Swords, Stunts and Sparring!

I make both real and prop swords. Matt Easton teaches and practices historic fighting methods. Alexander Holloway teaches stage and screen fighting and works as a stunt fighter. Put three of us in one place and we have a lot to talk about and demonstrate......
After a quick introduction Matt shows how he would enter a fight and end it quickly; Alexander shows how he would make the same situation look cool as heck for film.
And just for the record; I loved making this film!!!!
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Matt Easton and Schola Gladiatoria / scholagladiatoria
Alexander Holloway and the New Zealand Stage and Screen Combat School nzstageandscreencombatschool.com

[@scholagladiatoria]

This was such a fun day. I would totally do this again! In fact I kind of want to start stage combat now....

[@PalleRasmussen]

Find Valhalla. Nicest of guys and beside competitive reenactment they also do showfights.

[@chrisfields8077]

We do a lot of these exercises working with stage/film and actual martial artists and seeing how the actual moves can be translated for stage and screen

[@danielflynn9141]

This was a lot of fun to watch! May I just say, thanks for humoring a strategy of running away. Why you would stand and fight an obviously experienced fighter with a sabre while armed with a stick is beyond me. We certainly don't see our heroes run away in films like that, even if it's the intelligent thing to do. I really enjoy thought experiments like this, and given that both of you have different concerns, it was really entertaining to watch you collaborate. Tod was an excellent moderator as well, even if he was taking the piss a few times, which was also entertaining.

[@Riceball01]

Matt, you need to do more of these sorts of colabs. Maybe do a few videos with jhll Beariup since she has a stage combat background and lives closeish to you.

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

Do it, mate! HEMA needs more representation on stage & screen, get rid of all the stupideotypes!

[@d33b33]

I'd very much like to see Matt and Mr Holloway rate sword fighting movie scenes together.

[@tods_workshop]

Dead cert format

[@NZSTUNTS]

So much fun! Thanks for having me team!

[@tods_workshop]

Alexander, not at all. I thought you came across really well and the whole session was an absolute pleasure and you clearly know what you are unto and teach it really well - that was a lucky accidental meeting we had!

[@NZSTUNTS]

@@tods_workshop sure was ! And thanks again ! Let’s do more :)

[@jonathangibson9098]

@@NZSTUNTS subscribed!

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

8:29 A very much underrated method of ending a confrontation.

[@foolwise4703]

"So you can react to this blow please" - "oh no just with the face!"

[@sealpiercing8476]

The rapid fire three perspectives interleaving on a film fight at the end was utterly hilarious. Felt a bit like improv comedy, the way each of you were both on the same wavelength as the other two and also trying to manage another piece of a wildly divergent perspective.

[@tods_workshop]

Oh not deliberately diverging; I guess we just have different agendas or viewpoints, but I guess that is good?

[@sealpiercing8476]

@@tods_workshop Yes, very. You had a shared understanding but also kept up three parallel pretenses related to your different hats. I wouldn't have picked you out for the director's hat but so it happened :P

[@Sigilstone17]

"Antique sword dealer" brings to mind the image of a guy behind a convenience store in a trenchcoat lined with swords opening it and saying "hey, kid, wanna buy some antique swords? Can make you king of England, got Excalibur right here."

[@shawnwolf5961]

Nah, I think of Duncan McLeod instead.

[@p11357]

Strange women, lying in ponds, distributing swords is no basis for a system of government!

[@njones420]

@@p11357 You can't expect to wield supreme power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you!

[@Lexinoz]

3 Goblins in a trenchcoat.

[@zethron1173]

That is very interesting. I've always been huge into HEMA and can understand why it can be frustrating to see missed opportunities or excessive spinning in movies. But after hearing what Alexander had to say about it, it makes alit of sense. I've watched many tournaments and sometimes all of the judges can't make out what happened in an exchange. Great job directing and showing both sides, Todd.

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks and glad you enjoyed it

[@dianapennepacker6854]

Yeah two very different arts and interesting. Tne problem with HEMA IMO is that it is just tag with swords. Meaning no power is required to score. Really hope there is a time where weapons have sensors that dictate how much force was given and there is a point system. That would be great IMO. A lot of techniques would cut someone but by no means would stop a fight or even wound and incapacitate.

[@zethron1173]

@@dianapennepacker6854 I can see where you're coming from. HEMA is based on unarmored combat and a zwerchau to the head is actually a fight ending cut if executed properly.

[@dianapennepacker6854]

@@zethron1173 Yeah it would be a nasty blow for sure and seen some that were eh to whoa. I just sure as hell wouldn't want to be knicked by one with a sharp sword. It is surprising though how much trauma the human body can take and keep going. Especially with adrenaline. I see some moves in HEMA and I'm like I don't even know if that would cut through padding but apparently his tendons are sliced clean and without hand! Or just a poke. But it is for fun though so get it. Wish I knew HEMA was a thing like 20 years ago.

[@stalkingtiger777]

I could've watched that for another 2 hours! That was really entertaining and educational at the same time. Can't wait for three blokes bantering on Hollywood blockbusters!

[@LangstonDev]

It was super cool to see Matt have to work around years of fight training and muscle memory and instinct in order to "sell" to the camera.

[@tods_workshop]

I enjoyed that and I thought he did it very well

[@LangstonDev]

@@tods_workshop Agreed!

[@athousandhats]

Really enjoyed how clear the contrast was between efficient HEMA fighting versus stage/movie fighting displayed in the way Matt and Alexander both approached things. Loved the pommel strike moment. Matt's go straight to the face, choreographer is 'not in the face!'. Great content Tod. There may be something in looking at the differences in movie prop weapon/armour design versus actual weapon/armour design too and reasons for each. Suspect very real difference in terms of embellishment and 'rule of cool' in movies versus efficient killing device.

[@Jakman01]

This was an exceptional film. Fun, educational, entertaining and enlightening. I love this kind of content!

[@Cleanpea]

I mean, it is something one has to take for granted when learning swordsmanship, but it hit me clearer than before, in this setting: How ridiculously efficient and effortlessly Matt murders that poor stuntman😮

[@shawnwolf5961]

I mean, a lot of that has to do with the choreographer's mindset though. He's not out to kill, he's out to get great shots for a camera, to get great reactions and that sort of thing. Matt, from the HEMA perspective, is trying to defend himself as efficiently as possible. It would be interesting to see what the choreographer would do or want to do were he thinking from a HEMA perspective instead.

[@Cleanpea]

@@shawnwolf5961 oh, for sure; every single moment of this video was 'out of context.' I got the insight of just how effortlessly Matt launched a deadly move against the poor man - unless blocked or evaded - his full poise directing energy from toes to hips, spine and to the percussive point of the sword. Surely, it was staged, but it was still a little chilling to see just how quick and matter-of-factly that swing could have connected. Whether he was 'out to kill' means nothing in this context, hehe, he was quick, precise and explosive. Scary:)

[@tods_workshop]

I must agree actually. Matt is just a nice chatty guy and then he moves.....

[@akashahuja2346]

@@Cleanpea I have sparred twice against Matt and he is lightning quick, strong and pretty merciless. If you get past his blade then he is as likely to go to the grapple and put you down to the floor. And he didn't twirl for me!

[@Cleanpea]

@@akashahuja2346 no twirls? Surely, he must respect you enough, then 🤪

[@dadratsforge]

That was a fun video to watch. All three of you appear to have enjoyed the experience and I, just like you Tod, was smiling the whole time. Thank you all.

[@garethh6962]

Very educational the young fellow was very talented and knowledgeable and you could tell Matt was intrigued.

[@tods_workshop]

I only really met Alexander that morning and I thought he would be fun on camera and he certainly came through. A great guy, nice company and very knowledgeable with an easy way of explaining

[@garethh6962]

@@tods_workshop it was excellent you've got some great minds on sice you've started.

[@polymathart]

Windlass Steelcrafts used to sell something called the Dresden Rapier which had a dagger that could be inserted into the rapier grip. The added length of the rapier grip + dagger grip pretty much turned it into a two handed rapier, perhaps even a pseudo Estoc. That sword is out of production but I would love to see if it could be recreated.

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

So the dagger was like a pommel you could unscrew and throw?

[@diegomangueira]

@@moreparrotsmoredereks2275 Only if he wanted to end him rightly, of course.

[@Zurrech]

That smirk on Matts face when Todd used "Matts" word context at 4:17

[@scholagladiatoria]

I wondered if someone would notice ;-)

[@tods_workshop]

Did I? To be fair though, I did name check Matt recently in a video by saying "That was totally Matt Easton" about something or other

[@windsgrace688]

This was absolutely wonderful, had me smiling throughout.

[@Sk0lzky]

I didn't know you could just leave New Zealand like that. Hope your guest didn't have to duel the chief of airport security lmao Anyhow, really cool collab, I'd love to see Matt and Alexander choreograph a fight scene!

[@mduckernz]

Oh no, leaving is very straightforward, it's just returning that is a little inconvenient currently

[@PalleRasmussen]

This is basically what we reenactors do, when we are hired to make a showfight, instead of our normal competitive stuff. The stage fighting is fun, but the acting leading to the fight we suck at. We suck so much we make fun of ourselves while doing it

[@kajsan760]

I love hearing discussions between experts in fields that are similar but not exactly the same. The things they learn from each other when they see the same thing approached from a different angle.

[@peterheinrichs7634]

This was an incredible insight into stage combat! I had a lot of fun and learned a ton of it!

[@nicjansen230]

17:50 That moment of safety; not moving directly at your face, reminds me of something in robotics: I've worked on a robot for someone who wanted to learn more about human interaction with robots. At some point, it moved at the user to go and scan the table... But everyone would've flinched and nobody would've trusted the robot. So one of the best features of that robot was that it wouldn't move at you if it's that close Imagine the robot version of the pixar lamp. It'd look at the table it's about to scan. Then it'd move diagonally up and off-line in one direction, and then move up more in the other off-line direction, as if it's really inspecting it and getting a better look... because that's exactly what it's doing. But again, it's not moving at the person in front of it. We were only allowed to communicate with movements: no sounds, no lights, no facial expressions. So every single move we programmed was made with safety and communication in mind

[@markfergerson2145]

Body language is sufficiently difficult and nuanced as it is even without considering cultural differences (and I say that as an Aspie who had to teach himself to interpret body language without a tutor), but "teaching" it to robots must be a real PITA.

[@nicjansen230]

@@markfergerson2145 Imagine an Aspie teaching a robot to show body language :P I think it's a benefit in this case, since I've actively thought about all of my own body language before, I'm able to make the robot do the same. It's funny if you think about it, the team consisted of: 3 Aspergers, a typical beer-loving extrovert and a manager-type

[@markfergerson2145]

@@nicjansen230 Your team composition makes perfect sense to me. ;>) The only other possibly positive contributor I can think of would be a dance instructor- damn, finally a practical use for Interpretive Dance?

[@jonathan_60503]

One thing I'd be quite interested in Alexander's take on is small unit combat scenes on screen. I find it annoying to have a unit that we've been told are disciplined formation fighters (basically analog to hoplites or legions) that doesn't fight as one; and instead immediately scatters into a dozen or so individual melees. Is that a safety and choreography issue with formation screen combat? Why DO we never seem to see a squad try form up their shield wall and use their longer reach weapons (often spears) in concert against their enemy?

[@littlekong7685]

Simple, it is boring to watch a true formation action up close, and it is confusing to see from a distance as the camera can't get a "clean" line to the core actors. Plus shields and helmets are considered a holly wood taboo on screen (despite costuming being capable of making such great distinct outfits that are historical and unique!), because actors cost money and producers want to see as much of that money on screen as possible.

[@thomasbaagaard]

@@littlekong7685 Think the formation parts of 300 worked great on film. So it can be done..

[@littlekong7685]

@@thomasbaagaard Stylized formations look amazing on film, and unless you are going for short wall scenes (like vikings), dramatic buildups (Like braveheart), it is just not what hollywood producers want, therefore it isn't what directors get to show.

[@Sam-ey1nn]

Try watching The Last Kingdom. They show heavy use of shield walls in that show.

[@zethron1173]

I love the intro! LOL! Matt; "bang" "bang"

[@adambielen8996]

Absolutely fantastic. It does make me wonder if Mr. Holloway has ever talked a director out of putting in some silly move into a fight sequence.

[@shawnwolf5961]

omg this was one of the best things I have watched in a long time. Love to see the different mindsets coming from a HEMA perspective vs coming from a camera/drama perspective. So much fun I'd love to see all 3 of you do an entire series about ways to make screen swordfighting more realistic--and then trying various things out to see how that can be managed!

[@tods_workshop]

That would be interesting - thanks for suggesting

[@shawnwolf5961]

@@tods_workshop Ayye! I'm glad you like the suggestion! These colab videos are so fun to watch!

[@sagebauer1077]

Seconded! I've been wanting something like that forever!

[@theMindwalker]

Too bad they didn't have any fight choreographers on the new Star Wars films. Would have vastly improved them. Excellent video by the way. Fight choreography is definitely a rare skill. I do wish choreographers and swordsman did work together more. I think if more realism was mixed with the flashiness, you'd have the best fight scenes ever created. Thanks for sharing.

[@tods_workshop]

A pleasure

[@martinbonniciphotography]

This was super interesting re the cinematic aspect. That vital understanding of lenses and the various views V HEMA. Really enjoyed this, thanks and well done everyone.

[@b.calvinsaul1909]

I never realized that stage & screen swordplay was so collaborative, but perhaps that is just due to having two experts in the field working together. Thanks, Tod! This was informative, satisfying, and almost hedonistic for a combat enthusiast.

[@jackhelm9852]

This has been such a very cool and informative video. Well done! Already fan of Matt, will be looking for more from Alexander now too. Very fun. Thank you!!

[@frontierfaust]

I'm happy to see Matt is slowly morphing into Varg. An unexpected but welcome development.

[@cypherfunc]

Making Matt twirl in a fight was pretty evil, but he sold it as a natural recovery extremely well.

[@AnotherDuck]

I felt that's why he sold it well: because it could be used as a recovery.

[@ilanhaimeveldman1746]

שלום from Israel. Love you all and thanks for the video. Work together is good idea.

[@andreaskallis6960]

This was most excellent. Both really interesting and fun to watch

[@troyhanson8639]

This was so thoroughly entertaining, great job to all of you, even Tod's "spare part" was a fun contribution. Looking forward to more content from the channel, its just been getting better and better!

[@williampeck6881]

Todd et al: VERY informative, interesting, illuminating, and fun. Many thanks for this.

[@krystof5793]

What a great video. Really interesting to see the two perspectives on combat.

[@cmasey123]

Fabulous! So much fun to watch.

[@Sylcatam]

this was absolutely amazing and I love seeing matt on this channel because you guys talking it through in any topic just makes it so much easier to understand as "just a regular joe".

[@GuitarsRockForever]

If you think film sword fighting is just wwe of real sword fighting, then all make perfect sense. Looks super fun 👍👍👍

[@blackbadger4419]

This was super interesting and highly instructive, both with regard to why stage fights look the way they do, and with regard to the basics of HEMA sword fighting. Great video!

[@gozer87]

Really informative and cool to see how the cinematic fight has a language to tell a story.

[@ianrosie4431]

Thoroughly enjoyed that. BRAVO!

[@aussiebloke609]

36:37 At least Matt managed to avoid getting a kick in the bollocks. :-P

[@joec20]

That was really cool. Really enjoyed watching that 👍😊⚔️

[@frey7631]

This was awesome! Very entertaining collaboration!

[@repposhpress1633]

Great video, enjoyed the perspectives and everyone appears to be having tons of fun.

[@MrRodrigomarcola]

Fantastic video guys! very good idea indeed, well executed too!

[@Lizard1582]

fascinating. 14 minutes in I knew this is going down as one of my favorite swordfighting videos. All three of you are so well spoken and you did a great job at facilitating the dialogue.

[@tods_workshop]

Thank you and glad you enjoyed it

[@paavohirn3728]

Awesome! Really enjoyable watching you work it out.

[@jm9371]

Very very very very fun to watch. Two experts learning from each other. I enjoyed every part of this video.. great job, all of you!

[@TernaryHound]

Lots of fun to watch. Interesting idea to combine these disciplines. Thanks.

[@Silverhks]

This was absolutely brilliant guys! Thank you

[@extrasmack]

Watching that was way more fun than I would have thought. It was also very educational. Thanks Todd!

[@nixhound]

That was super interesting and fun to watch. Just a great video.

[@raulremesalvanmerode4458]

amazing video! Enjoyed this so much!!!

[@ericmitchell985]

Just wanted to say I had an absolute blast watching this. Fascinating from all ends.

[@niclastname]

This was super fun and interesting to watch!

[@cabbage0dusk]

More of this! Brilliant video idea 😄

[@wjhull]

I did NOT think this would be as fun as it was. Awesome stuff!

[@juz4kix]

This made me laugh with joy. It looked like so much fun.

[@exharkhun5605]

I had so much fun watching this. Alexander is great, you all are. Thank you.

[@MartinAhlman]

This was so much fun! And it looked like everyone was having fun. I want to see this movie completed!!! My coif is off to all three of you.

[@snubbles9991]

I really enjoyed this video, love how they got into it.

[@RyzawaVT]

This is a very powerful video sprinkled in with some wonderful banter, quite fascinating seeing the two worlds collide under the same passion! Looking forward to Matt's future acting career and I reckon Alexander has some extra moves to orchestrate with future projects.

[@vivianevans8323]

Now that was utter fun to watch! Thank you, Tod, Matt and Alexander - and a Merry Christmas to you all!

[@tods_workshop]

And right back at ya. Glad you enjoyed it

[@HereticalKitsune]

Super fascinating video, all the things you have to keep in mind for camera work, and for real fighting.

[@graemegourley7616]

Fun and interesting to watch. I like the dual input from both. I'd like to see more like this. Maybe taking moves from historical manuscripts and adding the theatrical perspective.

[@Tullio238]

Tremendous fun, really brightened up the end of an irritating day

[@naturesfinest2408]

I enjoyed this. I hope there are more of these.

[@jacobklunder8552]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! this video

[@Huntsmanlance]

Tod i hope you and your family have a great Christmas. Thank you for so many wonderful videos!

[@tods_workshop]

Thanks - and you too Lance and for that matter the rest of you all too

[@asmodon]

This is so much fun to watch.

[@JakobKaiserCreative]

This was extremely interesting to watch! Thanks for sharing, chaps!

[@tods_workshop]

Glad you enjoyed it, and we really did too

[@thedamnyankee1]

These collaborations are really good. keep them up!

[@TheManyManyMore]

This is unique content and I love it. Thank you for giving us a glipse into this fascinating world!

[@tods_workshop]

A pleasure

[@ojb48o]

Wow, love this content and would watch a whole lot more, thanks!

[@handsofrhythm3415]

This was fantastic. Thank you.

[@the_westonyoung]

Love this video so much. As an actor, stage fighter, choreographer, sword and historical enthusiast/student I loved this discussion.

[@drahcir8402]

I really liked this one. The similarities and differences on the types of sword fight were quite interesting.

[@pendragnx]

That was so fascinating! thanks for sharing, Tod!

[@markusmencke8059]

Looks like you three had a lot of fun. 😄

[@tods_workshop]

It was!

[@Bentheriault1]

ok that was really cool. Tod, you're video are really great

[@AlexanderCornel]

This was so much fun to watch 👍

[@ARMYOFONE1999]

The lighting is studio perfect. Well done!

[@sw33n3yto00]

Awesome video, with the differing perspectives and techniques comparing HEMA and stage combat. Would love to see this with differing weapon combinations.

[@zoidbergfluffybutt4991]

Fun to watch! Thanks!

[@Sangth123]

This is an awesome video, I learned a lot from either side of fighting having a conversation about how it's done. Somebody put Matt in a movie as a fighter!

[@kranjcalan]

Very good video, thanks Tod

[@user-he6nj1zv9f]

Great video Tod, I loved it.

[@chrismiksworld]

How Cool was this. Can't wait for LOTR Show Gonna pay Close special attention to the Fight scenes knowing Alexander choreographed them

[@CraigLYoung]

Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas 🎅

[@RuthOakenshield]

This was incredibly fun to learn how movie and theater fight scenes are choreographed!!!! It was fun to learn the differences between the two and with real life fighting!!! SO cool!!!! 😁😁😁😁😁

[@medea27]

That was brilliant! I could easily have watched another hour of that.... I'm an avid watcher of 'behind the scenes' footage & love understanding how choreographers & cinematographers 'sell' fights & stunts, so this was gold. Thanks all for an awesome video 👍

[@tods_workshop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@elementzero3379]

That was a lot of fun to watch, guys. I feel like I have a new appreciation for fight choreography. Rather than getting restless and waiting for the film combat to end, I'll now try to better appreciate the performance. I'll imagine Alexander narrating a walk-through of the battle. 😉 Edit: Oh, man. I'll be truly prepared for the above after watching your next vid with the "Medieval Mystery Theatre" crew. 😄 Can't wait.

[@tods_workshop]

I must say, I have been around choreographed fights, but I have never sat through the process of designing the fight and I loved it

[@Krommer1000]

What an unexpected and fun discussion this was. Great video.

[@yumazster]

That was great. And informative!

[@starrcitizenalpha7847]

Ƿes þu hal! Absolutely brilliant, lads! This channel keeps going from strength to strength! Oh, and merry Christmas from Australia all! Be well.

[@terrencebeers7105]

This was a great! Really enjoyed hearing both views, what the camera needs versus what reality would be. Interesting! Thanks