Styles of the sword: an introduction

5. What styles of swordfighting are studied in Ottawa? 

Do we all fight the same way? The answer is no. Everyone has their own style, and we cultivate a variety of techniques with different weapons.

This list is a vast oversimplification. Furthermore, inside of each type of weapon, there are various different styles from different regions or by different fencing masters.

Major types of weapons used at our practices:

Rapier: The Rapier is a civilian and para-military sword that gained popularity in the 16th century. It uses a long, narrow blade held as far from the body as possible to deliver thrusts before your enemy can get close. A complex hand-guard provides protection for the arm, while allowing you to deflect an enemy's blade (thereby disabling their attack). It is considered by many to be the ultimate duellist's weapon.

Cut-and-Thrust swords: Military swords tended to use thicker, heavier blades, capable of delivering a devastating cut. Compared to the defensive mindset of the civilian rapier, the military sword emphasizes offensive action to get close to and disable an enemy as quickly as possible. Suitable weapons come in a number of variations such as basket-hilted backswords, broadswords, cutlasses, and early sabres.

Great sword: Two-handed swords allow great reach. Contrary to popular imagination, they also give more leverage than is possible with a single handed weapon - making them precise, and fast, as well as powerful. The major disadvantage of such a weapon is the inability to use a shield effectively at the same time. In addition, historically, their greater size meant that they did not make conveniently portable civilian or secondary weapons.

Dagger: Daggers were commonly carried throughout much of history. In the 16th century, special parrying daggers developed which were used to defend against an enemy sword, and if possible take control of it away from your opponent. This was especially common in rapier fights - Rapier and Dagger is the style specified by Shakespeare in Hamlet. We also fight with just a dagger, or even with two daggers.

Buckler, cloak, and stick: Bucklers are small self-defense or dueling shields. They don't provide much protection from arrows, but they obscure a minimum of the user’s vision. Cloaks fighting is an energetic style that involves deflecting your opponent's weapon through pinwheeling with a cape. A scabbard or staff can be used defensively as well. We practice all of these styles.

'Case' or 'Dual-Wielding': The complex defensive hilts of rapiers, and their emphasis on thrusting combat mean that they are almost unique among weapons in that one can viably fight with a rapier in each hand. Such techniques require a dancing motion that keeps your own swords from colliding while constantly threatening your opponent.

Minor Styles

Some members are familiar with these styles - although they are practiced less and our expertise is still developing.

Sword & (large) Shield: In early European history, as well as in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and India, swords didn't have complex hilts to protect the hand. As a result, techniques emphasized using a shield for defense, and to protect the sword-fighter's hands. Some of the best documentation for how to fight effectively in these styles comes out of the India and Iran (e.g. google Shastara Vidiyā &  Razmafzar).

Medieval Armoured Longsword: Medieval armour reached a point where the only threat was a thrust to a vulnerable joint or the eyes. Armoured fighters would grab the sword blade in one hand and use this leverage for accurately aiming a thrust. This heavy armour style typically involves grappling and wrestling moves, which fall outside our rules. However, Ottawa Swordplay and other HEMA groups (covered in the alternatives section) can teach you this.

18th Century Smallsword: In the 18th century, civilian swords became more decorative, and ceremonial. However, the duelling culture also continued to become more elaborate. Smallswords are short weapons, with simple hilts, entirely focussed on the thrust and extremely light (often 1/2 or even 1/3 the weight of a rapier). The result is an extremely fast style which modern 'sport' or 'olympic' fencing is derived from. Whereas the Rapier emphasizes deflecting your opponent's sword and attacking in the same motion, Smallsword tends to involve separate motions for defence and offence.

South/Eastern Asian styles: We have a member who brings a Katana to practice. The techniques are quite different and it is fascinating to fight such an opponent. However, this is an area where we are still building expertise.

This publication is not a corporate publication of the SCA Inc., nor does it delineate SCA policies. This document is intended for informational purposes only, and was created by its author without authorisation with the intent of promoting and sharing an interest.