One thing I always say to anyone who's thinking about getting into HEMA is to try every weapon and every system that you can get your hands on. People are often surprised at to what they actually have an affinity for.
As an example I went into HEMA wanting rapier, but needing to start in long sword because that's what the club did. I am still going for rapier, but I am enjoying long sword a LOT more than I thought I would.
@@Benjanuva I'm the other way around, I loved longsword for a long time and still find that I'm most proficient in it, however dynamics of something like a dussack, or sidesword are much more up my alley and I wish I had people to try it out with earlier on
As an addition to that, there are lessons that are easier to learn with particular types of weapons. For example in long sword I've had 2 different club mates who have had difficulty with giving up the center line, which caused them troubles not only with thrusts, but with certain windings and redoublings. Doing just a little bit of rapier really helped them with that moreso than trying to show them through more longsword.
@@Sk0lzky I should probably clarify. I don't have a rapier yet, but from my previous sword and fencing experience I know I prefer one-handed weapons. I'm just saying that even though I went into long sword with a negative attitude it's still fun to work on and I'm happy to continue learning it on the side.
I read a Conan comic in the 80s where came forward in time. I will never forget one line. "Muscle built from lifting iron is not the same as muscle built from fighting with iron." Great conversation, guys.
Might be missing the point of the comment, but I'd say that muscle can be far more effectively built lifting iron, but can be tempered and honed to the specific purpose through concurrent sport specific practice.
Good quote..people miss the point. The muscle memory and speed from using iron will be far more effective than gym strength when in a fight. Of course, both don't hurt.
Matt, would you mind doing a video on how historical footwear might have impacted stances, guards, & lunges? It seems like some of the historical guards might very well have been influenced by the fact that you may not necessarily be able to trust your footing.
Met him last month at a 3-days seminar in Denmark. I trained and sparred with him also during the week prior to the seminar. Great experience. Funny how I started HEMA only 3 months ago and have already met with very important characters like Robert. PS Some instructors from the UK also mentioned you (Matt) when talking about the HEMA "panorama" in the UK.
With all the _Top Gun: Maverick_ hype, I was watching a video recently featuring American fighter jet jocks discussing different eras of fighter jet flying procedures. They said their rules require pilots to fly somewhat conservatively, in order to avoid over stressing the their planes' airframes. Yes, they are trained to maneuver hard and to endure lots of G-forces, but they are still also instructed in very strict terms not to exceed specific limits on their planes, just like the guest here says: because it's cumulative. Whenever the sensors and recorders document that pilots have exceeded those limits, both the pilots and their planes are grounded, and the planes have to be completely disassembled and inspected in fine detail for signs of metal fatigue, stretched rivet holes, warpage, stress fractures, etc. The pilots are tethered to their planes and not allowed to take up alternate planes to work around the down time. They must pay a personal price for their decisions to push their planes too far.
Seems like a lot of fencers could benefit from a proper weight training programme, if they don't already. Getting the legs strong enough to squat 180+ kg, with good form and properly dosed, will mean that any movement on the field will be sub maximal in comparison to one's untrained state. This will mean mass gain across the body, but so long as you practice the sport concurrently to weight training everything should evolve in unison and not slow you down.
Had a similar experience when I started doing Rapier and Dagger. Something about it just clicked and felt right. Really surprised me too because I didn't have a strong interest in it before. All the more reason to try as many different weapons and styles as you can.
The sca is a great starting point for anyone wanting to get into HEMA. You'll make alot of friends... eventually you'll want to move on, but it's a great place to be and get alot of fights
LOVE this interview! I had a year of Olympic Foil Fencing in College, fought SCA with heavy weapons and later Rapier, Rapier+Dagger and Rapier+Cloak. Huge fan of sword-fighting movies, esp. the '70's version of the 3 and 4 Musketeers with Christopher Lee and Michael York. I got out of that sport long before I ever heard of HEMA, but wish I could have gotten in to that also. I still have a good sword collection, too.
Echoing all the approval for the long form video with a terrific guest. I particularly liked his observation that one shouldn't get locked into one style or one set of moves or even one system, and that there is no be all and end all. Evolution of warfare hasn't stopped in any other area except when obsoleted, so there's no reason not to push the evolution of swordplay farther.
From the time I was 11 until I was 17 I was an avid skateboarder. I lived in a hilly part of Atlanta and 99% of my skating was Street. Hitting hard pavement repeatedly at 2-20mph definitely has taken its toll on my body! From having to bail on a downhill &run it off so as not to land favmce first...well it's wordmse than running because velocity increases force. Luck has it I've never broken a bone, but my joints are all creaky & stiff I'm 48 now but my knees started going very bad about 15 years ago. I have no cartilage left & some days it's painful to even stand. Still need to loose more weight before I can get replacement surgery. But lesson is be safe, go to the doctor if it hurts & don't push it too hard even if it doesn't hurt at first.
Nuno Oliveira, the Portuguese classical horsemaster, when asked how long it takes to master the classical work, replied, "Two." Asked again, "Two years, two decades?" he replied, "Two lifetimes." I'm on my first lifetime (as far as I know). And as for teaching and riding, I can't find a SINGLE thing in this interview that is not applicable to my work in classical equitation. This conversation is priceless!!
Would love to see Robert back on for conversations perhaps on specific subjects. I could see your gears turning at many points while doing a valiant job of staying in the role of interviewing! The subject of constraints interests me as an artist, in this case martiality/purpose from historical context vs. a designed sport. I’m very curious what this looks like going into the future, and you two are uniquely equipped to discuss it
Great interview Matt, I thoroughly enjoy these videos!! It always great to hear another person's take or thought process and to see their passion for a subject. I don't practice HEMA or fencing but, I definitely plan on picking up his book just bc it seems like an interesting read. So thank you for continuing to put out excellent content like this. 👍👍 I really love his idea of a Castle School idea, it sounds super fun to do, kind of like a "Medieval Times" school of fencing. I'd certainly be interested in attending even though I'll be like 50 by the time it'll be finished LOL.
Such a great informative episode and mr childs great book that i will surely add to my collection and read, great job host and guest, thank you both soo much
re: Developing knowledge of HEMA ... or regaining or rediscovering. It could well be the best fencers ever were the followers of a young genius in a small village wiped out by Plague or Ottoman Hordes or any other Horde. The best guys didn't necessarily duel, write treatises, get famous or live long to do so. There has to be much not known.
A refreshing perspective indeed! Every purist rote-copier of style or treatise or Master X should recognize that Master X stayed alive by choosing what WORKED over mindless repetition of a system for its own sake. I won't deny that unthinking dogmatists existed back then, but they would have been skewered (literally) by those willing to THINK, judge, and adapt. Col. Childs's assertion that he wins not by being stronger or faster, but by using the most efficient movements, makes me think at least some of the more awkward systems originated in the opposite way: naturally gifted swordsmen won fame against weaker opponents (or champions past their prime), leading contemporaries (and non-swordsman historians, and HEMA copycats) to erroneously credit their moves. It's easy to imagine a modern superathlete (in a less interconnected and analytical age) scouting and attracting similar talents as a coach, and being credited as a brilliant tactician for simply out-hustling and running over the opposition.
Can definitely relate to the sense of joy and freedom that comes from wielding two blades. It's why I keep doing Nito Kendo and Kenjutsu despite training and teaching HEMA.
I love this guy. I'm over 50 and a pre- novice, but hey, I'm going to be a bloody champion before the decade is out. Also I think I'll visit his castle and maybe ask if I can do some work on it for him. Fascinating interview Matt, that was really excellent, thanks.
Okay, I want to visit your fencing Mecca once done! I’m a 45 year old HEMA fencer that started when he was 38 and I’m slowly getting better all the time - maybe in 9 years when you’re project is done, I’ll be good enough to hit you with a rapier, and I’ll swing down from BC, so long as you don’t achieve perfection before then! 😂⚔️😈
Excellent program Matt, one of your best. Both your questions and Mr. Childs’ answers were thought provoking and pertinent. I found myself agreeing with his thoughts. Thanks for arranging this.
I started with Japanese martial arts and didn't get into European HEMA until a few years ago, but my position with anyone who tells me that something is or isn't historical is that my reason for learning in the 1st place was to learn to fight and I can, how effective something is always outweighs whether it's exact to any manuscript or style of fighting. I started with longswords and spears but I have a deep love for my pappenheim hilt rapier, it mixes really well with my martial art and the European manuals have their own versions of everything I've done so I like that historically they agreed 🙂
I agree with his statement that in the modern Age it's okay to expand upon what came before because in period Masters would change their methodology/techniques over time as they learned. Fiore was born in Italy but did live in Austria for a time IIRC..he certainly learned while there & must have incorporated things. The only caveat I'd add is that since we don't train to kill others there is a potential to use techniques that may not have worked as well in real combat as they do in spite/competition. We also wear different clothes, especially footwear, that can effect movement & defensive strategies; although it could be argued that since we do dress differently modifying systems and techniques to fit modern sensibilities is appropriate.
In the spirit of lively and respectful discourse on out shared love of rapier, I offer a counter point to Robs comments on period masters and their publications. While I fully agree about expanding on history given our additional knowledge, I do think the back/forward weighted stances are not fully a thing to be evolved away from. I think they come from, at least in part, an approach where the most important thing is to not get hit. To me they are more closed guards that only attack when they are hugely in control of their opponents sword. I support their value with the fact that these off-center stances persisted for so long even though we know (from sources like the 1614 anonymous Vienna manual) contemporary fighters were rapidly trying to combine amd evolve styles. Thanks for the great interview. I hope I get to cross blades with you both some day!
Great interview!!! I would like to here more of his opinions about specific historical manuals or systems for example De Rada or Pacheco along with his thoughts on the different blade types one can use to simulate rapier combat.
I find some of his statements odd. Any technique that isn't completely balanced and neutral is going to have a harder time reacting to all the possibilites, but that doesn't mean you should or need to be using it over and over. The moment you take initiave, an opponent in a "neutral" position has a disadvantage. If you always go for the neutral option, it will make you open to exploits. I guess he's talking about people who always stick to a particular unbalanced style? I've seen people win rounds in a tournament doing the same thing over and over so yeah, people aren't perfect and common sense is pretty much uncommon. xD
Mr easton im moving to canada in jan next year and i wanna go into military saber fencing if i can find it when i get there, any advice i already proficient in kenjutsu and also dabled a bit in chinese saber and im a white weapon /japanese jujitsu student/teacher, i tried givin you some backround check on me plus i studied physical education aswell
Interesting. Great interview. Any idea of how many people do or how popular Rotella and Rapier?(36" rapier length just to be slimmer) Wasn't that a thing in Italy and Spain historically? You just need a Smallsword and Spadroon practitioner next . Lol. Smallsword is a pretty good sword for when you get older. I wonder if Rapierists combined styles from Rapier texts and Masters and not just one style?
“Since ancient times there is only one fist” master Han. There are no valid styles, they were simply the expression of one who was skilled. You will not express yourself exactly as they did. What you need to learn is ability of how to move and what your structure can do. Next level is intangible, and then the third is mastery. Shape, condition , emptied expression. Or solid, empty and the two blended. These are the three progressions. There are a core of principles for the ancient fist. “Can you move in an instant?” If not then you are in the position of the dead, this is every micro second of your training. That is the first principle, you can discover the rest.
Shad needs to talk to this guy... I almost knew he was gonna say that.. when you said you were surprised by his plans... I honestly wondered, I wonder if he is gonna build something or make something odd or big.. then I thought I wonder if he wants to build a castle as well... Lmao... So funny... And awesome
That was interesting. And I suppose it's normal. You learn from the masters and then you have to move on. I understand not being able to shift. Drill is absolutely necessary, but if you do it wrong, you can get stuck in what you drilled.
I'd love to hear Robert's views on sidesword in comparison to rapier. Does he see a big difference? I know there's a decent amount of material on sidesword and dagger, does he look at that, too, when using rapier and dagger? How does he see the systems in comparison, or simply as an evolution? Whatever his thoughts might be.
Ja też obejrzałem 3 odcinki i stwierdziliśmy z żoną, że nie bardzo chce nam się dalej oglądać bo w ogóle nas ten serial nie wciągnął. w 100% się z Tobą zgadzam.
Thank you for this interview; so much resonated with me, despite not practising a sword art. I guess at a general level, it comes down to commonalities in how people can develop techniques and systems to defend themselves against other people in one-on-one or small group situations.
I'd be interested in hearing more about his perspective of other sword types beyond the rapier, and what it was like for him to adapt moving from a rapier to their use. I'd also like to know if there are any practical advantages to the swept hilt or any other kind of hilt over the basket. Matt, you did a great job as an interviewer with your questions to open up the interviewee, patience listening, and direction to steer the discourse along its agenda. Also liked the interest evident in your face. As a viewer, that helped me to engage better with the listening. I thought I was about a quarter through the interview when I had to pause, and I was surprised to see I had actually been watching for half an hour already. I'm not one for long interviews, but this was easy to watch.
That was one of the most informative and well done interview that I've ever enjoyed this much. I would love to see you bring him back especially when the castle has been underway for a time to see as it evolves. Keep it up and I can not wait to see more.
Missed the "I" in the title the first time I glanced at my subscriptions list and had to do a double take, lol. I mean, I sub to a lot of drama/true crime channels but still
It probably should be stated that SCA rapier is a specific thing compared to what is the more common SCA activity which is fully armored with rattan sticks
Did I misunderstand or did Mr. Childs state he was active duty Air Force? And he said that he was interested in the sword from the age of 17 and had 34 years experience. That would make him somewhere around 51? He sounds American, and if he joined up after college, he would have been on active duty for almost 30 years. That is very unusual - most people retire after 20, a small percentage retire at 25 and a tiny number hit thirty. However, to stay in until 30, implies that he had to make enough rank - which would be at least full colonel, and probably general. If he was a general in the Air Force, one would imagine that would have come up. OF course, he might be in the Guard or Reserves so my calculations might be off. But since I know nothing about HEMA other than "hit 'em with the pointy end" I have to comment on something.. for the algorithm of course? :-)
I'm 7 years into SCA rapier, and I'll say if you want faster fighting with cutting, there's a style called "Cut & Thrust" that allows it. It's new and still maturing but it's well participated in. I haven't participated in HEMA myself but as I understand it HEMA is a loose federation of groups, where as the SCA is one formally organized group. It's allowed, in my opinion based on the best info I have, for the SCA to have a much more scientific and rigorous approach to safely. Rules are studied, injuries are recorded, and that real data is understood to inform the ruleset. I still want to participate in HEMA to gain wider exposure to the sword combat world.
While I'm thinking of it, the difference that I really appreciate in the SCA is the competition is all self-called shots. I've seen hema completions where the rapier fighters are trying to get their swords to visually flex as much as possible and that doesn't jive super well with me. I'd love to hear more from people who fight both sides. But in the SCA I can drag my sword tip across a mask or chest and it'll count. Which .. I mean that's realistic I have to believe. I need to get more into our Cut & Thrust though because I hear what you're saying about velocity and force.
If Robert is 52, I'm depressed, I have a few years on him, but having fenced when I was younger, decided I was much too old to switch to HEMA being in my 40's when I discovered it. Still there was always the archery.
This was fascinating, as shared experience from such cross-training, skill-developing situations. Insight into development, education, skill acquisition feedback. Edifying and enjoyable.
@@grdoreza Though there was no rapier, there was a group of foil and saber fencers there and I trained and fenced those folks every Tuesday evening we had available.
Planning on buying it too. I wanna see what I can apply to self defense in general. I need to get a punching bag. The guy who I lived with and had one moved out.
Quite a bit, actually. The ranges are obviously shorter than in rapier combat but you will find the foundational techniques to a no-tell lunge (chapter in the book) and a no-tell finger jab to the eye (my preference is the thumb) are very much the same. The technique hides the fact it is happening until it is too late.
@@RobertChildsRapier B. Lee eventually abandoned Wing Chun for early western boxing , and fencing structures in his late stage Jeet Kune Do. Fingerjab to the eyes are a primary weapon. He called it fist and foot fencing. That’s why I asked (a JKD student)
Book: www.freelanceacademypress.com/RevelationsOfRapier.aspx
www.amazon.com/Revelations-Rapier-Robert-Childs/dp/1937439658/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3I98BWYUE2TCF
Rob's channel: th-cam.com/users/RobertChildsRapier
Inviting the best swordsmen from around the world to a remote castle? Pretty sure this is how Mortal Kombat starts.
Admittedly, I laughed.
Mortal Kombat with swords? Okay, I'm listening, Chuck.
@@eljuano28 Well basically, every MK game from 4-8 had "weapon stances". However, this is ALSO the plot behind Samurai Showdown.
I'm in!
One thing I always say to anyone who's thinking about getting into HEMA is to try every weapon and every system that you can get your hands on. People are often surprised at to what they actually have an affinity for.
Yeah that's sound advice, I agree.
As an example I went into HEMA wanting rapier, but needing to start in long sword because that's what the club did. I am still going for rapier, but I am enjoying long sword a LOT more than I thought I would.
@@Benjanuva I'm the other way around, I loved longsword for a long time and still find that I'm most proficient in it, however dynamics of something like a dussack, or sidesword are much more up my alley and I wish I had people to try it out with earlier on
As an addition to that, there are lessons that are easier to learn with particular types of weapons. For example in long sword I've had 2 different club mates who have had difficulty with giving up the center line, which caused them troubles not only with thrusts, but with certain windings and redoublings.
Doing just a little bit of rapier really helped them with that moreso than trying to show them through more longsword.
@@Sk0lzky I should probably clarify. I don't have a rapier yet, but from my previous sword and fencing experience I know I prefer one-handed weapons. I'm just saying that even though I went into long sword with a negative attitude it's still fun to work on and I'm happy to continue learning it on the side.
I read a Conan comic in the 80s where came forward in time. I will never forget one line. "Muscle built from lifting iron is not the same as muscle built from fighting with iron."
Great conversation, guys.
Might be missing the point of the comment, but I'd say that muscle can be far more effectively built lifting iron, but can be tempered and honed to the specific purpose through concurrent sport specific practice.
@@koleary1798 knights used to perform resistance exercises (as did Roman legionaries, and Roman's and Greeks in general) so its a pretty stupid line.
@@anaussie213agreed
Good quote..people miss the point. The muscle memory and speed from using iron will be far more effective than gym strength when in a fight. Of course, both don't hurt.
Matt, would you mind doing a video on how historical footwear might have impacted stances, guards, & lunges? It seems like some of the historical guards might very well have been influenced by the fact that you may not necessarily be able to trust your footing.
I've done a workshop with Robert and fenced with him. Dude is legit. He took on four of us at once, handily.
That's very impressive. As Pseudo-Hans Döbringer wrote, "It is not shameful to flee four or six at hand."
I really like when you do these interviews. They're long, but worth it.
long? guess i have enough free time that these arent too long 😇
I wish they were longer, so much knowledge
Met him last month at a 3-days seminar in Denmark. I trained and sparred with him also during the week prior to the seminar. Great experience.
Funny how I started HEMA only 3 months ago and have already met with very important characters like Robert.
PS Some instructors from the UK also mentioned you (Matt) when talking about the HEMA "panorama" in the UK.
With all the _Top Gun: Maverick_ hype, I was watching a video recently featuring American fighter jet jocks discussing different eras of fighter jet flying procedures. They said their rules require pilots to fly somewhat conservatively, in order to avoid over stressing the their planes' airframes. Yes, they are trained to maneuver hard and to endure lots of G-forces, but they are still also instructed in very strict terms not to exceed specific limits on their planes, just like the guest here says: because it's cumulative.
Whenever the sensors and recorders document that pilots have exceeded those limits, both the pilots and their planes are grounded, and the planes have to be completely disassembled and inspected in fine detail for signs of metal fatigue, stretched rivet holes, warpage, stress fractures, etc. The pilots are tethered to their planes and not allowed to take up alternate planes to work around the down time. They must pay a personal price for their decisions to push their planes too far.
Outstanding video - your guest was very informative and shared his knowledge in a very 'down to earth' manner - thank you!
Seems like a lot of fencers could benefit from a proper weight training programme, if they don't already. Getting the legs strong enough to squat 180+ kg, with good form and properly dosed, will mean that any movement on the field will be sub maximal in comparison to one's untrained state. This will mean mass gain across the body, but so long as you practice the sport concurrently to weight training everything should evolve in unison and not slow you down.
Had a similar experience when I started doing Rapier and Dagger. Something about it just clicked and felt right. Really surprised me too because I didn't have a strong interest in it before. All the more reason to try as many different weapons and styles as you can.
I hear arrows are a common reason why swordsmens’ knees go out.
The sca is a great starting point for anyone wanting to get into HEMA. You'll make alot of friends... eventually you'll want to move on, but it's a great place to be and get alot of fights
Wonderful discussion. I would be happy to hear more of the 2 of you chatting. Great video. Ty
Length of time is less important when the visual element isnt required to enjoy the video. I can listen while doing other things.
Rob: I'm building a HEMA castle!
Shad: building a """HEMA""" """Castle"""
LOVE this interview! I had a year of Olympic Foil Fencing in College, fought SCA with heavy weapons and later Rapier, Rapier+Dagger and Rapier+Cloak. Huge fan of sword-fighting movies, esp. the '70's version of the 3 and 4 Musketeers with Christopher Lee and Michael York. I got out of that sport long before I ever heard of HEMA, but wish I could have gotten in to that also. I still have a good sword collection, too.
Thank you, gentleman. Enjoyed it a lot.
Greets from the Netherlands 🌷🇳🇱, T.
Echoing all the approval for the long form video with a terrific guest.
I particularly liked his observation that one shouldn't get locked into one style or one set of moves or even one system, and that there is no be all and end all. Evolution of warfare hasn't stopped in any other area except when obsoleted, so there's no reason not to push the evolution of swordplay farther.
From the time I was 11 until I was 17 I was an avid skateboarder. I lived in a hilly part of Atlanta and 99% of my skating was Street.
Hitting hard pavement repeatedly at 2-20mph definitely has taken its toll on my body!
From having to bail on a downhill &run it off so as not to land favmce first...well it's wordmse than running because velocity increases force. Luck has it I've never broken a bone, but my joints are all creaky & stiff
I'm 48 now but my knees started going very bad about 15 years ago. I have no cartilage left & some days it's painful to even stand. Still need to loose more weight before I can get replacement surgery.
But lesson is be safe, go to the doctor if it hurts & don't push it too hard even if it doesn't hurt at first.
Fantastic interview Matt, maybe more videos along this type of format would be interesting and popular.
I picked up the book when it came out. An excellent read.
Nuno Oliveira, the Portuguese classical horsemaster, when asked how long it takes to master the classical work, replied, "Two." Asked again, "Two years, two decades?" he replied, "Two lifetimes." I'm on my first lifetime (as far as I know).
And as for teaching and riding, I can't find a SINGLE thing in this interview that is not applicable to my work in classical equitation. This conversation is priceless!!
Would love to see Robert back on for conversations perhaps on specific subjects. I could see your gears turning at many points while doing a valiant job of staying in the role of interviewing!
The subject of constraints interests me as an artist, in this case martiality/purpose from historical context vs. a designed sport. I’m very curious what this looks like going into the future, and you two are uniquely equipped to discuss it
Great interview Matt, I thoroughly enjoy these videos!! It always great to hear another person's take or thought process and to see their passion for a subject.
I don't practice HEMA or fencing but, I definitely plan on picking up his book just bc it seems like an interesting read. So thank you for continuing to put out excellent content like this. 👍👍
I really love his idea of a Castle School idea, it sounds super fun to do, kind of like a "Medieval Times" school of fencing. I'd certainly be interested in attending even though I'll be like 50 by the time it'll be finished LOL.
Robert Childs: * Picks up sword* "This is the way."
Such a great informative episode and mr childs great book that i will surely add to my collection and read, great job host and guest, thank you both soo much
This is a man after my own heart. What a fun interview to watch.
Great interview. As one of Robs students and a fan of the show this was really cool to see.
I misread the thumbnail and now my wife says I'm on the couch tonight.
re: Developing knowledge of HEMA ... or regaining or rediscovering. It could well be the best fencers ever were the followers of a young genius in a small village wiped out by Plague or Ottoman Hordes or any other Horde. The best guys didn't necessarily duel, write treatises, get famous or live long to do so. There has to be much not known.
So So good , thank you thank you for sharing, 19:00 so well put .
A refreshing perspective indeed! Every purist rote-copier of style or treatise or Master X should recognize that Master X stayed alive by choosing what WORKED over mindless repetition of a system for its own sake. I won't deny that unthinking dogmatists existed back then, but they would have been skewered (literally) by those willing to THINK, judge, and adapt.
Col. Childs's assertion that he wins not by being stronger or faster, but by using the most efficient movements, makes me think at least some of the more awkward systems originated in the opposite way: naturally gifted swordsmen won fame against weaker opponents (or champions past their prime), leading contemporaries (and non-swordsman historians, and HEMA copycats) to erroneously credit their moves. It's easy to imagine a modern superathlete (in a less interconnected and analytical age) scouting and attracting similar talents as a coach, and being credited as a brilliant tactician for simply out-hustling and running over the opposition.
Just wanted to applaud you both on an interesting and fun interview. Kudos!
Can definitely relate to the sense of joy and freedom that comes from wielding two blades. It's why I keep doing Nito Kendo and Kenjutsu despite training and teaching HEMA.
I'm a fan of rapier so I like this video very much
I love this guy.
I'm over 50 and a pre- novice, but hey, I'm going to be a bloody champion before the decade is out.
Also I think I'll visit his castle and maybe ask if I can do some work on it for him.
Fascinating interview Matt, that was really excellent, thanks.
Okay, I want to visit your fencing Mecca once done! I’m a 45 year old HEMA fencer that started when he was 38 and I’m slowly getting better all the time - maybe in 9 years when you’re project is done, I’ll be good enough to hit you with a rapier, and I’ll swing down from BC, so long as you don’t achieve perfection before then! 😂⚔️😈
Excellent program Matt, one of your best. Both your questions and Mr. Childs’ answers were thought provoking and pertinent. I found myself agreeing with his thoughts.
Thanks for arranging this.
I started with Japanese martial arts and didn't get into European HEMA until a few years ago, but my position with anyone who tells me that something is or isn't historical is that my reason for learning in the 1st place was to learn to fight and I can, how effective something is always outweighs whether it's exact to any manuscript or style of fighting.
I started with longswords and spears but I have a deep love for my pappenheim hilt rapier, it mixes really well with my martial art and the European manuals have their own versions of everything I've done so I like that historically they agreed 🙂
Great interview!
The portion on finding which weapon gels well. Any ideas on what route someone new might take to somewhat quickly find their own?
An appetite for more Rob Childs ? YES PLEASE.
What a wonderful resource this channel is. Exposure to an expert is muy valuable
:(
I initially read that as "raper champion"
I didn't know that was a competition.
HEY SHAD... you need to watch this... Lol
Great interview - please get Rob back again for more
I like my pappenheimer mostly because it's pretty.
Schola interviews homelander
Will there be a kindle version of the book?
U can always talk to this guy, he is great.
Haha You looks like brothers :)
So swords are going illegal in UK?
I agree with his statement that in the modern Age it's okay to expand upon what came before because in period Masters would change their methodology/techniques over time as they learned. Fiore was born in Italy but did live in Austria for a time IIRC..he certainly learned while there & must have incorporated things.
The only caveat I'd add is that since we don't train to kill others there is a potential to use techniques that may not have worked as well in real combat as they do in spite/competition.
We also wear different clothes, especially footwear, that can effect movement & defensive strategies; although it could be argued that since we do dress differently modifying systems and techniques to fit modern sensibilities is appropriate.
Tell us about the supplements! As a 51 y o male I need to know.
Multi-vitamin for health, vitamin C for healing, and Cosamin for joints.
Thanks. Ill look these up.
In the spirit of lively and respectful discourse on out shared love of rapier, I offer a counter point to Robs comments on period masters and their publications. While I fully agree about expanding on history given our additional knowledge, I do think the back/forward weighted stances are not fully a thing to be evolved away from. I think they come from, at least in part, an approach where the most important thing is to not get hit. To me they are more closed guards that only attack when they are hugely in control of their opponents sword. I support their value with the fact that these off-center stances persisted for so long even though we know (from sources like the 1614 anonymous Vienna manual) contemporary fighters were rapidly trying to combine amd evolve styles.
Thanks for the great interview. I hope I get to cross blades with you both some day!
Great interview!!! I would like to here more of his opinions about specific historical manuals or systems for example De Rada or Pacheco along with his thoughts on the different blade types one can use to simulate rapier combat.
I find some of his statements odd. Any technique that isn't completely balanced and neutral is going to have a harder time reacting to all the possibilites, but that doesn't mean you should or need to be using it over and over. The moment you take initiave, an opponent in a "neutral" position has a disadvantage. If you always go for the neutral option, it will make you open to exploits.
I guess he's talking about people who always stick to a particular unbalanced style? I've seen people win rounds in a tournament doing the same thing over and over so yeah, people aren't perfect and common sense is pretty much uncommon. xD
Mr easton im moving to canada in jan next year and i wanna go into military saber fencing if i can find it when i get there, any advice i already proficient in kenjutsu and also dabled a bit in chinese saber and im a white weapon /japanese jujitsu student/teacher, i tried givin you some backround check on me plus i studied physical education aswell
Interesting. Great interview.
Any idea of how many people do or how popular Rotella and Rapier?(36" rapier length just to be slimmer)
Wasn't that a thing in Italy and Spain historically?
You just need a Smallsword and Spadroon practitioner next . Lol. Smallsword is a pretty good sword for when you get older.
I wonder if Rapierists combined styles from Rapier texts and Masters and not just one style?
“Since ancient times there is only one fist” master Han. There are no valid styles, they were simply the expression of one who was skilled. You will not express yourself exactly as they did. What you need to learn is ability of how to move and what your structure can do. Next level is intangible, and then the third is mastery. Shape, condition , emptied expression. Or solid, empty and the two blended. These are the three progressions. There are a core of principles for the ancient fist. “Can you move in an instant?” If not then you are in the position of the dead, this is every micro second of your training. That is the first principle, you can discover the rest.
Shad needs to talk to this guy... I almost knew he was gonna say that.. when you said you were surprised by his plans... I honestly wondered, I wonder if he is gonna build something or make something odd or big.. then I thought I wonder if he wants to build a castle as well... Lmao...
So funny... And awesome
That was interesting. And I suppose it's normal. You learn from the masters and then you have to move on.
I understand not being able to shift. Drill is absolutely necessary, but if you do it wrong, you can get stuck in what you drilled.
I'd love to hear Robert's views on sidesword in comparison to rapier. Does he see a big difference? I know there's a decent amount of material on sidesword and dagger, does he look at that, too, when using rapier and dagger? How does he see the systems in comparison, or simply as an evolution? Whatever his thoughts might be.
Ja też obejrzałem 3 odcinki i stwierdziliśmy z żoną, że nie bardzo chce nam się dalej oglądać bo w ogóle nas ten serial nie wciągnął. w 100% się z Tobą zgadzam.
Fantastic interview Matt! Thanks for sharing. Would love to see more interviews with “modern day masters” 👍
Rapier and Dagger. It's like a dance. They need to work independently yet in harmony t be mst effective
Thank you for this interview; so much resonated with me, despite not practising a sword art. I guess at a general level, it comes down to commonalities in how people can develop techniques and systems to defend themselves against other people in one-on-one or small group situations.
I'd be interested in hearing more about his perspective of other sword types beyond the rapier, and what it was like for him to adapt moving from a rapier to their use. I'd also like to know if there are any practical advantages to the swept hilt or any other kind of hilt over the basket.
Matt, you did a great job as an interviewer with your questions to open up the interviewee, patience listening, and direction to steer the discourse along its agenda. Also liked the interest evident in your face. As a viewer, that helped me to engage better with the listening. I thought I was about a quarter through the interview when I had to pause, and I was surprised to see I had actually been watching for half an hour already. I'm not one for long interviews, but this was easy to watch.
Thanks for bringing us this interview, gentleman. loved this. Cheers!
I love the fact that you both have the same decorative motif in the background. The doors and the cabinet, respectively.
That was one of the most informative and well done interview that I've ever enjoyed this much. I would love to see you bring him back especially when the castle has been underway for a time to see as it evolves. Keep it up and I can not wait to see more.
Tremendo video!, me encanto el enfoque de Robert y bueno obviamente super útiles las preguntas de Mat. Gracias por compartir estas entrevistas!😃
Missed the "I" in the title the first time I glanced at my subscriptions list and had to do a double take, lol. I mean, I sub to a lot of drama/true crime channels but still
Right, I bought his book and I hope it’s applicable to Cutlass
That was awesome
The hobbyists and sportsmen pay the light bills for the Martial Artists 😂
Oof, everything about this was fascinating.
Tell us all what are the supplements! xD
I have a few I use, but the Cosamin for joints is an important one.
Did you noticed, that they look like siblings?
Really enjoyed this conversation thanks so much
Rob and I share the dream of sword fighting at 80!
It probably should be stated that SCA rapier is a specific thing compared to what is the more common SCA activity which is fully armored with rattan sticks
Yes it is! I've done both.
Did I misunderstand or did Mr. Childs state he was active duty Air Force? And he said that he was interested in the sword from the age of 17 and had 34 years experience. That would make him somewhere around 51? He sounds American, and if he joined up after college, he would have been on active duty for almost 30 years. That is very unusual - most people retire after 20, a small percentage retire at 25 and a tiny number hit thirty. However, to stay in until 30, implies that he had to make enough rank - which would be at least full colonel, and probably general. If he was a general in the Air Force, one would imagine that would have come up. OF course, he might be in the Guard or Reserves so my calculations might be off. But since I know nothing about HEMA other than "hit 'em with the pointy end" I have to comment on something.. for the algorithm of course? :-)
You are correct; I am now in my early 50s. Started out enlisted in the military and later became an officer.
Great, new quality hema book!
I'm 7 years into SCA rapier, and I'll say if you want faster fighting with cutting, there's a style called "Cut & Thrust" that allows it. It's new and still maturing but it's well participated in. I haven't participated in HEMA myself but as I understand it HEMA is a loose federation of groups, where as the SCA is one formally organized group. It's allowed, in my opinion based on the best info I have, for the SCA to have a much more scientific and rigorous approach to safely. Rules are studied, injuries are recorded, and that real data is understood to inform the ruleset. I still want to participate in HEMA to gain wider exposure to the sword combat world.
While I'm thinking of it, the difference that I really appreciate in the SCA is the competition is all self-called shots. I've seen hema completions where the rapier fighters are trying to get their swords to visually flex as much as possible and that doesn't jive super well with me. I'd love to hear more from people who fight both sides. But in the SCA I can drag my sword tip across a mask or chest and it'll count. Which .. I mean that's realistic I have to believe. I need to get more into our Cut & Thrust though because I hear what you're saying about velocity and force.
You are building a European castle in USA?
That's the plan.
@@RobertChildsRapier That's cool
This was a great interview, from both sides.
If Robert is 52, I'm depressed, I have a few years on him, but having fenced when I was younger, decided I was much too old to switch to HEMA being in my 40's when I discovered it. Still there was always the archery.
It's not too late, William.
This was fascinating, as shared experience from such cross-training, skill-developing situations. Insight into development, education, skill acquisition feedback. Edifying and enjoyable.
(Plus, that castle plan sounds *glorious*.)
The man is an officer a proper American gentleman
Very kind of you to say.
@@RobertChildsRapier former Spc Medina Aco2-9 INF Manchu sir 🇺🇸🤝🇬🇧
@@robertmedina5850 Pleasure to (virtually) meet you. :)
Bro has an unfortunate name for his job
I'm curious, do people employ trips, pushes and hip throws in their swordsmanship or is that frowned upon?
There are tournaments where grappling is allowed--both of the weapon and of the fencer behind it.
Forget talking. We want a dual
I wonder if the author was ever in Kandahar and worked with the group there??
Not in Kandahar, but I did work with the group in Kabul.
Did you do any swordfighting in Kabul?
@@grdoreza Though there was no rapier, there was a group of foil and saber fencers there and I trained and fenced those folks every Tuesday evening we had available.
@@RobertChildsRapier I love your dream. Ordered your book and hope to one day cross blades with you.
sword cult? yes please!
Great interview. Found myself nodding in agreement so much I went and bought the book
Planning on buying it too. I wanna see what I can apply to self defense in general. I need to get a punching bag. The guy who I lived with and had one moved out.
🍻More of this, please.
Serious question, what can a Experienced Fencer, Teach us about being quick, stealthy and accurate with finger jabs to the eyes
Quite a bit, actually. The ranges are obviously shorter than in rapier combat but you will find the foundational techniques to a no-tell lunge (chapter in the book) and a no-tell finger jab to the eye (my preference is the thumb) are very much the same. The technique hides the fact it is happening until it is too late.
@@RobertChildsRapier
B. Lee eventually abandoned Wing Chun for early western boxing , and fencing structures in his late stage Jeet Kune Do.
Fingerjab to the eyes are a primary weapon.
He called it fist and foot fencing.
That’s why I asked (a JKD student)
Is that how Americans typically say quillons? Or is he saying a different related word?
It’s the French pronunciation.
@@ZouMaKanHua oh ok thank you 😊