Sword drill- solo practice

[Prince_Alarming]

Hey. I sometimes come across references in works of fiction to British army sword drill, from the 18th and 19th century. I was wondering if anybody could tell me what this consisted of, perhaps point me to some resources? It strikes me this could be a way of getting into lone madman sword stuff. I wouldn't pretend to be able to go up against trained fighters, but I've had this thing for ages and never really used it, and it would be a fun thing to do as part of my morning martial arts practice. All I'm expecting out of it is a bit of fun, and to learn something interesting

 

[Dirty Dog]

Get a thick wooden post. Like 12" or more. Bury it so about 6' of it stick straight up and solidly enough that you can't easily move it. Now start whacking on it with your sword.

 

[Badhabits]

Don't break it whacking stuff! Long time ago I broke one of my dad's swords chopping trees with it. It was a cheap thing but still...got my butt whooped over it

 

[Gyakuto]

 

[Tony Dismukes]

If you're talking about 18th/19th century British army sword use, then you're mostly talking about saber. Here's a good introduction for solo drills:

If you're open to working with longsword (or other two-handed swords), then I would recommend something like this (it's from older German sources, but pretty useful for two-handed sword work in general):

 

[Prince_Alarming]

If you're talking about 18th/19th century British army sword use, then you're mostly talking about saber. Here's a good introduction for solo drills:

If you're open to working with longsword (or other two-handed swords), then I would recommend something like this (it's from older German sources, but pretty useful for two-handed sword work in general):

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[Prince_Alarming]

Get a thick wooden post. Like 12" or more. Bury it so about 6' of it stick straight up and solidly enough that you can't easily move it. Now start whacking on it with your sword.

Sadly, it's not even sharp, but this tip is banked for when I buy a proper one. A straining post (12"+ pine) would probably do the job

 

[Prince_Alarming]

Don't break it whacking stuff! Long time ago I broke one of my dad's swords chopping trees with it. It was a cheap thing but still...got my butt whooped over it

Oh it's the other way around in my family- my dad once broke my motorcycle wing mirror, I was a little annoyed as there are only 7 of that part left in Europe.

 

[Haruhiko]

Hey. I sometimes come across references in works of fiction to British army sword drill, from the 18th and 19th century. I was wondering if anybody could tell me what this consisted of, perhaps point me to some resources? It strikes me this could be a way of getting into lone madman sword stuff. I wouldn't pretend to be able to go up against trained fighters, but I've had this thing for ages and never really used it, and it would be a fun thing to do as part of my morning martial arts practice. All I'm expecting out of it is a bit of fun, and to learn something interesting

What type of swords? I know that the British Imperial Force drilled bayonet exercises in WW1, which are interesting to watch.

If it's 18th / 19th century it's likely an arming sword, saber, or similar like what the King's Guard are armed with in London.

This video demonstrates some drills using a broadsword saber based on a 18th century manual:

I'd also suggest getting it appraised by a professional armorer for more information!

 

[Prince_Alarming]

What type of swords? I know that the British Imperial Force drilled bayonet exercises in WW1, which are interesting to watch.

If it's 18th / 19th century it's likely an arming sword, saber, or similar like what the King's Guard are armed with in London.

This video demonstrates some drills using a broadsword saber based on a 18th century manual:

I'd also suggest getting it appraised by a professional armorer for more information!

My sword is basically a piece of tourist tat- it's shaped like a two handed european medieval sword. I've done a little research Basically just a piece of metal to swing about, although I'd guess it's probably about the right weight. I only mentioned 18th/19th century as that's the one I'd read about in literature, I didn't realise older solo work existed.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Oh it's the other way around in my family- my dad once broke my motorcycle wing mirror, I was a little annoyed as there are only 7 of that part left in Europe.

It doesn't need to be sharp for pell work. In many ways, a blunt sword would be better. Because it will take a lot longer to destroy the pell.

 

[Haruhiko]

My sword is basically a piece of tourist tat- it's shaped like a two handed european medieval sword. I've done a little research Basically just a piece of metal to swing about, although I'd guess it's probably about the right weight. I only mentioned 18th/19th century as that's the one I'd read about in literature, I didn't realise older solo work existed.

Andúril...

It's gorgeous!