3 Basic Rules for Swordfighting

Ok, these are the first 3 basic rules for physical swordfighting.
And just so you know, I didn't just make these up, I tutored in physical and spiritual sword fighting under a real knight during my internship. And the amazing part is, I had always secretly wanted to learn "real" swordfighting under a master of the sword. But I had never thought this desire would become a reality because I didn't know Orders of knights still existed. Just as a side note, God is so good!

So, the first thing in a swordfighting scenario, even before the fight begins, is to look around and see if there are any landmarks or features in the landscape that you could use to your advantage in the fight, such as a rock wall, stairs, anythings. Also, while you are looking around, formulate a plan of escape if things start to go badly for you in the fight. Like if you are near a building or near an easily climbable tree. You won't always be the better swordsman and there is no shame is running away in a life and death situation.

Next thing is form. A good basic stance is knees slightly bent parallel with your shoulders. Don't lock your knees, be fluid at all times. One foot (most likely your dominant one) should be out in front of you, the other planted slightly behind and to the side. This balances your weight the mostly evenly, making it harder fall off balance.

When you hold your sword, place your dominant hand flush up against the crossgaurd, move the other hand down the hilt close to the pommel. Use this hand for leveraging the sword, so instead of lifting both your arms and the sword to move the sword up or down, you just push or lift with your leverage hand, kind of like a see-saw.

In the picture above, my close friend Stacia and I were sparring with Tim (the knight I was talking about earlier). Notice everyone's form: knees bent, feet spread, and hands positioned on the swords, one against the cross guard and one lower down. Tim doesn't have his hands positioned like that because he was fighting with two swords to block multiple opponents.

Have fun swordfighting! Remember what swordfighting is all about though, it is just a physical embodiment of spiritual swordfighting in everyday life.

-Victoria