Musings on Brutality in Martial Arts
For some, brutality is what makes martial art "real" or egalitarian. They feel that a real art or artist must routinely test their metal against those…
Taking the Plunge: A New Morning Routine
I’ve brought a new practice into my life this spring. Something that has been more about altering my mood and resetting my rhythm than just…
A Deep Dive Into Disarms
Disarms, or “sword takings” (prese della spada) as they’re typically called in Italian martial arts, are not just the cool fodder of movie sword fights.…
Spear Primer and Need to Know
The spear combines the intricacy and control of the rapier, the blows of the longsword, and the ambidexterity of the poleaxe. It’s a fast and…
Why Flow? A Guide to Using Improvised Forms
A solo form involving attacks, defenses, guard changes, facing changes, and footwork might be referred to as a kata or an assault (italian: assalto), and…
What’s the Deal with Bucklers?
When I post videos of sword and buckler techniques online, it’s not unusual for a few comments to incredulously remark on the size of the…
Longsword Leverage, Dexterity and Power
The new Longsword vs Sword & Buckler course is live on DuelloTV and as part of the festivities I’m taking some time in these posts to explore…
The Unique Strength of the Sword & Buckler
The new Longsword vs Sword & Buckler course is live on DuelloTV and as part of the festivities I’m taking some time in these posts to explore the…
Fighting Against Filipino Arts
Martial Artists can often get caught into their own silos of practice and learning, exploring and only facing other practitioners doing the same thing you’re…
Join the 30 for 30 Swordplay Challenge
It’s time to get 2023 started off right with the 10th-annual 30 for 30 Swordplay Challenge! Yes this is the 10th Swordplay Challenge, and whether you’ve…