Uploaded January 2016 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Here is a high speed recording by Christian Stickel of a sparring fight between Karen and myself.
In this slow motion video, you can very well see how the fight is a struggle for dominance of the central space between the fencers. Measure is limited to medium distance, until one seizes control and only then closes to strike or thrust at the opponent (well, save for Karen's repeated attempts to target my hands, which does not require to close in any further, of course).
Note how an attacked party slips back or escapes to the side in order to deny the center to the attacker and instead gain it oneself in preparation of a counter.
Whether or not control of the center has been established in a sword-fight is – in most cases – informed by pressure signals. Depending on pressure feedback, a sword-fighter will 1) dominate a bind, 2) yield to strong counter-pressure but keep in touch or 3) even flee a bind. These are by no means alternative options free to choose from. Each one is called for in a specific context. In general, modern practitioners flee or disengage a bind to readily, not having made a proper attempt to win it first. One of the reasons why we see many double hits in HEMA.
To be able to respond to pressure correctly, a body has to be conditioned in years of proper training. It is like riding a bike uphill: you do not have to make a conscious decision to pedal harder – you just do it.
Enjoy the video!
Learn more about my work here: patreon.com/Dimicator
You are welcome to get in touch via my Facebook page: facebook.com/Dimicator-266934476773420
Or send an email: dimicator.com/contact
Music by MK2 "Hero Theme" (YouTube Audio Library)
Here is a high speed recording by Christian Stickel of a sparring fight between Karen and myself.
In this slow motion video, you can very well see how the fight is a struggle for dominance of the central space between the fencers. Measure is limited to medium distance, until one seizes control and only then closes to strike or thrust at the opponent (well, save for Karen's repeated attempts to target my hands, which does not require to close in any further, of course).
Note how an attacked party slips back or escapes to the side in order to deny the center to the attacker and instead gain it oneself in preparation of a counter.
Whether or not control of the center has been established in a sword-fight is – in most cases – informed by pressure signals. Depending on pressure feedback, a sword-fighter will 1) dominate a bind, 2) yield to strong counter-pressure but keep in touch or 3) even flee a bind. These are by no means alternative options free to choose from. Each one is called for in a specific context. In general, modern practitioners flee or disengage a bind to readily, not having made a proper attempt to win it first. One of the reasons why we see many double hits in HEMA.
To be able to respond to pressure correctly, a body has to be conditioned in years of proper training. It is like riding a bike uphill: you do not have to make a conscious decision to pedal harder – you just do it.
Enjoy the video!
Learn more about my work here: patreon.com/Dimicator
You are welcome to get in touch via my Facebook page: facebook.com/Dimicator-266934476773420
Or send an email: dimicator.com/contact
Music by MK2 "Hero Theme" (YouTube Audio Library)
