Ha ha. But really, why dedicate time and money to learning a long dead art? Why go to the trouble when there is no apparent practical use for it in the modern world? Well, to answer this, I must define the sword.
I actually practice two forms of swordfighting, fencing and broadsword. Fencing is the modern/classical style used for dueling in 1600-1800's.The swords used are foils, sabres, and epee's, all different styles of the same form, which is basically a thin blade with a basket hilt of some sort. Think The Three Musketeers. The foil and epee are only used for stabbing, but the sabre has one edge with which to cut. It is wielded in one hand, with the fencer turned almost at 90 degrees to his opponent to provide as little a target as possible. Movement is strictly linear up and down the strip and the bouts are decided by points. Certain parts of the body are off target, and there are cards for fouls and the like. As you can see, modern fencing is a highly regulated, systematic art.
The distinct opposite is broadswording, which uses, (who knew?) the broadsword! Double-edged and broad-bladed with cross-guard hilt, this is a fearsome weapon. The rules are far simpler than those of fencing, but the repertoire of techniques and tactics is tripled. There are certain guards which always keep your point threatening the enemy, binds which enable you to close in and pommel your opponent, parries which enable you to snap your blade around the other. See, the art of the broadsword is as complex as any eastern martial art. Keep your karate and taekwondo, and give me a sword!
But, I know what you're thinking... unless you carry a sword around in your back pocket... it's not exactly the same! Never fear, I always keep one sheathed at my side.
Sike! (Though I do keep one in the trunk of my car, in case me and a friend want to have a bout out in the woods). But see, broadswording and fencing deal a lot with balance. In fencing, you learn to keep your balance at all times. In broadswording, you learn to upset your opponent's balance. So if I ever was caught in a situation where self-defense became necessary, I wouldn't necessarily need a sword to apply what I know.
But that's not why I learn how to use the sword. Why I took up both broadswording and fencing was something deeper. See, there is a layer of honor and courage woven deep into the use of the sword. When you use a sword, you must look your opponent square in the eye, face them toe to toe, and test your metal (or mettle) against theirs. And there is something concrete and real there. Not only that, but you must be strong enough to wield a three-foot weapon of steel (or polyurethane, or pvc and noodle, or...) effectively, you must be sturdy enough to block an incoming blow, you must be able to not flinch as your enemy's sword comes swinging towards you. In the end, being able to wield a sword brings a depth of character and strength that a gun could never do. Oh, and it never runs out of bullets. And it's just epic. Period :).
But there's one thing more. See, every Christian is called to use a sword as well. That sword is the Word of God, the Bible.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
And that's why I love the sword. Because every time I pick one up, whether it's made of steel or rubber, I'm reminded of The Ultimate Sword, and what it is made of. May I learn to use the Bible as effectively in my heart war as I use my foil in a bout.
I wish I could swordfight. I mean, all those reasons you stated (I especially love the Bible one--so inspiring!) not to mention all the coolest people in books have swords, and how bookish it is to be able to have a sword. Think Aragorn, Janner Igiby, Peter Pevensie, heck, even Simon Peter had a sword, even if he had to put it away. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, that means you qualify as very bookish. Actually, even if you didn't have a sword, to me you would still be bookish, but having a sword sure helps. ;-)
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ReplyDeleteI've always loved the idea of swordfighting, but I've never had the chance to try it - I'm totally into medieval history and stuff, though, so I'm fascinated by them even if I doubt I'd stand a chance if you handed me one and told me to have a go at someone!
ReplyDeleteTotally concur with Hannah Joy - all the coolest people in books have swords. Or axes, those are cool too xD
Hmm, that reminds me - I did try archery once, for a couple of days ... I was so hopeless I nearly shot the teacher. He was standing at about a 90 degree angle from me, and I was aiming at a target only twenty paces in front. I'd be a complete liability in a battle, bahahaha!
I fence a little bit. If only my siblings weren't afraid to fight with me we could have some pretty cool battles....I'd be afraid to use a broadsword though. It's probably bigger than I am, :)
ReplyDelete@ Hannah: Thanks! And yes, I would definitely consider myself bookish, so being called that by someone else is quite the compliment! Thanks again!
ReplyDelete@ Charley: You should try archery again, tis a bit easier to find teachers for that than swordfighting. :)
@ Josiphine: I salute you, miss! And yes, I suffer from the same ailment, unwilling siblings. Har har. Actually, if the broadsword is correctly sized, it should come to about your neck, though the ones we normally use are about waist height. We're not all William Wallace's! :)
And Breggo, I shall not be able to reply to whatever epic remark you made... pity. Probably challenging me to a duel next Monday :P
You might never see this comment, because really, who checks old posts for comments? BUT THAT IS SO EPIC!!! I didn't even know it was POSSIBLE to learn to fight with an actual sword anymore!! I think all guns, tanks, explosives, and nuclear-type weapons should be destroyed, and we can all go back to swordfighting and archery. It would probably cut down on wars anyway. ;)
ReplyDeletep.s. do you ever wish you could live in the world you're reading/writing about? I sure do..... ;)
Howdy, partner! And in answer to your question, I check! :) Did you know that for a while, just after guns were invented, many countries tried to ban them and keep only to the current arms (pike, sword, bow, etc)? Course, that didn't last too long, cause someone was always breaking the rules :).
DeleteAnd as for your next question, aye, sometimes I wish myself in Quartorlen. But, the way I see it, we wish we were somewhere else because we wish to be in heaven, our true home. So maybe in Heaven I'll get to find a little bit of Quartorlen. :)
That blessed me a lot. The whole thing. Thank Farjag! :) I've always wanted to learn the sword, and you've just reignited that want :D Plus, applying it to the Word of God just makes it a bajillion times more epic! :]
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this was just really cool...... thanks.
Most welcome, Director! And if applying to the Word of God makes something even more epic, then I will have succeeded. Thanks for the encouragement!
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