Sword and Shield

For centuries, unarmored combat with the sword and a small shield, or buckler, was one of the most wide spread martial arts of medieval and Renaissance Europe.

Based on medieval treatises and years of martial arts practice, Roland Warzecha and Tobias Wenzel offer an introduction to this fascinating fighting art. Step by step, the viewer will be guided through fundamental basics, such as body mechanics, tactics and fencing theory. The underlying concepts of historical technique are demonstrated and explained in detail.

This DVD is the ideal starting point for your personal training with sword and buckler. It also provides useful insights and cutting edge research for the seasoned practitioner of Western martial arts.

In addition, the authors present protective gear and training weapons appropriate for safe swordplay.

As a bonus, the DVD contains unedited sequences of competitive free play as an example for modern sparring with sword and buckler.

Content

Chapter 1: Anatomical and Physical Basics

• Biomechanics I: Pressure, Strength & Weakness
• Biomechanics II: Reach
• Biomechanics III: Cutting technique & Posture

Chapter 2: Martial Basics: Wards, Actions, Tactics

• Second Ward from MS I.33: “Right Shoulder”
• Excursus: Distance and Tempo
• Follow-Up Actions from the Bind
• Third Ward from MS I.33: “Left Shoulder”
• Sixth Ward from MS I.33: “At the Chest”
• The First Ward from MS I.33: “Underarm”
• Reflections on Tactics

Chapter 3: Appendix

• Appropriate Equipment
• Freeplay

Instructors

Alexander Kiermayer - Historic sword fighting teacher, long-term teaching experience in various Asian martial arts, licensed trainer,  police trainer

Hans Heim - Historic sword fighting teacher, Chairman of the "Ochs – Historische Kampfkünste" Association, long-term experience in martial arts from the Philippines