The Sword & the Serpent 1: Blade Binds

[@swordandshield]

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[@VTPSTTU]

I love the sound of the blades as they run over one another.

[@swordandshield]

In this video I demonstrate the application of the so-called snake motion in swordsmanship. This movement is a recurring motion pattern, and familiarity with it will deepen your understanding of both body mechanics, as well as blade binding and sensing (fühlen). The second part will deal with shield binds. Patrons can already watch part 2 here: www.patreon.com/posts/16080897

[@colemcmullen3904]

This action is used frequently in Taijiquan, Taiji sword, and Wudang sword. It's cool to see someone exploring it in WMA. Great video!

[@luizuhtred3116]

I'm very excited to see the center grip shild in the next video! (Love this video!)

[@stephend50]

Like push-hands in tai chi

[@secutorprimus]

Recently I've become really interested in Messer combat, so this video came out at the perfect time.

[@bookshistoryandHEMA]

Interesting ... Thank you for uploading

[@coronal2207]

Very good, very good

[@jimwalkerarchery]

There's an epiphany in this somewhere. Nicely demonstrated.

[@medieverse]

So very interesting indeed

[@idontcareaboutthis9041]

Great stuff, mate!

[@WilliamKeloren]

This is actually practised in our club for very very long time. But the truth is still simplier. All the art and science should aim for most accurate yet least complex explanation as that is where truth lies. And for now mine is: proper movement from the body core\center and tip leads. If one understands muscle chains, that is all that he needs to know. No matter if it is learning how to step, bind or strike. All comes down to this. Move properly using as many chains as you are capable off with tip leading (can be fingertips, edge of shield, tip of the sword or whatever) and just react to pressure, do not create it, unless it is the last movement that will conclude the fight (like in grapling etc). Now learning how to learn & teach the proper movements, that is tricky, how to get back mobility and stability of your body muscles is very individual. For some these illustrations work (snake one) for other the oriental concept of ki distribution work as image.... but for some others the need to strart by doing some actual medical\physiotherapy\core-sport training or something along those lines as they simply want to understand and not just believe.

[@WilliamKeloren]

Reason why this old video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYWmmaVunK2GZ7c is in my opinion inferior to this one, is that on the old one you try to separate each part of the chain. You move each "ring" separately and hence you lack in control of the movement and loose power as well. You create stiff imobile regions. Chain doesn't move like that, you can start with top ring, but others will move in conjunction, all of them some more some less creating fluent motion. The more you move or more forcefully than the rings further from the top will move more. But they will always move. Even if just a little. It's still working accordingly to concept of tempo and true times, but far more effectively.

[@cloudcleaver23]

Regarding the blade grab shown early in the video: assuming you lack gloves, would it be appropriate to counter that just by slightly thrusting the sword back and forth to cut your palm open?

[@swordandshield]

Yes, but this action requires a tempo of its own. So the trick is to only grab an immobile blade, e.g. when a blade bind occurs. Once the blade has been seized firmly, it is hardly possible to pull it free. Note also that this is an actual historical technique seen in various combat treatises.

[@cloudcleaver23]

Thanks! I must not have understood the immediacy of the grab. Sounds like it's not something you'd be able to react to.

[@Josh-rs6bj]

Wie ist der Name der Saga, die du bei 4:55 ansprichst?

[@swordandshield]

Þiðreks saga en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Ei%C3%B0reks_saga