Reclaiming the Blade. Sword Fighting and Training Basics. While sword fighting skills may not be as much of a pressing need as it was to our ancestors, most sword collectors have an interest - whether it is largely academic, a lifelong dedication to training or just practicing a few moves and/or doing some occasional (safety conscious) 'backyard cutting'. With this in mind, I am pleased to present to you a series of articles that address the more practical side of the hobby - Western, Eastern and general sword principles as well as links to further resources and much more to be added as this page expands over the coming months.
To get started, simply select your main area of interest from the quick jump menu below or just scroll on down to get a general overview. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) Generally speaking, with the exception of modern day fencing - the older sword fighting methods of the West died out many hundreds of years ago, at least as a continual, unbroken line as seen in many Eastern Sword Arts. Equipment Needed Test Cutting. Recommended List. The ARMA System for Historical Fencing Study. "Real World Skills From Real History" Our Renaissance fencing skills are not a chivalric fantasy sport, duelling game, or re-creational role-playing amusement but a modern combative discipline. This is no "pose and prance" approach, and no pretentious play and display attitude. The ARMA curriculum is aimed at understanding, as much as we find possible, the totality of forgotten fighting skills, not just emphasizing a single isolated source or master’s work.
We seek to do cross-comparisons among the little-known historical teachings and not synthesize a method from them, not recombine it into something new, but instead attempt a distillation of their teachings---in the sense of obtaining a purity of information, not diluted with modern conceptions and assumptions. It is a holistic approach to research and study. The ARMA means of study is to explore, to question, to examine, to execute movements and actions with vigor, then “rewind” them, repeat them, and re-analyze. Association for Renaissance Martial Arts. Realistic Sparring Weapons. Valiant Armoury 'Atrim' Medieval Sword - Sword Buyers Guide. Designed to the specifications of the legendary modern day sword maker, Angus Trim – the Valiant Armoury Practical Line, and the Signature line with Christian Fletcher Designed scabbards, are perhaps the most exciting developments in the medieval sword market to date and have truly revolutionized what is possible in a sub US$300 sword.
As always, we are proud to bring these swords to you at the minimum authorized price (20% less than MSRP) plus our usual special... See right hand sidebar for more information and International Shipping options IMPORTANT NOTE: In stock items may take up to 4 weeks to process and ship as while the swords themselves are in stock, the leatherwork is done fresh for each sword as the order comes in, delaying the process significantly. While they are worth the additional wait, please factor this in when ordering. The "Bristol" Signature SwordBe the first one to write a review SHIPPING: FREE SHIPPING in the USA direct from the manufacturers warehouse in Texas. Reg. Do not Buy Swords Online Until You Read This! When I first decided to buy swords online, Ill be the first to admit that I really had no idea what I was doing.
And as a consequence, like most first time sword buyers, I ended up wasting a lot of my time and money on crappy sword-like objects that should have never even been drawn from their scabbards Just take a look at some of the "survivors" from my first collection to see just how bad they were! (pictured left) In this article, I'd like to share with you some very valuable information that will save YOU from wasting your hard earned money on junk swords.
Plus you'll also find out how to get the very best deal when you buy swords online, including: So without any further ado, let's get started! Your First REAL Sword I think there are two main reasons why its better to buy a REAL sword than a purely ornamental "sword-like object" (SLO). And the second reason? Well, let's be totally honest here... VIDEO: The infamous home shoppers network vid A piece of that tip just got me O'dell... A Beginners Guide to Buying Authentic Japanese Swords. Authentic Japanese swords are usually VERY expensive. Indeed, at the end of the day, no matter what they might tell you, it is impossible to buy truly authentic Japanese swords on a budget of under US$300. Indeed, the starting price for most entry level Shinken (real katana made in Japan) is more like US$3000 and goes up (and up and UP) from there. However in our target price range, there are a handful of blades on the market which come at least reasonably close to the 'real thing' in terms of their appearance, functionality and handling.
And quite a few more that use modern spring tempered steels to create amazingly tough 'Dojo Quality', frequent use Japanese style "beaters" if you will... Plus a few cheapies that at least give it a decent shot.. But before we do, let's take a look at the most common and misrepresented types of Japanese style 'swords' on the market place, of which there are probably more of these available than any other type of sword around - the worst offenders.. Global Gears Japanese Swords - the Chikara. The exclusive line of Japanese swords made for Australian based sword sellers, Global Gear, never really grabbed my attention at least at first... However, over time the word started to reach me that their Katana were continually evolving, and from humble beginnings with mixed impressions, there were rumours that the value for money ratio was starting to really push the envelope.
Always on the lookout for an affordable Katana with an authentic natural hamon the differentially hardened Chikara Katana certained looked worth a try... But as you will see, I was not truly prepared for the package that arrived on my doorstep one Tuesday afternoon... Global Gear Chikara Katana Review by Paul Southren (Ed), Adelaide, AUSTRALIA Ive said it before, but often the kind of packaging used by a sword manufacturer is a decent indication of how much they value and care about the product... But the wooden box stopped me in my tracks... The presentation was excellent. I was in love...!