Sword fighting can be dangerous and requires skill, concentration, and
years of training to execute well enough to spar or fight an
opponent. Many viewers have little to no experience watching this
ancient and exhilarating sport. If you are going to a tournament or show,
it is helpful to know what to look for. The basic areas to watch in
each swordsman are perception, distance, timing, and technique.
How
well the fighters know their surroundings and judge their opponent
makes a difference in the outcome of the fight. Things like lights in
the eyes and obstacles in the room can cause errors, or can be used
against someone. By knowing the lights are there, one fighter avoids
being blinded by them and, with skill, might choose to manipulate the
other so that they temporarily lose their site. In order to take
advantage of the surroundings, they must stay balanced and react
quickly. The fighters must also remain attentive, but relaxed.
The
art and sport of sword fighting consists of a series of attack moves
and defense moves. Attacks can be done by thrusting the sword and
making contact with the opponent's sword or by striking the opponent.
Strikes can be in one of four quadrants, high outside, high inside,
low outside, and low inside. A savvy swordsman will also utilize a
feint, or fake a move to get their opponent to react and leave
themselves open. Defensive moves include blocks and parries. To block
is to stop a blow. To parry is to divert it. Whether a fighter
chooses to be defensive or offensive, it is most important to
maintain control.
Control
of the fight can be easily reversed during a bind, which is when the
two swords come together. There is a weak end of the blade (the tip)
and a strong end (the part near the handle). The reason for the
titles is due to basic leverage. If you your arm parallel to the
flloor and someone presses your fingers, you will have a difficult
time maintaining control. If, on the other hand, they press your
upper arm, you can likely keep from dipping your arm. If a fighter
goes on the offensive, attempts a strike, but is blocked and the weak
end of his sword is in a bind with the strong end of his opponent's,
he just lost control and can be overthrown.
By
learning even a little bit about the highly-involved and interesting
sport of sword fighting, you can get more enjoyment out of watching
two specialized athletes perform their craft.
If
you would like to learn more about sword fighting in the Dallas area,
visit Medieval Times.
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