If SI taught a sword curriculam...

[karl johnson]

Also remember the Kukri is not simply a weapon, it is symbolic of the Sikh Religion - it is not to be drawn from it's scabbard except for a damned good reason. The by-knives allow them to adhere to this rule more easily.

The Sikhs are not Nepalese and carry the Kirpan, not the Kukri.

[John Chambers]

The Ghurkas I worked with used their kukris like we use a multi-tool or a Spyderco. I saw soldiers cutting cardboard and grass with theirs. If there was a religeous signficance to it, I sure did not see it.

Also remember the Kukri is not simply a weapon, it is symbolic of the Sikh Religion - it is not to be drawn from it's scabbard except for a damned good reason.
Chuck Brick.

[Chuck Brick]

The Sikhs are not Nepalese and carry the Kirpan, not the Kukri.

I stand corrected. My bad.

The Ghurkas I worked with used their kukris like we use a multi-tool or a Spyderco. I saw soldiers cutting cardboard and grass with theirs. If there was a religeous signficance to it, I sure did not see it.

That's interesting, I was told otherwise. That better fits their rather practical, no-nonsense character, though, so it makes more sense. Thanks.

Chuck Brick.

[MesserMan]

Lots of good info in this thread for an aspiring swordsman to think about. I didn't expect it to be so popular, nor there to be so many others here that still see the sword as a viable weapon. I can always count on WT.

Been reading Silver's Paradoxes of Defense and noticed that he didn't have a lot of love for the rapier. Interesting that they dealt with the same problem of BS teachers and training that we deal with today in the tactical and gun community, and that was in 1599. Proof that some things never change, and there's really nothing new, only old things that have been rediscovered.

[SqueeDAB]

EspadayDaga.jpg

I'll roll with these.

[noflyers]

http://www.middleages.hu/english/mar...sortmethod=ASC

Take your pick just a good broad selection of Manuscripts, Codices, Fechtbuchs and Vechtboeks on just about any swords art there is. There are of course MANY more. Just a single source that has many of the old familiars and a few lesser known. I have collected many references documents over the years and this is about as thorough a selection as there is in one accessible point. Enjoy!

[alistar]

Thanks, noflyers, for that reference. Fascinating. A dog attack taught me to carry a cane or an unbreakable umbrella when I walk in my neighborhood, and many of the same exercises and techniques suggested for the sword can also be applied to these lower profile accessories.

[noflyers]

No problem, been studying WMA/HEMA for quite a while, if nothing else the history of it all is interesting, as well you can see that once was old is now new again. There is not much truly "new" any more in the realm of combatives, new weapons yes, but the application is pretty much the same with the same targets, including specifically targeting bio-mechanical weak points on a person.

[temposhot]

Just wanted to say that I am really enjoying this. I've been fencing for over 20+ years with most of it being uncoached, but some of the best advice and insights I've been given came from a friend who started working with me on Cappo Ferro's System of Defense. It revolutionized my epee. He started working with Fiori longsword, dagger, and wrestling about the time my lovely lady decided she wanted me home more. I can only say I envy those of you who have been able to pursue it. I enjoy modern epee, but I miss studying the period arts.

Scott

[Chuck Brick]

There is a very real advantage to learning to use the variety of antique weapons. One day I was working alone in a remote location when I heard a commotion out by the truck; it turned out to be some wild-eyed Mexican guy with his clothes all dishevelled and a machete had stumbled out of the woods. He was between me and my truck (and 2-way radio) about 15/18 feet away and glaring at me ??? like I'd pi$$ed him off (I think he was high or drunk). I picked up a cast-iron valve tool that closely resembles a mace, assumed a stance, and prepared for him (only other thing I could do is run - which I'm no good at - or cower down and hope he just left - uh, no). He stepped towards me, I tensed and braced, he stopped and stared at me, I stepped forward, he turned and went back into the woods. Hell yeah it scared me - I'm not a fool - but knowing how to use anything within reach is definitely comforting.

Chuck Brick.