When Offense is the Best Defense (Longsword)

[@devilsmessanger]

sparring with your wife is dream only few get to have irl .

[@tobediv]

I spar with my wife everytime I come home from work to a cold plate of chicken or warm beer on the counter, however its not really a balanced spar because i usually pick her up and drop her through the living room table. Bought 5 of those fucking things by now,thank god for ikea and the police trusting me when i say “she got drunk and fell” and none of this is usable in court because she lost the ability to read the third time she fell through the table.

[@degiguess]

@@tobediv cool thanks

[@2010AZ]

@@tobediv Rookie mistake, she should've parried

[@lunarkomet]

If you have a trans wife it might be pretty common

[@theaureliasys6362]

Iirc the correct word is spouse. At least last I remember

[@WhisperingAila]

I love that, like with most combat, each interaction is sort of a quick series of decisions, like playing chess. Not only is adaptability rewarded, but also knowing the conventional techniques so well that you can find ways to be unconventional to throw people off. also, Longswords are so cool

[@Luke_Danger]

Can we all just take to appreciate the sheer amount of trust that Devan has for Skall in these demos, letting him thrust and slash at them without even safety goggles? Also, great demonstration of techniques, Skall! This is exactly the kind of quick resource perfect for writers.

[@theaureliasys6362]

Haven't seen Cara in ages. Just happy for the two of them.

[@EmpressSock]

I think they go by a different name now... at least my memory says that

[@victorro8760]

She must have some serious balls doing that with steel blades and no hand protection.

[@olive6942]

They're name is Devan I am pretty sure actually

[@Efreeti]

@@olive6942 Quite sure you are correct, Devan is non-binary :)

[@dorkatarmsetcetera9468]

Excellent video Skall. For anyone curious, the Lichtenauer tradition at the time of Meyer would use the term "absetzen" for displacing with a thrust. Though not shown here, you can also absetzen against a low line cut (unterhau) or horizontal cut (mittlehau), but your riposte would have to wind down against the blade a bit more. The idea of counterattacking or winding as your opponent moves, the Inthereof or Insofar (Indes), is often called the heart and the key to all fencing, at least in Meyer and Ringeck (can't remember if that's how you spell the name off the top of my head). It's a fun thing. The la verdadera destreza equivalent would be appropiato, literally the appropriate time and space in which to move is during the motion of the opponent.

[@rakatika]

Skal is such a well rounded swordsman imo. He cuts with live blades, reviews various weapons, studies technique history and the manuscripts, competes, and spars. Other sword channels i watch gloss over many of these practices or seem too proud to put in this level of work

[@owenschmowen5313]

This is so right, he's a man who's really all about his craft. Very dedicated and has fun with it, love to see it been watching skal for years.

[@allandill2033]

He'll finish you rightly

[@fredfredburger5150]

He also appeals to the vtuber demographic.

[@Rodclutcher]

He may not look it but this dude is a pro

[@Rex-golf_player810]

​@@fredfredburger5150wait what

[@TheFrozenMonkeyKing]

It may not be the popular shorts format, but it's absolutely a great one! Both as a HEMA practitioner and animator, this is gold!

[@Mr.Spade1]

And that is why the longsword is my favourite weapon

[@Hercules1-v9m]

I see that Astra Militarum symbol. The Emperor Protects.

[@pedrokantor7972]

isn't that Zelda?

[@NenMagem9106]

​@@pedrokantor7972yep, it's the Hylian Crest, the symbol of Hyrule's royal family

[@SuperFizzah]

Ye, the Astra Militarum has a skull between the wings. The jacket has the Hylian symbol, from what I can see

[@Googledeservestodie]

Firstly) it's the Hylian Crest from Zelda Secondly) *one day the crude biomass you call a temple will wither*

[@st.haborym]

Videogames taught me this lesson. Enemy can't attack you if you never give them the chance. Especially if you just oneshot them before they even have a chance to react.

[@gloving4hire]

Irl we have this thing called stamina and patterns

[@st.haborym]

@@gloving4hire If you were just a tiny bit smarter you'd know that videogames have those too. Next time try using your brain instead of your mouth. Also if you weren't such a complete fucking retard, you'd already know that you can scale this up to fights bigger than 1v1 duels where things like individual stamina and patterns don't really matter if you can overwhelm the enemy with superior numbers shit for brains. Protip: when you try to be a smartass to someone infinitely smarter than you will ever be, you've already shot yourself in the foot before you even open your big stupid mouth. The internet would be a far better place if immature troll dumb*sses like you weren't allowed on it. Pretty ironic that your name is math when you completely fail to understand it.

[@lorruc6490]

Simple yet amazing video, thank you!

[@ericpetersen230]

Love this type of content Skal! I know it takes more work than some of your discussion content but I tend to find it much more engaging. Length was perfect too!

[@the_senate8050]

This reminds me of parrying in a 2-time smallsword system like Angelo vs. the German approach of just stepping in and stabbing them in the face single time as you parry.

[@jaketheasianguy3307]

Disclaimer: single tempo counter attacks stopped working properly when both trained fencers who used the same system try to use them at the same time. In fact, that's the no.1 reason why double/mutual kill happened

[@youremakingprogress144]

This is a very well-presented demonstration - clear, concise, with well-shot demonstrations of the physical motions. Hats off! I would like to see Cara demonstrating the winning technique sometimes, but I understand that she prooooobably doesn't practice HEMA quite as often as Skall. Edit: I've heard in other comments on this video that Skall's spouse might be going by a different name and pronouns now. If this is true/if they or Skall confirm, I meant no offense by using the wrong name and pronouns, and I'll edit the original comment ASAP.

[@bakionigeri6414]

YES! love when they break out the live demo of techniques!

[@titanscerw]

Great to see you two work together like that. Beautiful pair of fencers! HEMA ftw! +][+

[@valandil7454]

This applies to all kinds of armed and unarmed techniques, you follow a small movement like a block or parry with a larger movement in the same motion like a grapple, strike, countercut or thrust. That's why most kata (I chose a Japanese martial art) are a series of movements that can best be strung together, my instructor always encouraged me to finish a movement even if my opponent's disarmed or incapacitated, just like mixing footwork with bladework it's better to be sure as possible of your safety. As always Skall these are good examples of proper instruction 🙂

[@Archangel144]

There's something precious about how careful you are with her. Or maybe you learned your lesson once already :D

[@Tybrarian]

I definitely don't mind the shorter videos.

[@brandonogden3498]

The more HEMA instruction I see, the sillier cinematic swordfights lasting longer than 30 seconds appear. Like - one correct counter can be enough to just *end the fight*, there's no shot this thing drags on for 5 minutes of hopping, spinning and twirling.

[@warpdriveby]

Sense of range and controlling it seems to me to be the thing most people in the class I just joined ignore or struggle with. I hung a washer on a string from the tip of my practice sword and let it drag on sand to get an idea of the space I need to "feel" and use. It might sound silly, but it helped me tons.

[@Alexey_Selivanov]

That's essentially what Charles Radclyffe recommended as a main form of parry in the early 19th century for cavalry clashes (where any sort of fencing is usually very brief due to high relative velocities of the fencers). Of course, his advice was intended mostly for backswords, not for longswords, but the idea is quite close.

[@Rhin0beak]

1:39 that “schwing” sounds beautiful

[@michaeldrinkard678]

Very good video! Demonstration and explanations together makes it easier to see what you're talking about. Keep up the great work!

[@colinflanigan9153]

Love the fighting technique break downs

[@cynicalpsycho5574]

I know i say it in a lot of vids Skal but well done on the weight! You two look great!

[@jarongreen5480]

Great video! I'm starting up a HEMA club this june so this will be great stuff to talk about. Thank you!

[@iantheduellist]

I really like these more martial videos with conventional weapons. I like all that stuff with Batleths and sickles, but I really wanted to see these more conventional weapons.

[@djplays8056]

I started doing Olympic fencing a few years ago and while i am no means an expert its quite interesting how a couple of the techniques shown in your video are really similar to ones I've been taught for the same reason. been watching your videos for about 2 years now and I have to thank you for getting me into historical weapons and armor collecting more than I have ever been before.

[@s_crylly7751]

The content I miss. Your dives into history (and the examples that relate to HEMA specifically), misconceptions about the past, and the instructional videos for historical combat are the best, imo.

[@leonreaper90]

Its lovely seeing Cara again.

[@manuelmineau1512]

Love to see an old ensifer stiil in use!

[@Fish-ub3wn]

thanks! sensei failed to explain why i do this technique. now i like it.

[@sunnmringenriksheim7812]

I liked this type of video. Hope we will see more of this.

[@LuxisAlukard]

This is great video! I really appreciate that 1:50 "back side view", because we can see Cara's... interest in Zelda games =)

[@spoutnik7703]

that was a cool lil video, hope you will make more of this kind in the future. luv

[@procow2274]

Feel like your fingies would get whacked with that last one

[@arianfetrat4412]

Ooohhh caught this as it uploaded nice

[@Apperceptive_Swordsman]

easily digestible video for a simple yet sound technique. i like

[@Treisiess]

Its good see Kara is still with channel. I wondered for the longest time where she was.

[@tresenie]

Right Kara the rat, it's been so long i forgot her name.

[@JagGentlemann]

This will come in handy for the next crusade.

[@frankharr9466]

All right. That makes sense. Thank you.

[@michaelsmith953]

Just need a longer sword than your opponent and respond to every thrust with a thrust

[@TrueMentorGuidingMoonlight]

sounds like the perfect time to own an estoc

[@lscibor]

Somebody most probably had this exact idea and thus the rapier was born, and then those 5 feet long rapiers were born.

[@Vlad_Tepes_III]

Honoured Masters, may I present: The Pike!

[@allandill2033]

Maybe if we get a long stick and pick a blade on the end of that

[@chengkuoklee5734]

All you need is a dagger/sword with very long hilt.

[@Proctor_Conley]

Skull looking good, as always!

[@Jenjak]

Always point with the sticky end !...

[@BMO_Creative]

Aggressive Parry Video!!! Hurray!

[@baoxidiaoyu]

Stop-thrust, destreza, or indirect disengage... So many delicious options. Or a pasata soto if you really trust your aim

[@matteobetti8559]

Love this kind of videos

[@ridgemannikko1045]

Love the short video!

[@kamilborzych6615]

That movie sounds like pairing someone swords was about to take place during shopping in mall. Mind not to die next time when someone with longsword will approach you.

[@afroteddybear]

I see Devan, I click. They are like the Al to Skall's Tim Yes, I'm not above making dated 90's TV show references!

[@ravendedanaan3425]

I'm a kendoka, and these techniques are apparently universal. 8) Thank you Skallagrim for another wonderfully entertaining, and affirming video. I'm a huge fan.

[@dlmiller7873]

Good stuff, guys. Thanks.

[@ryanlang1548]

I would watch a bunch of these🤷👊🤘

[@alpha4IV]

I miss these vids

[@Raxacoricofallapatorius]

"The strongest defence is a swift and decisive offence" *- Obi-Wan Kenobi*

[@Leftyotism]

Great demonstration you two!

[@ЯрославФилоненко-ы6ю]

Well, that was certainly short and… to the point

[@misterkirikou]

When defense is the best offense next ?

[@Eckister]

1:34 was gonna say that as an option. problem there is, that you are opening up your entire lower part of the body, so it becomes a matter of who can react faster, but that's pretty much swordsmanship in a nutshell, innit.

[@williambaldwin6779]

Bro has the death Vader gauntlets, those look sick as hell

[@weonconpatasbreadcake6494]

now that's efficiency right there

[@trailerism]

Nice to see Cara in a video

[@rbranham8062]

1:10 application of the Scheitelhaw

[@MartinGreywolf]

One very important caveat to thrust vs thrust - if your opponent is throwing an imbrocata (thrust that turns over at the end, contacts with the short edge and curves behind your sword) at you, it doesn't quite work out, because he can reach you behind your sword. This can be bad for him and cause a double, but it also kills you, which is hardly ideal. I suspect that this is why you see thrust defenses with wider angles in treatises: Fiore shows you how to break a thrust, Lichtenauer uses Krumphau against thrusts from Ochs and later sources (Bolognese, Thibault) have explicit instructions on what to do against imbrocatas starting from the motions of what you would do against a thrust. Theoretically, you can also defend imbrocatas with impeccable distance management, they are inherently shorter in reach than straight thrusts, bu that is often a tall order.

[@shawnwolf5961]

LOVE videos like this! Any chance to see you demonstrate these at full speed in sparring gear?

[@ulfhedtyrsson]

.

[@ByCharlie99]

you got them darth vader gloves

[@martinsmith9054]

A friend who did ninjitsu showed me similar concepts. It seemed to be attack for defence, if it doesn't work you're probably dead anyway.

[@oniwrath]

Super smooth in that first part. It would be interesting to see a cinematic star wars using more subtle lightsaber movements like this. Instead of baseball swings. ☠🧙‍♂

[@calvinosaurus4514]

if you counter thrust and the opponent changes through as shown in the first example you end up with a double. Sometimes to avoid a double you have to parry multiple times first so that you can read your opponent and find a safe window to counter.

[@Alex-tn7pv]

Man, I wish I knew this 1000 years ago. Oh well... live and learn I guess.

[@tiahansere53]

The level of trust🎉

[@lsynno]

Excellent and very interesting.

[@animalmother9970]

I actually got a notification for one of your vids for the first time in eons lol

[@bakionigeri6414]

Yep! Got the notification this time

[@notmyname3671]

Great info Skallagrim and great video as usual.

[@84NZ41]

what a gentle savage he is 😆

[@kwestionariusz1]

Oh helish quart new characters😂

[@larrylawnchair5570]

It is called "indes" by Lichtenauer. Wich means "while" in english. Lichtenauer says always try to preempt your opponent, if you can't or got parryied, try to work "indes" by not just parrying or displacing the opponents sword but also try to reach a opening while doing so. So he wants you to always try to keep the ascendancy and not just parry. Saying so is easy, doing so requires a lot of training ;)

[@justguy-4630]

A good offense is the best defense is a football thing(iirc), isn't it? Never meant for actual combat or war strategy. Edit: I did some research and apparently it's from George Washington and Sun Tzu. “…make them believe, that offensive operations, often times, is the surest, if not the only (in some cases) means of defense” - George Washington “Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack” - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

[@titanscerw]

Also Clausewitz ...

[@justguy-4630]

@@titanscerw On my other comment. I made 2.

[@titanscerw]

@@justguy-4630 Sir, you are a man of culture. :)

[@90lancaster]

This maybe a rather silly suggestion but it crossed my mind while watching this that collapsing prop swords or those extending lightsabers might work (a bit) for demonstrating the follow through as the blade collapsing would demonstrate the thrust hit (not cuts though) as he's having to stop for safety reasons so the follow through is more implied than shown. Perhaps an animation of some kind would help too.

[@ChadKakashi]

Mrs. Cara, welcome back. We missed you.

[@taifu13781]

Dude her hoodie is dope! I need to get me one

[@oeric9344]

Always be threatening

[@Sukenus]

I can't get over the Untertaker vibes you have with this beard and haircut :D

[@jaredrobinson7071]

I really liked this video

[@rolandthorne79]

She went full viking!

[@SuperFizzah]

In response to your "here's two ways, there's probably more" piece... Aren't these techniques just slight variations on Fechtmeister Joachim Meyer's "Master Cuts"? I can never remember the actual names of each different one, but your first example looks like a Scheitelhau (crown strike?) And the second seems to be a Schielhau thrown from the hip instead of a higher guard? Regardless, I really enjoy "light spar/technical demonstration" videos from you and your wife! I hope we get more!!

[@mr_rhetorical]

You were demonstrating a zwerchhauw/thwart but the reason it works is the exact same for any of the other meisterhauw.

[@RicardoMoralesMassin]

Unless you have a Katana, in which case you slice through the opponent's blade and the opponent themselves. It just takes a few seconds for the cut to be visible and the two halves to slide apart slooowly

[@dennit1221]

Dont forget to to do the usual anime scream while doing so!

[@brianbarber9218]

Be sure to just stand confidently after the move, not even looking back at your opponent. If you look back they might survive!

[@sinisterswordsman25]

Lol 2010 called it wants its katana shit talk for no reason back 😂 (don't forget the flicking the blood off and sheathing really slowly at first then really fast, of course making sure to time it perfectly so the blood fountain erupts exactly 1 second after the *click* part)

[@davidfernandeztirado3515]

LOVE the Zelda hoddie coat or jersey i dont know

[@PanVladyslav]

legendary. I wanna learn in your school

[@PSPMHaestros]

That's a nice looking garage door

[@Duckrabbit_Forging]

When defense is the best offense (hedgehog)

[@abubakr_12]

Skall looks like bearded prince farquaad lol

[@Raspredval1337]

ngl those moves look very smooth! Why won't game developers just hire some HEMA practitioners to do the movement capture for their games?

[@sinisterswordsman25]

Am I the onlyqe one who noticed skall finally moved into his new house? (unless I'm just reading to much into the mystery garage door.) Congrats skally my boy 🎉🤘

[@TheJediRyguy]

Hey Skall! Not quite directly related tennis video, but I thought I would drop this here. I live very close to NYC, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The reason I tell you this is because the Metropolitan Museum of Art has a medieval arms and armor exhibit, that contains both eastern and western arms and armor. I don't know if you've ever been to New York City, or have ever seen the exhibit, but I go quite often and was wondering if I can send you pictures of anything in particular next time I go. You used to be able to look at their collection online, which I'm sure you can still do. Take a look and let me know

[@Malacite]

dat Skyward Sword jacket though :)

[@cybernetic_crocodile8462]

And some poeple say, that realistic combat looks boring and underwhelming. Stuff like you showed in this and many other videos look awesome, because you really can tell this is meant to be effective.

[@jaykerzp3643]

The best defense is offense. The best deefense is deez nuts.