Thread: Historical Fencing Prizefight

I've been studying George Silver's "True Fight" system (1599) of self-defence.


He wrote two books- Paradoxes of Defence (1599) and Brief Instructions upon my Paradoxes of Defence (1604)
Both are available here if you're interested:
George Silver ~ Wiktenauer ~

Last weekend I had to fight six bouts against higher ranked students or instructors to be recognised at Scholar level in the Stoccata School of Defence organisation.
Stoccata School of Defence

It's not likely you'd be attacked by someone with a sword in this day and age- but we train as if you might be. We study the historic manuals as martial arts- not as re-enactment. Gear worn is for protection only- not to look like the period the system is from.

That's me on the left.


And, now on the right:


The bouts were recorded and the playlist is below.
At my current level, they were looking at competence, confidence and safety.
The bouts weren't scored i.e. no winner and loser, but were rather a demonstration of ability.

I passed- which was very satisfying.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5BkarQ_4do&list=PL0nG4gLLN9o9O23eWZGKImFU l7UgqoaBw&index=1[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY_Xlx0QfZc[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xivseEHTEq4[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uT18Qi_8VQ[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Faon35A6j-Y[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F78FtTMHpfw[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKzTAduZvk4[/ame]

It is a lot of fun and the study is good activity.
As the man wrote:

"the exercising of weapons puts away aches, griefs, and diseases, it increases strength, and sharpens the wits. It gives a perfect judgement, it expels melancholy, choleric and evil conceits, it keeps a man in breath, perfect health, and long life. It is unto him that has the perfection thereof, a most friendly and comfortable companion when he is alone, having but only his weapon about him. It puts him out of fear, & in the wars and places of most danger, it makes him bold, hardy and valiant." George Silver 1599

Now, that's a sales pitch!

I have a niece living in Houston who was, for several years, president of the University of Texas Fencing club. Apparently she keeps a sabre under her bed!

John