Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
In this video we explore the idea of learning fencing / sword fighting from video games. Since it's the best example of fencing in a game by far, I focus on Hellish Quart. I discuss theory and practice, what you can learn and what not. I argue, that theory wise, you can actually see a lot of realistic fencing principles at work (though, not some of the finer ones). But for actually being good at fencing, you'll need to put in the effort into your practical training as well.
00:00 Intro
00:44 Theory - The GOOD
- wide array of attacks (cuts with both edges, thrusts, grappling etc.)
- nice display of defenses either with the blade or by voiding the body
- measure and timing are super important
- feinting & playing with psychology in multiplayer
- incentives to not get hit
03:19 Theory - The BAD
- controlling the opponent by position & constraining not possible
- finer blade mechanics to win a bind don't really play a role
- lack of economy of motion / wonky body mechanics
05:09 Practice - The GOOD
*chirp chirp*
05:19 Practice - The BAD
- you train nothing into your body
- the motions at your controllers are too different
- the input from a side perspective is too different as well
- you'll need a practical foundation before you can focus on your surroundings
(playing won't give you that)
07:28 Conclusion
- you learn a lot about the theory, but almost nothing about the practice of sword fighting
- as the historical sources already say: theory is useless without practice
08:17 Can you learn fencing on your own?
- sure, but do yourself a favor and reach out to a club or an instructor
- it will save you a lot of time, because without expertise, you will not notice your mistakes
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If you would like to support us, visit our patreon:
patreon.com/SchildwachePotsdam
Follow us on instagram:
instagram.com/schildwachepotsdam
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In this video we explore the idea of learning fencing / sword fighting from video games. Since it's the best example of fencing in a game by far, I focus on Hellish Quart. I discuss theory and practice, what you can learn and what not. I argue, that theory wise, you can actually see a lot of realistic fencing principles at work (though, not some of the finer ones). But for actually being good at fencing, you'll need to put in the effort into your practical training as well.
00:00 Intro
00:44 Theory - The GOOD
- wide array of attacks (cuts with both edges, thrusts, grappling etc.)
- nice display of defenses either with the blade or by voiding the body
- measure and timing are super important
- feinting & playing with psychology in multiplayer
- incentives to not get hit
03:19 Theory - The BAD
- controlling the opponent by position & constraining not possible
- finer blade mechanics to win a bind don't really play a role
- lack of economy of motion / wonky body mechanics
05:09 Practice - The GOOD
*chirp chirp*
05:19 Practice - The BAD
- you train nothing into your body
- the motions at your controllers are too different
- the input from a side perspective is too different as well
- you'll need a practical foundation before you can focus on your surroundings
(playing won't give you that)
07:28 Conclusion
- you learn a lot about the theory, but almost nothing about the practice of sword fighting
- as the historical sources already say: theory is useless without practice
08:17 Can you learn fencing on your own?
- sure, but do yourself a favor and reach out to a club or an instructor
- it will save you a lot of time, because without expertise, you will not notice your mistakes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to support us, visit our patreon:
patreon.com/SchildwachePotsdam
Follow us on instagram:
instagram.com/schildwachepotsdam
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
