Inside the World of Longsword Fighting | The New York Times

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 2 авг 2024
  • Longsword enthusiasts are resurrecting ancient sword technique as a modern, organized sport, with timed bouts and complex rules.
    Produced by: Mac William Bishop
    Read the story here: nyti.ms/1BJk5MP
    Subscribe to the Times Video newsletter for free and get a handpicked selection of the best videos from The New York Times every week: bit.ly/timesvideonewsletter
    Subscribe on RUclips: bit.ly/U8Ys7n
    Watch more videos at: nytimes.com/video
    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Want more from The New York Times?
    Twitter: / nytvideo
    Facebook: / nytimes
    Google+: plus.google.com/+nytimes/
    Whether it's reporting on conflicts abroad and political divisions at home, or covering the latest style trends and scientific developments, New York Times video journalists provide a revealing and unforgettable view of the world. It's all the news that's fit to watch. On RUclips.
    Inside the World of Longsword Fighting | The New York Times
    / thenewyorktimes

Комментарии • 1,1 тыс.

  • @jacksonwaring7841
    @jacksonwaring7841 8 лет назад +1537

    I wanna see this in the olympics now

    • @francisugorji757
      @francisugorji757 7 лет назад +79

      I think everyone would enjoy it. but it needs to be in more countries for it to even be qualified as an Olympic sport

    • @Porsche924S
      @Porsche924S 7 лет назад +12

      would be siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick

    • @elmohead
      @elmohead 7 лет назад +5

      well, asians already have a martial arts thing going on.

    • @maxiejohnson8356
      @maxiejohnson8356 7 лет назад +4

      well, there is that sparing using rapier in the Olympic for quite awhile. The Asian have Wushu in many regional competion but its more like performace rather than actual sparing.

    • @WiseWarriorsPath2
      @WiseWarriorsPath2 7 лет назад +3

      Start supporting us.

  • @SwordCarolina
    @SwordCarolina 10 лет назад +596

    I teach HEMA (focusing on German Longsword) for a living. I'm so pleased that the NY Times produced this video. They can tell our story, and reach a larger audience, better than we can ourselves.

    • @TheKriegSchool
      @TheKriegSchool 9 лет назад +13

      I didn't realize you were doing this full-time! Livin' the life!

    • @MartinaSteflova
      @MartinaSteflova 6 лет назад +6

      Sword Carolina i want to start this sport because of game of thrones 😄

    • @semperludens9241
      @semperludens9241 6 лет назад +2

      That wouldn't work in a real sword fight

    • @poopsiedoodlesp8506
      @poopsiedoodlesp8506 6 лет назад +1

      lol but game of thrones fighting is so trash

    • @pavolverescak1712
      @pavolverescak1712 4 года назад

      @@semperludens9241 what wouldn't work in a real sword fight

  • @owlmage7202
    @owlmage7202 8 лет назад +645

    Why isn't this an academic sport!? This would be awesome to have classes for this sport in schools.

    • @mintyfresh4855
      @mintyfresh4855 6 лет назад +6

      It doesn't need to be. Our school has made our tournament and as of now we held ours for the second time and is now part of LongPoint Historical League. It's a lot less codified than you think. University clubs are almost no different from any other non university clubs.

    • @helium-379
      @helium-379 5 лет назад +1

      Some schools have this as a sport.

    • @PEZ1514
      @PEZ1514 4 года назад +1

      hmmmm weapons and schools. Yes this mixes well from a PR standpoint

    • @lancehayes9983
      @lancehayes9983 4 года назад

      @@PEZ1514 there are some high schools that still do olympic fencing as a PE course some even do archery. This shouldn't be a problem. Make it a PE elective like weight lifting.

    • @shermanfirefly5410
      @shermanfirefly5410 3 года назад +2

      @Daniel Lin also it's still risky even with protective gears on

  • @narwhalbacon5062
    @narwhalbacon5062 10 лет назад +778

    Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a real sport.
    I have always dreamed of being a medieval knight ever since I mastered the two-hand weapon skill set in Skyrim.

    • @thekid7831
      @thekid7831 5 лет назад +11

      😏

    • @n3xt_w4v3
      @n3xt_w4v3 3 года назад +1

      How that's sport is called? Idk

    • @ZemplinTemplar
      @ZemplinTemplar 2 года назад +2

      Sport or no sport, swordfighting does not make you a knight. The people doing HEMA do it as a hobby and as part of historical research. They don't do it to brag or spread clichés and bullshido.

    • @frost1183
      @frost1183 2 года назад +1

      @@n3xt_w4v3 what?

    • @benc.3128
      @benc.3128 2 года назад +1

      @@ZemplinTemplar don’t take things that seriously. Fighting like people (knights included) used to historically was probably the main drive for most people interested in this to get started
      I know it would be for me

  • @mustavogaia2655
    @mustavogaia2655 10 лет назад +290

    Why can't this be in the Olympics? Seems just as (or more) entertaining than the fencing in the olympics

    • @Philoglossos
      @Philoglossos 10 лет назад +35

      One argument that I've heard from a lot of people in the community is that it would lose most of what makes it a martial art in the process, just like sport fencing. I don't necessarily agree with that, but that is an argument. :-)

    • @BangTheRocksTogether
      @BangTheRocksTogether 9 лет назад +36

      Even though it dates to the late 1300s longsword in its modern form is actually a fairly new art. It is being reconstructed from historical documents. Give us time. ['!']

    • @cygil1
      @cygil1 9 лет назад +25

      It's not organized enough. Every tournament has different rules and the rules are still evolving constantly. There are no HEMA professionals and only the Europeans have high quality clubs. The Olympic committee would require standardized rules and a single peak body for HEMA, which doesn't exist, plus conformance with all their byzantine rules and procedures. Plus some other sports would have to be dumped to include it. It will eventually happen but not without some acrimony and a lot of development of the sport.

    • @Bismarckisawesome
      @Bismarckisawesome 9 лет назад +9

      Give it time, it will enter the Olympics after it gains significant popularity, a more understood and massive revival, and a standardized code of laws.

    • @tiexiaowang7939
      @tiexiaowang7939 5 месяцев назад

      Oh god please no. Look at what the sportification of modern fencing, karate, and taekwondo did in neutering those arts. I would hate for HEMA to be minmaxed for points the way that modern fencing and other Olympic "martial arts" are

  • @klappnbeukn
    @klappnbeukn 8 лет назад +79

    2:57 gotta love the technique involved in a counter like that

  • @flamingRose100
    @flamingRose100 9 лет назад +331

    totally gonna start sword fighting now

    • @runon8710
      @runon8710 9 лет назад

      +Jude Mahoney I want to, or if not kendo, but there isnt anywhere where I live ;-;

    • @_j.v.st._7367
      @_j.v.st._7367 9 лет назад +13

      +Rufus Barnes Kendo is not realistic or practical sword fighting at all, its a extremly self limitating sport and also not fun to do in my opinion. There is a simple way to start full contact fighting. You need 4things, a friend/friends, swords, protection goggles, and a nice place to train. We trained a long time nearly full contact with Bokken, which is pretty much suicide, broken bones, stood out eyes etc. Now we builded padded swords and they are awesome! We can train where and whenever we want, you need no huge and expensiv gear and dont sweat in it, the only protection you need are goggles because of fast thrusts to the head, they didnt do to much damage but it hurts if it hits your eye. And it makes way more fun to train barfooth so grass(a park or so) is nice! Our neigbors in the holydays was interested as they seen me fighting with theyr son. The father never done something like this and works in a bureau, but in 2-3 days he become insanly good in full contact! From other neighbors the woman does sword training since over 2years but just form, she didnt wanted to try a figth against him, she feared to loose haha XD! You just need bamboo (*EDIT: we changed to carbon fiber tubes! much better) , than you put pipe isolating foam aroud it and wrap it cleanly with ducktape, you can bang it against your head and it doesnt hurt. The bamboo should be 10cm shorter because you want a save point, good sices are 80-90cm blade and 42cm grip, sounds huge but range and leverage are an verry noticeble difference in combat. Our longest swords are 100-110cm blade and 51cm handle (*EDIT: now Bidenhänder with 130cm blade and 70cm handle + 60cm crossquard, side parry rings and parry lugs), they are extremly effective even against spears/swordlances! sry that the text become so long, i just want to inspire people to start with this great martial art/sport ^_^ greetings

    • @fivexp5315
      @fivexp5315 9 лет назад

      +J.Strauch \Liandri/ Please explain how kendo is less realistic or practical than this?

    • @_j.v.st._7367
      @_j.v.st._7367 9 лет назад +8

      FiveXP its a spiritual sport, its to train the mind, and in competitiv fight you have to get points with extremly senceless hit zones and a particular stance and particular angled hits, normal extrem highly efficient sword techniques wouldnt count in kendo, you have a unbelievable limitadet variety of techniques. I trained 8Years Kenjutsu (and some Sojutsu), now qoing in Longsword and Bidenhänder. Since a long time we train Full contact. I know some kendo schools here and i often was there, and spoke with the trainers and masters, sadly i had to learn it isnt an interesting efficient martial art at all, i was really dissapointed. When we train the attack not have do be with weard stance, and special angle hit etc etc to get a counting hit. Our attacks have to be deadly or disabling, just real world efficient. Two other short examples, when the enemys legs are extremly open and you can savely attack them gues what we "magicaly" do.. hit the legs.. something you never would do in kendo and something you arent trained at all to block. When we come to close and our blades are at each other.. gues what we "magicaly" do.. grap the opponents handle.. and decapitate or stab him, you have a under 10% chance to survive when someone use this technique on you. A kendo student wouldt ever come fast enough to this idea because he just never trained or think about it and die. Its just how it is. And ofcourse martial arts train how to fight against armored opponents.

    • @fivexp5315
      @fivexp5315 9 лет назад +2

      +J.Strauch \Liandri/ You are seriously misinformed. Kendo is the exact opposite of senseless. Kendo is the pursuit of the perfect strike or attack. It emphasizes efficiency from the targets to the stances. Think about what you are saying. Attacking the legs? That's a bad idea. Same reason people don't punch the legs. Attacking the legs opens up your head. Now which is the more deadly target. Grabbing the handle? Explain this technique because two hands on a sword is stronger than one.

  • @EvilMerlin
    @EvilMerlin 10 лет назад +146

    Please note that this video is just showing the competition side (for the most part) of HEMA. Not all HEMA practitioners compete, and there is a LOT more to our art than Longpoint style competitions. Think of this just like a karate/kungfu/judo competition, there is a whole heck of a lot on the back end that this video honestly does not show much, or talk a lot about.

    • @YomsuSwaggins
      @YomsuSwaggins 10 лет назад

      This is not HEMA

    • @EvilMerlin
      @EvilMerlin 10 лет назад +38

      Yomsu Swaggins Um this very much is part of HEMA. Its the competitive side of HEMA. They did much the same during the era of the Longsword, in similar ways.

    • @SirKickz
      @SirKickz 10 лет назад +5

      Yomsu Swaggins Yes it is.

    • @almamembreno2619
      @almamembreno2619 9 лет назад

      What age to have to be to take lessons on how to do longsword fighting.

    • @EvilMerlin
      @EvilMerlin 9 лет назад +5

      Alma Membreno It all depends on the instructor. I won't teach anyone younger than 16 due to insurance, but some will teach younger.

  • @CrumblingCube
    @CrumblingCube 8 лет назад +87

    alright i'm in, fuk college gonna be a knight.
    -Patrick

    • @xeltanni8999
      @xeltanni8999 8 лет назад +6

      +Crumbling Cube Entertainment I dunno...
      ... fuk college sounds like a pretty cool place.

  • @Mageyup
    @Mageyup 10 лет назад +26

    I did a crash course in long sword fighting for 16 weeks and the man slicing the bamboo in the beginning of the video was my instuctor

  • @sparkymularkey6970
    @sparkymularkey6970 5 лет назад +22

    I just started taking lessons at Maryland KDF and I absolutely love it! It's an engaging sport with enthusiastic coaches who all have a love for the history behind the techniques.

  • @AKLd95
    @AKLd95 9 лет назад +126

    Jousting and HEMA to the olympics! They should also add a category with shields in HEMA as well! :D

    • @ArizonaTengu
      @ArizonaTengu 9 лет назад +28

      I second this motion. The Olympics was originally set up so people could participate while showing their skills used in combat. Everything was battle oriented in one shape or form so I think this would do nicely.

    • @Wessex90
      @Wessex90 8 лет назад +12

      It is time HEMA was made as a mainstream sport. In the Olympics it would be a fresh change from Ping Pong and Dressage.

    • @MrTacticalinuit
      @MrTacticalinuit 8 лет назад +6

      +AKLd95 i.33 is sword and buckler and is one of the most popular fighting styles in hema.

    • @MyName_Jeff
      @MyName_Jeff 8 лет назад

      +A Berserker That's not even remotely true

    • @ArizonaTengu
      @ArizonaTengu 8 лет назад +6

      You better not be referring to the modern Olympic Games. The ancient Greeks would think differently.

  • @AprilValentine
    @AprilValentine 10 лет назад +29

    I've always wanted to get into fencing. Now I want to try this too! Longswords. Heck yes!!

  • @acdragonrider
    @acdragonrider 3 года назад +32

    This is exactly what I’ve always wanted. Fencing always bored me even after I tried it. I would love to try a style of swordplay involving two handed stabbing, hacking and slashing. Or one handed with a shield in the other hand

    • @ThornForTheWynn
      @ThornForTheWynn 2 года назад

      I know it's an old comment, but German longsword (shown in the video) does have cuts and thrusts, and uses a two-handed sword. You might really enjoy it!

    • @thevisitor1012
      @thevisitor1012 7 месяцев назад

      Same. I remember initially being excited about fencing, but then I realized how boring it was when I saw it at the Olympics. This is more up my ally.

  • @Jontman42
    @Jontman42 9 лет назад +165

    2:16 Renly?

  • @krystianzagorski8505
    @krystianzagorski8505 9 лет назад +10

    1:56 I am pracricing long swor for some time and I can tell you that this is extremly hard to do. Very advanced skill.

  • @philipsalama8083
    @philipsalama8083 6 лет назад +6

    I do Polish Sabre rather than Longsword, but either way, it's so fun and so rewarding. I really hope more people pick it up.

  • @ryseuglh
    @ryseuglh 10 лет назад +17

    Yes this looks amazing, hope it catches on enough to be able to find people to train with etc, because I'm sure the gear is expensive but how awesome. Respect for all forms of Martial Arts

  • @biobomb93
    @biobomb93 3 года назад +5

    This video is really well done: simple and explains almost everything very well, i really think you nailed it.

  • @grainster
    @grainster 10 лет назад +12

    This is awesome, makes fencing look like childs play!

  • @danhill710
    @danhill710 10 лет назад +48

    Red Bull should sponsor.

  • @nightfire734
    @nightfire734 10 лет назад +12

    Great to see my hobby represented!

  • @elmohead
    @elmohead 7 лет назад +118

    Now that western people has gained back their sword techniques, we should introduce this to the Olympics and each country can bring their own swords and martial arts and whatnot.

    • @torinjones3221
      @torinjones3221 7 лет назад +15

      elmohead there should be a mixed one so you can have different styles against each other

    • @Cosmoline
      @Cosmoline 7 лет назад +17

      The problem is nobody can agree on a rules set. Even within HEMA. And any set of rules you impose changes the way the fight is done. So you can try to match longsword vs. katana but do you use steel simulators, bamboo, hardwood, nylon? Do you permit full force attacks? Wrestling? Thrusting attacks? How is it scored, and by whom? Plus, many of us don't *want* a standard set of equipment or rules, because then it becomes yet another sport. Just like MMA a set of weapons would come to dominate based on the protocols and scoring. Outlaw thrusting and the longsword become much less useful for example.

    • @flyingpenandpaper6119
      @flyingpenandpaper6119 7 лет назад +4

      elmohead Imagine a general swordfighting competition, where every country brings their national blade! And the sword fighters have to know how to defend against different types of sword fighters. That would be incredible!

    • @lorddiethorn
      @lorddiethorn 6 лет назад

      It's the swords themselves but the teaching its pretty much German, Italian, Spanish and that is about it for the long swords

    • @Hordalending
      @Hordalending 5 лет назад +7

      Forget "the West". Focus on the katana. Because the katana-wielding Samurai were the greatest, most skilled and the most disciplined warriors and the katana was the most superior weapon of all time maybe up to the invention of the nuclear bomb. Some say that the Americans managed to nuke Hiroshima and Nagasaki only because there were none of the katana wielding Samurais in those cities who could have easily cut those bombs in half and repel the attack.

  • @user-fh4xp2fv4j
    @user-fh4xp2fv4j 3 года назад +3

    This is amazing. I love it.

  • @hurleyOC
    @hurleyOC 10 лет назад +16

    Looks pretty cool. I'd try it.

  • @HomeBrosKanal
    @HomeBrosKanal 10 лет назад +9

    Wow this looks really great, im already looking for longsword clubs in germany

  • @ismaildagestani1368
    @ismaildagestani1368 6 лет назад +1

    That`s really wonderful!

  • @WiseWarriorsPath2
    @WiseWarriorsPath2 7 лет назад

    I been filming stuff like this over the years. We need more like this.

  • @marka7759
    @marka7759 3 года назад +5

    Medival european knight culture is close to samurai culture in japan. its just forgotten tradition. its super interessting seeing it revived

    • @effigytormented
      @effigytormented 3 года назад +1

      Aye, the human warrior caste seems ubiquitous across the world.

    • @ZemplinTemplar
      @ZemplinTemplar 2 года назад

      This is not a revival of knight culture. This is a revival of swordfighting techniques. Unless someone knights you (and who would ?) you are not a knight. Only munchkins pretend that because they learn HEMA, they're suddenly knights. They're not. Nevertheless, HEMA is a nice historical hobby.

    • @marka7759
      @marka7759 2 года назад

      @@ZemplinTemplar it is about the way with the sword. its dedication - disciplin and also - if tought correctly with some historic background. swordplay is lost tradition. the sport revives that. its not about beeing knight or pretending to be on - that was not my point. its about learning old techniques and reviving a sense of warrior culture in learning it. a form of respect and knowing about that these things you learn getting into HEMA reach so many years into the past and were the matter of life or death. Of course you can just learn how to fence. But imho those people i met who took the sport to the next level had some deeper meaning to it

  • @KenoshiAkai
    @KenoshiAkai 7 лет назад +2

    There's a part of me that wants to see dueling legalized as a means of settling disputes. Both parties file papers before hand, state the terms of the duel including the weapons used, and meet at a designated place where they can carry it out. I think it'd make for a politer society.

  • @StarBoundFables
    @StarBoundFables 5 месяцев назад

    Brilliant! Thanks NYTs for covering HEMA

  • @dugglinieduardo2690
    @dugglinieduardo2690 Год назад +3

    3:37 "I'm not interested in the theatrics of the whole thing, I just wanna fight." That guy was definitely a viking in a past life. So cool that these legendary fighters are around us all the time, we just never get to see their potential in the modern age.

  • @alexhutchings7374
    @alexhutchings7374 7 лет назад +27

    WHY ARE WE NOT FUNDING THIS

  • @arturhenrique5477
    @arturhenrique5477 9 лет назад +3

    AWESOME!! I want to do it so badly

  • @nightynight7464
    @nightynight7464 8 лет назад +1

    I'm going to start practicing. I can't wait. I've always loved swords and this is like a dream come true. I was inspired by anime bleach and I've been going every since. I hope I really hope I can join someday

  • @johbowfor
    @johbowfor 9 лет назад +3

    This is so awesome, I wish I could join.

  • @rinky_dinky
    @rinky_dinky 9 лет назад +49

    japanese kendo / iaido is so popular in american culture due to the whole mysticism and the ninja samurai era of the 80's
    you guys need some good movies to give this sport a boost! maybe a reboot of the highlander!

    • @samwilliams6820
      @samwilliams6820 9 лет назад +3

      This isn't kendo. It doesn't focus of the katana, it focuses on the longsword. In fact, many longsword enthusiasts openly have distaste towards the katana, as from a technical dueling viewpoint it is seen as inferior to a longsword design, which I agree on. Anyway, wasn't highlander with katanas not long swords?

    • @ProfesserLuigi
      @ProfesserLuigi 9 лет назад +12

      +Sam Williams What bizarro version of highlander did you see that used Katanas.

    • @Hellzflame
      @Hellzflame 9 лет назад

      Sam Williams Katanas are much thinner and lighter which means they can strike quicker. It isnt inferior to the longsword. It may not weigh as much which in turn doesnt provide the same type of defense when blocking a blow, but katanas are made more for offensive rather than your typical balanced longsword.

    • @samwilliams6820
      @samwilliams6820 9 лет назад +8

      Edward Hong What? They are not thin. They had a soft metal core and a hard metal edge. Its pretty wide and thick. But yeah, it makes sense for it to be focused on offence, since the guard is terrible.

    • @Philoglossos
      @Philoglossos 9 лет назад +16

      Edward Hong Actually, katanas are thick bladed and weigh just as much as a longsword (katanas are generally 2-3lbs while longswords are generally 2.5-3.5lbs) despite being, generally speaking, about ten inches shorter. For their size katanas are quite heavy, and as there is no pommel or substantial guard to balance out this weight, they also tend to be blade heavy making them comparatively unwieldily.
      Katanas are a great weapon, but not for the reasons people tend to cite.

  • @Alexx1083
    @Alexx1083 10 лет назад +12

    Neat! Looks like the kinda exercise I'd actually wana do! Reminds me of all the dorkfighting my friends and I did with plastic lightsabers, back in the day. You know, except with form and technique...and skill. And actual weapons. So, nothing like it!

  • @theinoculation
    @theinoculation 5 лет назад +1

    Such a beautiful weapon.

  • @Threetails
    @Threetails Год назад

    Been doing this a little while and I have to say, do it! It's great exercise! There's a lot of really inclusive schools and interesting people! And you will feel SO COOL doing it!

  • @NickDeBusk
    @NickDeBusk 10 лет назад +5

    Looks badass!

  • @Crystalangles
    @Crystalangles 10 лет назад +21

    This actually looks pretty cool. Like fencing but more exciting.

    • @lorddiethorn
      @lorddiethorn 6 лет назад +3

      Nope it's it real historical fencing

  • @ghillzballer
    @ghillzballer 10 лет назад +1

    THIS LOOKS AWESOME

  • @astudentpilotlife
    @astudentpilotlife 4 года назад +2

    Oh man, I would love to see this in person

  • @THEJustinOfAllTime
    @THEJustinOfAllTime 8 лет назад +338

    they need a small loan of 1 million dollars......
    HEY DONALDDDDD

    • @lorddiethorn
      @lorddiethorn 6 лет назад +2

      Hey Espn

    • @ronin1330
      @ronin1330 5 лет назад

      If I was a multi millionaire I'd drop 2 mills.

    • @roach7336
      @roach7336 4 года назад +1

      They just need MONEY

  • @theinvincibleone23
    @theinvincibleone23 8 лет назад +12

    Berserk brought me here. Wasn't disappointed.

  • @fencersguild-guildamgladia2485

    Heyyyy Bill! What an accident I found you in the video from 2014, cutting the mats... Great! Very nice report. Thanks for support of HEMA!

  • @whyistherumgone5693
    @whyistherumgone5693 4 года назад +4

    This is much more interesting then fencing. I would like to see this in tv.

    • @lorddiethorn
      @lorddiethorn 4 года назад

      You can sword fish longpoint was on espn most of tithe hema members don’t like tournaments

    • @docinabox258
      @docinabox258 3 года назад

      yeah. I would want the games scoring to be different though. It would not be fun to watch if they stopped at every point scored. It needs to be less protective equipment also, because that would make it more realistic, because nobody would want to get hit. Opponents would feel each other out. They wouldn't lung themselves at the opponent with no regard. It would be with blunted weapons, and some hand protection and maybe a mask for the face, but I think that should be it. It would be sick.

  • @michaelcapanelli9233
    @michaelcapanelli9233 10 лет назад +4

    I'd just like to say that if anyone is interested in trying this out you should google the HEMA alliance and go the the forums. There you'll find a club finder thread. I belong to one of the clubs in NYC.

  • @red-pinetree8138
    @red-pinetree8138 3 года назад

    honestly the exchange at 3:10 is absolutely beautiful

  • @Irowned
    @Irowned 6 лет назад +2

    I'm a simple european. When i see a Longsword (Zweihänder) i will give a like.

  • @elasolezito
    @elasolezito 9 лет назад +108

    These should get official and become an actual sport like Kendo. Why these styles were forgotten ?

    • @greatwhitenorth4421
      @greatwhitenorth4421 9 лет назад +73

      Johan Dale Because Western liberals have made it unfashionable to be proud of your own history and cultural and martial heritage, unless you're from somewhere other than Europe/North America.

    • @elasolezito
      @elasolezito 9 лет назад +6

      Randall Flagg "Unfashionable"... just sad.

    • @greatwhitenorth4421
      @greatwhitenorth4421 9 лет назад +14

      Michel Dai That's also very true, I'm saying the reason why nobody cared to revive the western martial arts was because of political correctness and 'foreign-fetishism'. That might not be true either though.

    • @greatwhitenorth4421
      @greatwhitenorth4421 9 лет назад +1

      doubt it lol

    • @elasolezito
      @elasolezito 9 лет назад +2

      Bathrobe Warrior I really want to get into HEMA, i'm doing Kendo and i find the Kenjutsu part most interesting, wish we were doing lessons exclusive for this. Very interested in old European Arts, it should be very expensive though...

  • @falloutrains2641
    @falloutrains2641 5 лет назад +3

    I love HEMA I live in Chile, and in my city there are no HEMA groups so I practice with Meyer's square by myself. Here's hoping Chilean HEMA rises more attention

  • @takakonobe
    @takakonobe 7 лет назад +2

    3:00 was sick

  • @QuintonFresh
    @QuintonFresh 7 лет назад

    this is so awesome.

  • @sammallory
    @sammallory 10 лет назад +12

    It really is a martial art just like any other sword technique's used in modern day.

    • @ZemplinTemplar
      @ZemplinTemplar 2 года назад

      You don't say... I doubt any sort of actual historical swordfighting would be a "pacifist art". Of course it's a martial art, like any other set of skills used in a particular historical region for self-defence, practice sparring or combat fighting. Why wouldn't it be ?

  • @fakename105
    @fakename105 9 лет назад +10

    they should teach hema in schools. you don't need to know how to run or catch and throw a ball, it's all about strategy. and it has historical connections that could get kids interested in history. also, lot's of kids don't like sports, but all kids like fighting.

    • @shwtmDLX1
      @shwtmDLX1 9 лет назад +2

      fakename105 I'm not gonna even type out how dumb that idea is

    • @Kunstdesfechtens
      @Kunstdesfechtens 9 лет назад +3

      +fakename105 There are some clubs that started in schools. The Phoenix Society has a long history of teaching in school, for example.

    • @mkultra9645
      @mkultra9645 9 лет назад +2

      +Goddrew Wiggins I'm not even going to type how dumb you are.

    • @Kunstdesfechtens
      @Kunstdesfechtens 9 лет назад +2

      +fakename105 One more thing to add: They have Kendo and Judo in schools in Japan. I don't see why we can't have HEMA here or anywhere else. Longsword fencing is way safer than Judo or wrestling too.

    • @shwtmDLX1
      @shwtmDLX1 8 лет назад

      culiet mortalis Alright. So lets see this: implement the study of European sword fighting in school across america. Tens of millions down the drain. Convince parents, teachers, administrators, legislators, etc tht its a good idea. Bring in instructors. Develop a curriculum. All in the name of what? History? History class will do. Fighting? American schools discourage fighting except for wrestling. What's the point? Why not just teach a japanese/chinese martial art that would be more readily accepted and already has a place in American culture?

  • @prajnasword
    @prajnasword 6 лет назад

    OMG this is awesome! I'm there dude.

  • @wikiwikiwee1
    @wikiwikiwee1 2 года назад

    That looks awesome

  • @TonythaMastha
    @TonythaMastha 10 лет назад +13

    Do it Red Bull!

  • @hamzaakbar913
    @hamzaakbar913 3 года назад +5

    i'd love to learn how to swordfight.

  • @tha1ne
    @tha1ne 9 лет назад +1

    That groan of defeat at 3:17 is priceless

  • @IronChuck
    @IronChuck 10 лет назад +2

    I'm in!

  • @bobjohnson6946
    @bobjohnson6946 8 лет назад +3

    this looks fun as hell actually. I wish I could join a club like this.

    • @KnightedDawn
      @KnightedDawn 8 лет назад +4

      +BOB BOB, you probably can! There are clubs everywhere now.

    • @acaristic93
      @acaristic93 8 лет назад

      Go to facebook group 'HEMA International Discussion' and ask if there's a club near you. There may be something there already.
      If not-you can try starting one yourself,many people doing this today started in such a way.^^

  • @hectorperez2184
    @hectorperez2184 8 лет назад +18

    i really want to do this

    • @EvilMerlin
      @EvilMerlin 8 лет назад +5

      +Hector Perez Do it. There are plenty of HEMA schools all over the world.

    • @EvilMerlin
      @EvilMerlin 8 лет назад

      gromann Its amazing isn't it? Longpoint in 2012 was about 75 people total, 40 or so fighters. In 2015 it was almost 300 people with just about 150 fighters in Steel Longsword alone...

    • @gromann
      @gromann 8 лет назад

      Evil Merlin
      I'd love to get into it but even with all the local groups I' work whenever they're in session lol
      I'm just happy a martial art that isn't karate/kung fu/krav is getting popularity and just looks badass.

    • @EvilMerlin
      @EvilMerlin 8 лет назад +1

      +gromann I hear you for sure! I'm lucky I can run/teach one class a week with my work schedule. Most of my students want 2-3 classes a week!

    • @gninja92
      @gninja92 8 лет назад

      +Evil Merlin do you teach sword fighting with katanas or only the European sword types?

  • @Charlys787
    @Charlys787 5 лет назад +2

    2:55
    Amazing move!

  • @TheMidmo
    @TheMidmo 9 лет назад +1

    totally awesome, i would love to do that, looks like some awesome real life anime, love it can't wait for this to become a sport!

  • @aaron4820
    @aaron4820 7 лет назад +5

    Love that fact that rifle cases are used to store their swords...

    • @randomguy3281
      @randomguy3281 7 лет назад +1

      Yeah some modern swords can be thousands of dollars and not even come with a sheath. The brand Albion for example, their sharp swords range from $800-$4000 the average being around $1,350 with no sheath. Also a rifle case is amazingly less conspicuous than carrying around a sheathed sword.

    • @lorddiethorn
      @lorddiethorn 6 лет назад +1

      Most swords will cost you 400 - to about 800 dollars these are the steel practice sword which are used in hema outside of cutting tournament

  • @Garobear50
    @Garobear50 9 лет назад +9

    Would like to get into this.

    • @aouric105
      @aouric105 9 лет назад

      Interesting and cool, thanks for sharing.

  • @TheNightrock
    @TheNightrock 8 лет назад

    this actually pretty awesome

  • @leguerriersurvivant6658
    @leguerriersurvivant6658 4 года назад

    Awesome

  • @kaleb9375
    @kaleb9375 10 лет назад +11

    How can I make this happen in my town?

  • @Kombaiyashii
    @Kombaiyashii 10 лет назад +20

    I'd love to see a kendo champion face a longsword champion.

    • @Kombaiyashii
      @Kombaiyashii 10 лет назад +11

      *****
      yes.

    • @Kombaiyashii
      @Kombaiyashii 10 лет назад +3

      *****
      They'd get better, it's early days. Maybe one day it'll be an extention to MMA.

    • @swordclassnyc
      @swordclassnyc 10 лет назад +7

      Kombaiyashii, Sword Class NYC offers both Kendo and Longsword! We cross-train and have open classes every week, so we certainly do have kendo vs. longsword matches. :)

    • @EvilMerlin
      @EvilMerlin 10 лет назад +26

      ***** one Kendo is a SPORT. Ask someone who does Kenjutsu what they think of Kendo. Two Kendo is very movement and target limited. Three kendo is using a shinai, not a feder. Seriously learn something about what you post about. HEMA is just as much of a martial art as Kenjutsu. Kendo is NOT kenjutsu.

    • @Philoglossos
      @Philoglossos 10 лет назад +4

      ***** You're an idiot.

  • @Viper-dz2kw
    @Viper-dz2kw 7 лет назад +1

    Saw some of that baskethilt broadsword with single sticks at 1:27

  • @unkGUAM
    @unkGUAM 8 лет назад

    That's awesome

  • @firstnamelastname5616
    @firstnamelastname5616 8 лет назад +84

    So real sword fights were that short? That just ruined game of thrones for me haha.

    • @MrStupidLemon
      @MrStupidLemon 8 лет назад +56

      It depends on someone's skill, evenly skilled opponents you'll see can have quite long rallies. However often one opponent is better than the other and games always stop after a small hit, so in a sense it's a lot like game of thrones since good sword fighters in the show quickly kill their enemies and two good sword fighters last a lot longer

    • @HantokiGaming
      @HantokiGaming 8 лет назад +26

      +Jim Steglitz The only time sword fights lasted longer were usually between two masters or experts. Think of it more like the hero just murdering people left and right on the battlefield scene, they're like mini battles.

    • @aaron-4062
      @aaron-4062 8 лет назад +32

      +Jim Steglitz I'm sure they'd be more defensive if their lives were on the line :p

    • @yinnyonline
      @yinnyonline 8 лет назад +37

      +Jim Steglitz well, these people (from what i can tell) are being stopped at the first hit and then reset. obviously that wouldn't happen in a real fight, so even if someone got a cut on their thigh or lower ribcage, the fight would continue. that being said: fights are still rather short because people aren't machines, but they were longer than what you see here.

    • @brentlacey5
      @brentlacey5 8 лет назад +7

      +Jim Steglitz IN a real sword fight (on a battlefield or even possibly a duel) they would probably be wearing armor, most likely plate, you can't simply cut through a steal plate, so fights would most likely happen until u could get the blade in a place with no armor, such as the neck or armpit.

  • @METALOZON
    @METALOZON 7 лет назад +84

    This is how you fight. These guys are hitting to hurt you, not like all those fancy sparring duels that are all about touching you first.

    • @Topyy
      @Topyy 7 лет назад +9

      Fighting in HEMA is also called "sparring" :p

    • @RobertWF42
      @RobertWF42 4 года назад +2

      It's not exactly how they fought in longsword duels back in the day - it's a sport after all and there must be safety rules. Look at the old manuals - they teach a complete martial art that can get downright nasty: how to grapple, kick your opponent in the knee or groin, punch, armlocks, wrestle them to the ground or pick them up, or use tricks like throw your sword at your opponent's face and then tackle him.

  • @JesterfaceBassplayer
    @JesterfaceBassplayer 6 лет назад +1

    That rib - parry combo was cooler than any Hollywood sword-piruette ever. And how freakin' cool is the title of "Longsword Champion"?

  • @salemtargaryen123
    @salemtargaryen123 4 года назад +2

    I'd love to do this! It seems so interesting

    • @lorddiethorn
      @lorddiethorn 4 года назад +2

      Hema alliance club finder will point you in the right place

    • @ZemplinTemplar
      @ZemplinTemplar 2 года назад

      As Cullen said, try to find a local club of good quality, visit to see if it catches your interest, potentially join. They'll loan you a practice weapon and protective gear if you can't afford them. It's an inclusive hobby, just find a well-reviewed club. Good luck, Firefly.

  • @mangagod
    @mangagod 10 лет назад +11

    Now imagine a movie which starts off with a bunch of enthusiast, add a zombie apocalypse then the sharpening of their training swords. I'd watch that.

    • @lorddiethorn
      @lorddiethorn 6 лет назад

      Most of us have real swords

    • @aaronjacobamadorsalazar1934
      @aaronjacobamadorsalazar1934 3 года назад

      Swords won't be a practical weapon for a zombie apocalypse. The blade would get easily damaged since zombies are generally tougher to slice
      We would've used greatswords, warhammers, axes, or a wide variety of polearms

  • @bonzwah1
    @bonzwah1 9 лет назад +36

    wow this is cool. it looks actually like hollywood swordfights. so much cooler than fencing (from a spectator perspective).

    • @DavidAchilleus
      @DavidAchilleus 9 лет назад +2

      scientifically, I am curious about that statement.

    • @bonzwah1
      @bonzwah1 9 лет назад +4

      David Achilleus I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

    • @DavidAchilleus
      @DavidAchilleus 9 лет назад +1

      Fencing is swordfighting. Also, there are many problems with the sword science being applied here. So is it cool? Maybe for somebody who knows nothing about fencing or swordplay. Is it cool for anybody who does? Not really.

    • @KnightedDawn
      @KnightedDawn 9 лет назад +15

      David Achilleus, a lot of people aren't aware that fencing has a much broader application than simply modern sport fencing.
      For someone who's never seen longsword fencing before, the fighting at Longpoint can be pretty cool indeed. And compared to a lot of things, it really is cool. And that's ok.

    • @bonzwah1
      @bonzwah1 9 лет назад +6

      David Achilleus fair enough, I make no statements as to how practical or historically accurate this is...I just said it looks cool from a spectator perspective. I also implied that fencing is freaking boring to watch. I stand by both statements lol.
      However, I do also want to say that fencing is not the end all be all of swordfighting history (as you seem to be implying). It represents a pretty narrow time period when armor was made impractical by firearms and the like, and so heavy blades became impractical when compared to light blades, since speed overshadowed the need for penetrating power. On top of these differences, modern fencing is a SPORT. Things like safety concerns and the need for a scoring system make it different even from the time period it attempts to emulate.
      so when fencers comment on movie clips or historical exhibitions about sword fighting based on even earlier time periods and start crying about fencing this and fencing that, I just don't get it. Sure there are plenty of things wrong with the portrayal of swordfighting in both the entertainment industry and actual attempts to simulate them, but unless they are about fencing, fencers really shouldn't have anything to say about it.
      Sorry about the rant, but I specifically tried to word my original comment to avoid any comparison between this and fencing other than Spectator appeal...and I'm a little annoyed that you rendered my effort ineffective.

  • @akusword80
    @akusword80 3 года назад +1

    this is amazing. Teach me ur ways I'm all in no regrets.

    • @ZemplinTemplar
      @ZemplinTemplar 2 года назад

      Find a HEMA club in your area and approach the hobby with humility. It's a historical hobby, not a sport. If you approch it competitively or like sports fencing, you will not understand it. I'm not exaggerating. You need to be a genuine history lover and understand the historical sources to get a real grasp on the entire hobby. It's a very nice hobby, but it's not for showing off or bragging.

    • @akusword80
      @akusword80 2 года назад

      Please shut up this was 7 months ago. You reek of r/Iamverysmart

  • @Leo_409
    @Leo_409 8 лет назад

    Sick!!

  • @recyclomaster
    @recyclomaster 10 лет назад +5

    Finally, a sport I'm interested at and it includes longswords.
    Imagine the destruction you could create with a longsword.

    • @yourineeven8457
      @yourineeven8457 10 лет назад +4

      That is not really the point xD

    • @recyclomaster
      @recyclomaster 10 лет назад

      Like I care about it if I get the point or not.

  • @angelPusen2
    @angelPusen2 10 лет назад +4

    Seriously?!!? On the guys shirt on 1:58 he got the flag of finland, sweeden and Denmark, but not Norway?! D:
    It looks awesome tho c: would love to do something like that ^^

    • @EvilMerlin
      @EvilMerlin 10 лет назад +4

      Lena Pedersen We didn't have anyone from Norway at our event that year...

    • @KnightedDawn
      @KnightedDawn 10 лет назад +1

      Lena Pedersen,
      Bring a Norwegian to Longpoint next year and I bet they'll fix it for you.

    • @markdriggs6048
      @markdriggs6048 9 лет назад

      Lena Pedersen Uff da!

  • @G.B.P.
    @G.B.P. 4 года назад

    Nice!!!

  • @JoshNbooM
    @JoshNbooM 10 лет назад +1

    I want to give this a shot, i spent so much time stick fighting as a kid

    • @0Felisenus0
      @0Felisenus0 10 лет назад

      Find a club near you and give it a go. :)

  • @spartonblue14
    @spartonblue14 2 года назад +3

    It's not about "thee and thou", its about reviving the martial art through reading historical texts, and really exemplifying the community aspect of participating in these discussions. The sparring is a huge part of what makes HEMA f*cking awesome, but should not be misrepresented as the sole purpose of the movement.
    Great video regardless and it is awesome to see how this video has reached out to so many people.

  • @rougeninja24
    @rougeninja24 8 лет назад +9

    dude how to i do this

    • @mertgokce7332
      @mertgokce7332 7 лет назад

      there is only one hema club in that country and it's in istanbul. :(

    • @dudebro765
      @dudebro765 7 лет назад +2

      Goo Gle In Turkey? Nooo, there are definitely more.
      Try to contact that club in Istambul via phone and ask them about the other clubs. Clubs generally know each other in a country.

  • @joke1965
    @joke1965 5 лет назад

    Oww wow I want to do this it looks cool

  • @lokesh8462
    @lokesh8462 7 лет назад

    I love it !!
    Is training there in Bangalore ?

  • @StitchLich
    @StitchLich 10 лет назад +3

    This! I wanna do this! Sign me up :D

    • @StitchLich
      @StitchLich 10 лет назад

      That's awesome, thanks! I'll add this to my expensive hobby list XD

  • @slayerSRBIJA89
    @slayerSRBIJA89 9 лет назад +5

    you know you're watching way too much Game of Thrones if you google longsword fights lol

  • @jasontsai8596
    @jasontsai8596 6 лет назад

    That looks quite interesting

  • @KapnHook
    @KapnHook 4 года назад

    I wish there was a class teaching this near me because I'd be all over it. It doesn't get cooler than this!

  • @amara3509
    @amara3509 4 года назад +4

    uhh would they take me seriously if i started since i’m 5’1?😭

    • @neuro-3778
      @neuro-3778 3 года назад +1

      @@oliviastock4780 I'd really like to try this once corona is over. Where would I go to start?

    • @effigytormented
      @effigytormented 3 года назад

      Yes. Just let your grit and determination take you forward. It's all about your skill, though size gives an advantage in it, it is not the end all be all. Further longsword isn't the only thing, sword and buckler, messer, spear, and number of semi-modern styles like infantry sabre, daggers, wrestling with integrated boxing.

    • @effigytormented
      @effigytormented 3 года назад

      @@neuro-3778 look up the HEMA group finder. I'd link it but i don't think it is nearby.

  • @rireigmaki6336
    @rireigmaki6336 3 года назад +3

    Is this still a thing? Please let it still be a thing! 😣 I want to do sword fighting so bad!

    • @gurkfisk89
      @gurkfisk89 3 года назад +3

      It's still a thing. Well, events are not a thing at the moment, but I hope they will be back soon.

    • @thomastucker7317
      @thomastucker7317 3 года назад +1

      Definitely still a thing, the community is likely a decent bit larger than it was in 2014. Have a look at the HEMA United facebook page/group or the HEMA Alliance (website) club finder, odds are there might be a club near you. Depending on where you are though even if there are local clubs, they might not be practicing due to covid, but maybe not, here in Australia it seems most HEMA clubs are back up and running. Good luck!

    • @ZemplinTemplar
      @ZemplinTemplar 2 года назад

      Try to find a local club of good quality, visit to see if it catches your interest, potentially join. They'll loan you a practice weapon and protective gear if you can't afford them. It's an inclusive hobby, just find a well-reviewed club. Good luck.

  • @callumjones1951
    @callumjones1951 8 лет назад

    Would love to do this

  • @user-yz3eh8ln6d
    @user-yz3eh8ln6d 4 года назад

    凄く良いと思う。

  • @Gilgamesh417
    @Gilgamesh417 10 лет назад +58

    People, it's basically kendo but the European form of it. I fence and this looks interesting.

    • @tristan8645
      @tristan8645 10 лет назад +62

      If you mean that 'They use swords to hit each other', yea, I guess it's basically kendo.
      No, wait, Kendo is way more limited. Kendo only allows for a few strikes / targets, doesn't allow grapping, and is way more ritualized.

    • @Philoglossos
      @Philoglossos 10 лет назад +38

      I used to be a fencer (sabre) and am now a HEMA practitioner, and it is indeed interesting xD. It is actually much more like kenjutsu than kendo, as kendo is a simplified sport rather than a martial art. Lots of skills are mutually applicable, but HEMA and Kenjutsu are still using all of the techniques invented by ancient masters for the purposes of actual combat.
      If there's a group in your area, I suggest you check it out!

    • @LucasDimoveo
      @LucasDimoveo 10 лет назад +1

      David Wu : The actual name for the German art they are practicing is Zornhaw

    • @Philoglossos
      @Philoglossos 10 лет назад +5

      ***** Not to be contrarian, but "Zornhau" actually just means "Wrath Stroke," and is one of the five basic "mastercuts" as detailed in the german system. It is literally just a downward diagonal long edge blow along either line one or two, generally with a step and rotation of the hips. The Italian equivalent as per Fiore's system would be a "Mandritto Fendente." There is no "actual name" for the system. :-)
      Here's a good article incase you're curious: www.thearma.org/essays/mastercuts.html#.VBjZ7hZrzro

    • @markdriggs6048
      @markdriggs6048 10 лет назад +8

      ***** I've heard Zornhaw only used to describe the overhead blow of the 'Wrath-Strike'. Perhaps there maybe a modern school or study-group named Zornhaw somewhere, but most German style practitioners refer to the art as 'Kunst des Fechtens' or 'Ringen am Schwert' (Wrestling at the Sword). Also, they didn't get mentioned but there were a few Italian School fighters present at the event.