Sword Fighting Techniques, Styles and Moves

Sword fighting moves were devised separately and evolved in different ways, in different cultures. Kingdoms across the globe flourished due to their superiority in sword fighting. Though the art of swordsmanship is no longer relevant in warfare, many people study and practice it as a form of art and self defense. Fencing and swordsmanship is also an Olympic sport, where swordsmen and women from different countries display their sword fighting techniques (in protective gear and precautions) and via for top prize. There are various schools of sword fighting, incorporating various styles and moves which are briefly described below.

Sword Fighting Schools

In Rome, a sword fight and the associated weaponry was distinct for the army and the gladiators. The Gladius, or the sword used by the gladiators, was shorter than the one the army used. Both these types of warriors learned to fight using a wooden sword, making a gradual shift to the sharpened steel swords. In fact, these made them more adept at learning skillful moves. Similarly, the German, Italian and Spanish art of swordsmanship grew in prominence during the medieval and renaissance period.

Swordsmanship in China was not exclusive, but an integral part of martial arts. In Japan, the swordsmanship art of Kendo developed into a popular sport and is practiced till today. These days, swordsmanship is more popular as fencing, which as stated earlier, is an integral part of modern sports.

Sword Fighting Moves and Parries

• Draw out your sword and be prepared for the actual fight well in time. Drawing a sword quickly from the scabbard and its practice, gives you a crucial edge over your opponent.
• Take deep breaths and maintain a relaxed posture to get the best out of your efforts and make quick decisions in a fight. Staying calm in a nervous situation can make the difference between winning and losing.
• Always ensure that your body is balanced and properly positioned, to make the most powerful moves as well as parry effectively.
• Always keep sufficient distance between your feet and keep track of all the moves made by your opponent. When you parry, the blade should be closer to the body for self defense. The aim while defending should be to constantly look for an opportunity to counter the opponents attacks.
• Make good judgment of the prevailing conditions. A clever fighter will quickly analyze all the weak and strong points of the opponent, make a quick assessment of the surroundings with respect to his aiding and detrimental factors in the initial stage of the fights. The difference between two fighters is not based on their skill and expertize alone, but on how well they read the other fighter and the surrounding conditions.
• Always charge and attack with a great deal of confidence but a level-headed approach. Never get excited or carried away, during the course of a fight. The elbows should not be stretched, but bent towards the body. It is the sword which has to be extended in the direction of the opponent and not the arms.
• If your sword is long, maintain a greater distance away from the opponent and if the sword has a short blade, stay close to the opponent.
• Stand perpendicular to the opponent, with the sword directly pointed at the opponent. This will ensure that minimum part of your body is facing the opponent with a decreased chance of getting hit.
• Accuracy and agility are the most crucial elements of a sword fight and determine the outcome of a fight. Therefore, even if your opponent has a better weapon or power, your supple movements and skill will give you a big edge in a sword fight.

Always remember, that sword fighting techniques, styles and moves have to be 'customized' to suit the height, style, and weight of a fighter along with the situation, environment, and the opponent's style. In a fight amongst equals, it is not the expertize, but sticking to the basics of the form, that eventually decides the winner.