have this problem in my experience because what they usually do is much more different. Still, the key parts of it like body awareness will transfer to any Martial art that you do.

[@supa_Mcnugget]

Same here but im 11

[@jordansblabbering6303]

Maybe start with LARP fighting?

[@soda_coir7595]

Chernobyl warrior vs peppermint man! Fight!

[@zamot9261]

nice for honor 2 gameplay

[@Karzeo]

Been trying to practice actual fencing with a shield on Blade and Sorcery VR, so this does help lots

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Have a look at this one from us which is more recent and shows a wider range of technique kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCxmoOHiqh4brc

[@Spiderman-92k]

99% of coments are about rpg memes and jokes 1% are saying the axe and javelins are better

[@detectivecommmander69420_xx]

everybody gangsta till the astronauts start fencing

[@LifeLikeSage]

Frontkick like boss! YESSS

[@deadantagonist5743]

Bro can we talk about how flawless that final move was by dude in the right at the end of the video

[@cowboyru]

This is a saber duel with shields. Not claiming to be an expert, but having some experience in Viking age living history and martial arts, I can clearly see you guys not using many discovered effective techniques such as active shield, binds and certain effective strikes. Both of you leave you hands open at all times and lead with your heads a lot. I know both of you guys are excellent saber fencers, but this is a different style of fighting. Don't mean to discourage and no disrespect to fellow swordsman, however that just a wrong direction to take Viking age sword and shield. There are many resources such as Viking age living history groups and fighters from around the world who can help you explore this fighting style and explain commonly accepted techniques. Good luck.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+mikhail antipov Actually it's more based in renaissance sword and shield combat, which we do train in and is well documented. The problem with any kind of 'discovery' regarding a lost style is that it is purely speculative. It can look wonderful and seem great in theory, but they are just a theory. We will likely never know how Vikings/Saxons and others fought with shields. It would also be a massive mistake to believe that there is one true way to use any weapons, that is the pitfall that the katana has fallen into. Historically there would almost certainly be a great range of fighters in terms of skill, style, and approach. Nobody can really say what the right or wrong way to take Viking shield training, but we do not profess to know or teach a method. All we are doing is taking a known style and using It for fun according to earlier weapons.

[@Spuuunt]

+Juan P. Gonzalez D S Even cooler that some try to make new styles too.

[@Imakebootysclap]

just because its sword and shield doesnt mean its viking combat.

[@Dont_Wanna_Be_Famous_666]

The Vikings were savages but they never just acted rabid, 10/10, only thing I need to see now is a claymore in action

[@salahkasli3362]

1:48 the tackle 🔥

[@Roderik95]

Very fun to watch guys! I can see why you would like to use a shield in combat. It seems like the engagements are longer with the shield, or maybe it is just that you guys are quite evenly matched?

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+Roderik Vikström It is a combination of both really. We have fought each other for so many years that we are well matched, and also know each others styles so well. But it is also the shields. Large shields close off so many target zones at once. Subtle disengages and changes of direction can not so easily find targets. Same when you look at rapier and rotella, it is such a strong defensive combination that the number of hits placed decreases substantially over say single rapier or rapier and dagger. It is no wonder or surprise that the shield has played such a vital part in the combat history of most of the world.

[@Roderik95]

Academy of Historical Fencing Yeah, man. Exactly. :)

[@damiaan7021]

that shield is quite big, people laugh at my shield of a similar size, mostly because it's crazy heavy in a longer fight... but it feels so safe and cozy

[@1realwild]

Good match guys, love it 😊👍

[@sirPiteye]

There seems to be no offensive use of the shield/shield bashing, is that deliberate?

[@peanutgalery]

+sirPiteye you underestimate how bad getting smacked by a shield would hurt.

[@sirPiteye]

***** yeah i thought so, that's why i asked

[@alexanderpalmer2647]

I noticed that too. I for one would have done it in an actual fight. But, It might be the same reason we aren't allowed to fight with quarterstaves. All that blunt power being forced into a resistant body might very well crush some very important body parts.

[@CrispySkinwalker]

Alexander Palmer 2:55 he actually does a bit of a rush

[@elsalondearmas5013]

Nice...

[@toutlemondesalut]

You two are so good with a sword that you forget the shield

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

The shields do plenty in this fight, they're just not being used in a very aggressive way, that's mainly because of who is involved and how familiar they are with one another. Check some of our other sword and shield videos though, and you'll find much greater variety, like this for example - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCxmoOHiqh4brc

[@toutlemondesalut]

@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing You're right

[@unholybrick5416]

5:02 Permanent death. Cool move man!

[@mindsliver2245]

I find that the SCA has developed a very effective form of shield combat (several in fact). Of course you can argue with their rule set and use of rattan for a blade analog but if you step in with a good heavy fighter from the SCA, he'll teach you some things about how shields can be used... whether or not the vikings figured it out haha.

[@sindarpeacheyeisacommie8688]

These two tend to treat their shields as after thoughts, rather than integrated weapon/defenses.

[@thelonewanderer1964]

Mike always responds to a shield hit with a counter swing. I'd probably throw a light swing for the shield, then start winding up my shield arm before he even starts his attack, and see if I could deflect his pipe as hard as I could. Doubt it'd be effective, or that it'd be as easy as that, but it has the potential to be the most badass disarm anyone's ever seen.

[@opsrektu6557]

whyy!!! do they hit on each others facking sheilds!! teatch me i want to know why

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

There is never intentionally a cut made against a shield. There are taps and engagements to provoke responses, their are feints to create openings when the shield then counters, they are parried cuts. The reality with a sword and shield fight is that the shield is going to get hit by the sword often, that is what it is therefore.

[@quinsalee]

+Academy of Historical Fencing ok, when they swing and the arc is intercepted by the shield when the shield does not move, would you call that swinging at the shield? if you hit a static shield with your sword, you are swinging at the shield.

[@Kat957]

Generally speaking, it's to provoke a response that you can capitalize on. Sometimes you can also move the shield with your strike and create an opening that way. The bottom line is if there isn't already an opening, you need to create one somehow and hitting the shield can do that for you.

[@opsrektu6557]

ty man

[@anonymousshawn9996]

Ops RektU a shield is usually heavy as hell. So one would cause their enemy to constantly have to raise their shield, causing the shielder to wear themselves out... Plus, depending on the type of shield and weapon it is blocking, a shield can become damaged and useless.

[@Balgore8]

That larger shield is an obvious advantage but the smaller guy played around it well.

[@y.k.2143]

well, as an advantage it is, it's also has it's own shortcoming like its weight, the heavier the quicker you get exhausted.

[@shaidyn8278]

I can't say for certain, but these shields look really light, as in I doubt they'd be able to take more than a hit or two from a full weight weapon. I'd be more interested in seeing this with weighted sheilds and swords.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Actually no, they are overweight, as they have been made from 12mm ply with no taper. Typically a shield will taper from around 12-6mm, or similar, and yes they will very much stand up to steel weapons. But then these synthetic ones are within a realistic weight range for arming swords anyway, though Viking swords often are heftier in the tip. We used to use these with steel Viking/saxon swords, and spears. In fact these shields are about 8-10 years old, with a tonne of sparring practice. They are overweight and overly strong compared to typical originals.

[@STRONK4LIFE]

Skallagrim tested a shield of this type with properly sharpened, full-weight weapons; they turned out to be far sturdier than expected.

[@alexanderpalmer2647]

Oh these things are tuff. The won't survive a direct hit from a Warhammer, or rather your arm probably won't, but nothing really does. But swords, axes...those things get stuck in the shield are dick all to remove. So all the shield guy as to do is wrench and dead.

[@deviantan021]

a strike like that from a warhammer guy would be suicide

[@alexanderpalmer2647]

deviantan021 Moral of this story...don't get by a Warhammer...it hurts.

[@frozenblade1954]

02:57 I internally screamed for him to do that lmao and he actually charged at him using the shield both offensively and defensively. lol

[@VaustXIII]

Soldier of house Nukem versus some viking

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+Vaust XIII It's actually East Roman :-) But maybe it does have built in radioactive powers!

[@flyingpenandpaper6119]

I think that the best form of one-handed swordfighting would be sword and left gauntlet. I know it's less practical, but it would look much cooler.

[@liammcdowell8893]

where the warlord jokes ?

[@johnmatthewcrane4423]

Roland Warzecha makes a point that the shield is the main weapon and the sword is the accessory weapon, and that a fighter should strike with both at the same time. I myself, have little experience fighting with sword & shield, but it sounds like a fair point.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

I'm not at all convinced by his sword and shield teacjings. He is applying i.33 and some very personal theories to sword and shield, and that doesn't tally with what is decribed of shield use, nor written down in what later shield manuals do exist. I was there when he shot some of those videos and sparred with him many times. He's gone down the rabbit hole with his sword and shield work. Now as for this particular sparring bout, it's cagey between two brothers who have fought for decades. So it is twitchy and does't include a wide breath of techniqye as a result. See the video below for one with much more aggresive use of the shield. No, I'd not agree the shield is the main weapon either. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCxmoOHiqh4brc

[@noneofyourbusiness3288]

Goes to show how much protection a shield really offers.

[@johnbr59]

i want to see more of this! i love that you've started showcasing viking era shields. very nice. below you say you don't know how these shields were really used in their time. i assume you've seen roland warzecha's work with these shields? he suggests that the viking shield was used a lot more offensively to bind the opponent's shield/sword arm. i guess that's the advantage of the reach of the center grip. you guys do this a little bit in the video but you use them more defensively - but you do it very effectively ! please upload more of these, i'd also love to see viking era shield vs other strapped shield types (eg kite or heater). i always wonder why these center-held shields fell out of favour in the later middle ages because they look superior in many ways.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Yes I have seen his work. We were present for at least one of those demonstrations. I think his work is interesting, but far from conclusive. The truth is we will likely never know how these shields were used. But I think the answer is probably not in one prescribed manner, but a great many ways. Just look at the era of pattern swords of the 18th and 19th century and the different methods taught even from instructors of the same nationality. Then consider how many nations across such a vast time period used shields like this. We will certainly make more videos with them, but they will never be are favoured arms, in part because we prefer later systems and weapons, but mainly because we like to work from martial systems where there are documented styles.

[@superangrymonkey9208]

Very nice sparring! Sword and shield seem to be the safest and most balanced way to fight (and maybe spear and shield?)

[@frankdevivo5072]

I enjoyed it but the fighter with the larger red and white sheild is the more technically sound fighter if you notice the man on the left is opening up everytime he throws a strike red and white had multiple opportunities to shred him

[@Rzut-Oka]

that real fight, not like in movie. Nice, thanks!

[@RandomBJJGuy]

Medieval battles/ancient battles with shields are pretty well recorded, and shield on shield fights ended up being two armies pushing shield to shield. Most casualties occurred during retreats. You wouldn't really see a fight like this. Still cool though.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

They are fairly well recorded, but this isn't a battle or melee scenario. It's one on one. All kinds of reasons for a fight like this, a duel, a spread out melee or small scale action. The Icelandic sagas actually describe a number of fights like this, one on one or one vs two. They were not pressed up and shields were often cut to pieces during the action.

[@thomas5975]

I personally think they should’ve invested more points in sneak that way this encounter wouldn’t haven’t happened because the other opponent wouldn’t know what hit em

[@mutemeimscared1632]

The first few seconds they looked like cats swatting at each other

[@matthewmiles15]

Guy on the right with radioactive shield vs Guy on the left with burn-damage shield. Interesting.

[@predictless1009]

Radioactive shield probably deals very low damage over time, but cannot be negated, once applied.

[@oscillatine]

I thought that, in this case (scandinavian fencing), the sword should come on the edge of the shield in order to attack with both sword and shield in the same time, and cut instead of striking the body. Plus they don't use the rotating function of the shield, invented to feel the opponent movement and divert forces... They just strike and parry. How come ?

[@GuidedByCompassion]

3:37, Nick lands a cut to the arm, blocks the countercut and then hits Mike's head. Very well done.

[@blacksheepsociety1034]

Nice effort, pretty much enjoyed this, nice pace and all. Have you considered using strikes with the shield edge to the face/hand/body in your training, getting into close range, grapping, ground combat yet? Would love to see more of this.

[@james_winstone]

Why are these guys just hitting each other's shields and why don't they use any leverage shield techniques at all to create an opening so they can thrust or cut their swords into their opponent but still you guys are a great channel and aren't used to this type of combat

[@gygrefuggel6464]

Where can i get a small shield like that one the blue guy's using

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Both shields were made by this company - shieldsplus.com/

[@gygrefuggel6464]

@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing Thank you

[@roryd7017]

I've never done hema, so can someone explain to me what the point of swinging their sword at their opponents shield. Again, I'm no expert, but it doesn't look like they're aiming for the body at 0:20 right just lightly thrusts at the shield

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

Sometimes it is to try and provoke a response, targeting, or being perceived to target and area beyond the shield can draw it out. Sometimes that feint or attack is withdrawn at the last moment as it is not getting the desired effect. Sometimes the difference between hitting shield and the person is so small that it can also look like the shield is being targeted, when it is merely a failed attack. Striking the shield lightly can also provoke a response from the opponents sword rather than shield, exposing their arm. It can also be used as a means of intimidation. Other times it can be used as a means to setup an attack, for example a thrust cast off a shield quickly moves into a rotational cut.

[@GamerMax]

The bigger shield guy had an advantage. Next time you spar; buy a kite shield or a tower shield. REvenge!

[@feflopizer5021]

Very nice duel! I was wondering where I could buy shields like the ones you're using. Thanks

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+feflopizer These are re-enactment shields from Shields and Shoes, or Shields plus, but they aren't great. They need to be made of thinner wood and to taper. I am sorry to say I don't know a good supplier of accurate shields of this type at the moment.

[@feflopizer5021]

+Academy of Historical Fencing Are they too heavy with their current width?

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

+feflopizer Yep.

[@TheSpiritWalk]

I can bet in the real ones, the opponents forward knee was most likely the easiest place to land a strike, then forcing a collapse...idk

[@MrPaxy69]

Would this channel be able to get a dozen people together to simulate battle lines? There is a lot of dancing around, and it would be interesting to see how these great fighters deal with being relatively fixed.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

We do occasionally do some melees yes.kzbin.info/www/bejne/r32wYpyvgtp1ntU

[@MrPaxy69]

+Academy of Historical Fencing Thanks!

[@herniagaming]

the dude on the left at 0:01 looks like he's in the dark souls 2 menu stance

[@slowpokebr549]

Given two evenly matched opponents, that could turn into a long, bloody, drawn out affair.

[@TumbleTrashOfficial]

the guy with little shield has a bit of an advantage, his isn't as heavy so he wont get as tired as fast I don't think.

[@Chevifier]

Watching for Animation research lol. Im noticing the foot on the same side as the hand that has the sword is placed forward.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

I'd highly recommend you checkout the video below as it features a far greater variety of technique. The foot vs sword thing doesn't quite relate, in some styles yes but there is more variety to be found - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCxmoOHiqh4brc

[@thedevilofmetal5335]

I too like to throw 90% of my sword swings directly to where their shield already is

[@DarkAgesWarrior]

Nice footage. Are you just carrying on when hit or waiting for something significant? We have been sparring without much protective and find this helps us assess damage from a shot.

[@blueeye6545]

Here's my argument, these people are slashing at their shields and having their shield placement by their heads, an average medieval soldier would have his sword in his center. I say this because if you have a shield at your center, you're prepared to block lots of attacks by simply raising and lowering your shield. With the shield at your head in the start will simply give your opponent an easy target for your ankles and feet. Now there'd also be a lot more thrusting than slashing when fighting with sword and shield. Because when you're fighting in a battle, spears were a group weapon that was naturally thrusting. Having a one on one, men would use their short swords and charge into each other trying to stab over their opponent's shield.

[@michelledhyana4516]

I like a lot Nick's moves and movements, for example at 2:30 and the exchange from 3:30 to 3:40

[@kingdubbs143]

Could you do part series of Anglo Saxon martial arts with and without weapons.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

We'd love to, but there are literally no sources on how it was done, at all. All we can do with saxon era weapons is base it on later medieval and renaissance sources, experiment and then make it up. When we ran a sword and shield block we did merge renaissance rotella styles with experimentation and based as much on some limited accounts of combat and art, some of the style of which can be seen in the sparring video below. If we can produce a small video series on this at some stage we will, but its still very much making it up and not based on any accurate sources. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCxmoOHiqh4brc

[@kingdubbs143]

@@AcademyofHistoricalFencing ok. Thank you. And if you come up with some. Let me know. Thank you again.

[@jacobtylerjoyce8169]

Imagine if this was the fight choreography for hector vs Achilles

[@aliramezani2333]

Shield Combat Pro tip: Don't strike from your right Your right, his left

[@TheDemocles]

Gents, these single shots you are throwing are not going to be effective unless you are extremely fast. You want to make them move THEIR shield with feints and combination shots. For example, high straight feint to a low shield side leg sweep. Or, shield side wrap feint to a high sword side crossover. Also, offensive shield work is key. Push or pull on their shield edge with yours to open target zones for shots.

[@ArkBlanc]

+TheDemocles easier said than done. Keep in mind that you have to avoid the other guy's weapon, or else you won't keep your head. Your opponent will guard himself against your tactics and counter-attack accordingly. Real combat isn't as easy as "just do this and that you've won".

[@TheDemocles]

+ArkBlanc You are absolutely right! It isn't. What I am telling them is tactics based on training and experience that have shown themselves to work in the same kind of simulated combat they are engaged in. It is a simple concept central to this type of sword and shield individual combat. Make THEM open their target zones. There are innumerable options to do this, I just stated a few for clarification.

[@ArkBlanc]

TheDemocles And you don't think they're already doing that? Read one of their above comments.

[@DarkAgesWarrior]

So very very jealous......shields now officially a must for us! The fencing masks and equipment seem to allow you to go pretty full on too. Are those synthetic blades or wooden?

[@Spuuunt]

+DarkAges Warrior I think they're Synthetic. I think they're Black Fencer arming swords.

[@DarkAgesWarrior]

Should check out our channel! I'd say we go as full on but without any protective gear! Still working on the skills.

[@Bestialce2007]

Why do they attack the shielded parts of the body? It looks on purpose. If I'm in a duel, I would immediately go for slashing the lower legs or a stab or even the arm sword. Am I mistaken?

[@Bestialce2007]

Exactly like the final hit!

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

There are plenty attacks on both sides of the body, at every height. There are a tonne of thrusts attempted, and a few landed, same goes for legs, same goes for attacks to the sword arm. However, frequently aiming for that target zone closest to the shield can be an advantage, as they rely on the fact that it is protected, and sometimes a shield cannot move quickly enough to cover, particularly as the arms tire. Rest assured, both are constantly going for all kinds of openings.

[@ArtofAsmr]

So cool. I want to learn and practice this soo bad.

[@kevinmencer3782]

I know next to nothing about swords or shields, but why does it look like they're trying to hide their face from the camera with the shields?

[@LXEagle]

Cool. I was wondering about these viking swords. I read a novel in which is said that they broke easily because of inferior quality. Then maybe they would only use the shields for blocks. Although, these shields you are using in the video look heavy to me (I know nothing, but I like to comment anyways). So maybe lighter shields for parrying and heavy shields were just a kind of mobile armour used very passively?

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

The Vikings were known for very high quality swords actually, but it is well documented that all types of swords could and did break at times, from Viking swords to rapiers, sabres, katana, all of them. Of the surviving shields of the era we known that they varied a lot in weight, from about 2.5kg upto 10kg even. The ones in the video are 3-5kg.

[@dubbermagoo43]

maybe try out the hinge on the shield as a way of using the shield to block your opponent. Use the shield as the opener and weapon, and the straight sword to finish?

[@JohnMcKLV]

So we don't have any sources on viking sword/board fighting... but how about Scottish broadsword+targe? It seems functionally the same as this.

[@ken90017]

As an untrained eye, sword and shield looks great for inexperienced conscripts. I can’t imagine an inexperienced conscript like me could actually block with a sword. But with a shield sure

[@alotofthings22]

Hello, I have zero experience in martial arts (armed or otherwise) but I've watched a number of videos from Skallagrim and Scholagladiatoria, and both of them have commented that movies usually depict sword and shield fighting incorrectly because the fighters never cover their sword hand with their shield when they swing and keep it static by their side instead. Watching this, I noticed both of them are relatively active with their shields and change stances often, but they still leave their sword arms unprotected while attacking. Doesn't that leave them vulnerable to being disarmed by a counter-attack? If one of them swings, his opponent could block and quickly slash at the wrist.

[@AcademyofHistoricalFencing]

The first thing to consider is the styles we use. As in the description, we practice renaissance sword and shield styles, where there are documented sources, unlike say Viking sword and shield, where we simply don't know how they fought. In renaissance sword styles the sword often does strike independently, and is expected to defend on the outside too. I wouldn't say it leaves them vulnerable to counter attack no, cut to the wrist? maybe, but that in itself can be used to advantage. I love people trying to strike the wrist like that, as a quick disengage over and take their shoulder.