Reclaiming the Blade

es
00:01:01 When men were to
00:01:03 the predominant object
00:01:08 'Cause when I have done
00:01:11 I've always thought about:
00:01:16 Often these things were
00:01:22 They're such a part
00:01:52 The Medieval
00:01:55 a profound
00:01:57 handcrafted by
00:02:01 It is designed to kill.
00:02:03 The truth of the sword
00:02:07 and the Renaissance martial arts
00:02:10 are long forgotten.
00:02:12 The ancient practitioners
00:02:15 through their manuscripts.
00:02:17 As gunslingers
00:02:20 they were the western heroes
00:02:23 They lived and died by them.
00:02:26 Yet today, their history
00:02:29 under a shadow of legend.
00:02:32 Before the invention
00:02:35 the sword was
00:02:38 The sword probably has not
00:02:41 for at least 200 years.
00:02:42 To think that a pummel,
00:02:48 a very simple object
00:02:52 over thousands of years
00:02:56 These objects have really
00:02:59 and where we are today.
00:03:05 Swords have been used
00:03:07 to defend people and land,
00:03:10 and to protect kingdoms
00:03:13 From 1st century wars
00:03:15 to the Viking
00:03:17 sword and steel have
00:03:20 the map of Europe and ultimately
00:03:25 Their essential role
00:03:28 goes back far into
00:03:32 The connection between
00:03:34 may perhaps find its
00:03:36 of the Germanic
00:03:40 Here, being armed with a sword
00:03:43 but also a duty
00:03:47 In fact, the ceremony
00:03:49 required that
00:03:51 be presented with
00:03:57 Many British kings chose to
00:04:02 and to supplement the militia
00:04:05 rather than abolish it.
00:04:08 The idea of a free militia
00:04:12 presents an interesting concept
00:04:14 that is reflected
00:04:17 The sword is as relevant today
00:04:21 as it was in ages past,
00:04:24 civic emblems, and insignia
00:04:29 It has been an ancient symbol
00:04:32 for purity, justice
00:04:36 The iconic power of the sword
00:04:40 from literature to
00:04:43 nowhere is it more celebrated
00:04:53 There's a definite symbolism
00:04:56 of every story
00:04:58 The sword combines
00:05:01 and the threat of impending
00:05:05 which might be hanging
00:05:07 until the moment
00:05:09 I think there's something
00:05:13 2 guys going at it
00:05:15 To fight someone with a sword
00:05:20 with a gun, I think
00:05:23 It's conflict at its most raw
00:05:27 looking at each other eye to eye
00:05:30 And the stakes are higher
00:05:32 You are right there in the end
00:05:34 is an extension
00:05:36 so it's really
00:05:39 It suddenly is a realm
00:05:42 of heroes, of adventures.
00:05:45 That would explain to a large
00:05:49 They're, you know,
00:05:53 Our technology has progressed
00:05:57 as an object of personal
00:06:00 it's still irrelevant, don't
00:06:03 the extent to which
00:06:05 the image of the sword,
00:06:08 the symbolic importance
00:06:10 I mean, it's hard to
00:06:13 or go to the cinema,
00:06:15 without still being
00:07:34 Our stories and movies contain
00:07:37 that we only wish we could
00:07:41 I've had the honor really--
00:07:45 of working with Bob Anderson
00:07:48 In all of the fights that
00:07:52 and indeed as a modern fencer,
00:07:55 has undoubtedly been
00:07:59 Others who have worked
00:08:01 that you always want to give
00:08:03 the choreography
00:08:06 Even his presence,
00:08:08 suddenly you have to pick
00:08:10 The first time I met
00:08:13 on the set of
00:08:15 He turns around and
00:08:17 "Well, I'm going to show you
00:08:19 save your life today, mate."
00:08:21 And so he proceeded to show
00:08:25 and thrusting and
00:08:28 And the guy who came after him
00:08:32 "Oh, do you realize
00:08:34 And I was like,
00:08:35 "Well, that's
00:08:38 "He, you know, he used
00:08:40 and you know, has worked for
00:08:42 And I said, "Oh really,
00:08:44 Why don't you give up?
00:08:45 You can see
00:08:47 Errol Flynn was a very
00:08:51 who could do anything
00:08:54 And that's why he became
00:08:57 is because the parts that
00:09:01 in those days--
00:09:04 fighting at the end,
00:09:06 Douglas Fairbanks stuff
00:09:09 Then he said,
00:09:11 He was actually in
00:09:14 actually doing all
00:09:16 And I was like...
00:09:17 that sort of struck
00:09:20 Oh, Darth Vader, yes.
00:09:23 It's just a cloak and a helmet
00:09:28 I did choreograph the fights.
00:09:30 I did 3 of those.
00:09:32 It was good work for me.
00:09:34 It became the weapon of choice
00:09:40 Indeed even, it seems
00:09:42 a science-fiction movie
00:09:45 they can't seem to escape
00:09:48 I wonder why that is?
00:09:50 What is it?
00:09:52 It's your father's
00:09:55 This is a weapon
00:09:57 Not as clumsy or random
00:10:01 An elegant weapon
00:10:07 To go into the future and
00:10:12 that's brilliant.
00:10:14 Suddenly "Star Wars"
00:10:17 it's also a modern version
00:10:23 "The Princess Bride"
00:10:28 and everybody tells me
00:10:31 I've choreographed.
00:10:32 You seem like
00:10:34 I hate to kill you.
00:10:35 You seem like
00:10:37 I hate to die.
00:10:38 They learned to fight
00:10:41 Then why are you smiling?
00:10:42 Because I know something
00:10:44 And what is that?
00:10:45 I am not left-handed.
00:10:47 And then they do it again
00:10:50 to his right hand.
00:10:52 I'm not left-handed either.
00:10:57 Johnny is about as good
00:11:00 He can transform what
00:11:05 into a character.
00:11:07 You know what you are doing,
00:11:09 Excellent form,
00:11:15 Viggo came running in
00:11:19 and I stuck a sword in
00:11:22 20 stuntmen in almost
00:11:28 When all the stunties
00:11:29 the other end of the room
00:11:31 like looking around
00:11:34 And then all of a sudden
00:11:36 and they're like running towards
00:11:38 had his sword up.
00:11:40 Apparently,
00:11:42 He didn't run away,
00:11:45 Okay, I think I can
00:11:47 He had a lot to learn.
00:11:49 He did, I thought he
00:11:55 You know, it was hard work
00:11:57 and demanding
00:12:00 But it was mostly fun
00:12:03 a boyhood dream come true.
00:12:07 You know, I got to
00:12:09 There were real enemies,
00:12:11 It's important that the people
00:12:14 and you trust them and you
00:12:17 highly-detailed choreography
00:12:22 of when you actually get
00:12:24 And then really the tough
00:12:27 Especially when you are
00:12:31 and weighed down
00:12:33 I thought it was some of
00:12:35 I had seen in
00:12:43 A lot of the stuff the stunt
00:12:48 And they did
00:12:51 He is much more than
00:12:54 that directors have been well
00:12:58 A sort of a regal refined
00:13:01 in the midst
00:13:04 It was an honor to work
00:13:06 Not just about sword fighting
00:13:11 about being a gentleman,
00:13:14 and a respect for the weapon.
00:13:17 The swords were very well
00:13:21 John Howe's
00:13:24 I really enjoyed getting
00:13:26 "The Lord of the Rings" swords
00:13:28 because it was always
00:13:30 and making the blades slimmer
00:13:33 making it more real,
00:13:35 even though we are not
00:13:38 The actor may turn up a year,
00:13:42 after you first started
00:13:45 It's therefore a great thing
00:13:48 the weapon to the actor.
00:13:50 I really enjoyed working
00:13:53 and all the people at
00:13:57 like Bob Anderson,
00:14:01 The attention to detail that
00:14:06 that may not necessarily
00:14:10 at least not on first viewing,
00:14:13 As an actor it was wonderful
00:14:18 you know, really help transport
00:14:22 I liken our effects workshop as
00:14:26 around the world, to be similar
00:14:30 of the years past.
00:14:32 This is a gathering
00:14:36 of craftspeople working
00:14:39 of different artistic skills
00:14:43 It's a really exciting
00:14:48 As a designer you can
00:14:50 You can draw hundreds, hundreds
00:14:53 but if the man making them
00:14:56 you know, it's--
00:14:59 We're incredibly fortunate to
00:15:02 who was the metal worker,
00:15:04 And he's someone who understands
00:15:08 and he did these
00:15:29 The forging techniques I use
00:15:32 and some ways they're different
00:15:36 With sword blades I'll start
00:15:40 Usually, I'll cut and grind that
00:15:44 We use bronze, wood, leather,
00:15:48 that were used in period.
00:15:50 The main difference really,
00:15:52 with mass production
00:15:56 that we can get things to
00:16:01 And essentially they're a lot
00:16:06 The style of the sword,
00:16:09 the aging on it, they all
00:16:11 whether this character
00:16:13 whether they're
00:16:15 It's a really
00:16:17 when the actors begin
00:16:22 Bob very much encouraged you
00:16:25 which in some cases
00:16:29 Yes, it's only a movie, but,
00:16:32 it's not a movie,
00:16:42 Actors on the stage
00:16:45 through real-time
00:17:18 Doing it on the stage
00:17:21 They have to
00:17:24 On the films you can take
00:17:27 film it, do it once, twice,
00:17:31 You get one chance on stage.
00:17:33 But you've got to be really good
00:17:37 When you've gone to the cut,
00:17:41 you turn, and your hand is
00:17:45 you transfer that
00:17:50 You try to hit him
00:17:52 with the cross part
00:17:54 Now if he hangs on to his
00:17:57 and you hit him under
00:18:00 But he knows that,
00:18:04 Then I go to hit him,
00:18:07 and that's why
00:18:10 The thing that we call
00:18:13 is which leads you
00:18:17 In the 18th century the move
00:18:20 We attack each other's chest,
00:18:23 I stretch him on the lunge, and
00:18:29 So there is the same movement
00:18:31 with different weapons
00:18:36 All those moves,
00:18:38 what the other one's doing.
00:18:39 Now you can do the glissar
00:18:48 It's eye contact,
00:18:51 it's timing
00:18:53 I was looking at Andy's eyes,
00:18:56 that his body's doing but I
00:18:59 and I can see 180 degrees
00:19:02 Again the arm goes first,
00:19:04 the arm plunge down
00:19:07 See, there won't be a second
00:19:10 shoulder, the body looking
00:19:13 the throat but at the last
00:19:16 And to make it real,
00:19:20 'Cause I don't trust him.
00:19:21 I feel that I might get hit
00:19:24 to make sure that the sword
00:19:26 You cut, and you hit him,
00:19:29 You hope.
00:19:30 The reason I don't hit him
00:19:33 my elbow is pulling
00:19:36 The skill that that
00:19:38 as the skill of killing
00:19:41 sometimes the difference
00:20:01 The point of choreography
00:20:06 is to forward the story.
00:20:08 If it does that
00:20:11 It's not designed to
00:20:14 it's designed to show
00:20:17 There's an undeniable
00:20:21 And there's even
00:20:24 tend to steer clear
00:20:27 of what a sword does
00:20:29 And it has to look
00:20:31 I think, you know, I honestly
00:20:33 would be very short, sharp.
00:20:38 It's not just
00:20:40 though it can be
00:20:42 It's not just
00:20:43 because they were used
00:20:45 It is an ancient weapon that was
00:20:54 There's always been fighting.
00:20:56 There's never been a time
00:20:58 when there hasn't been
00:21:00 People are interested in combat
00:21:04 from the highest
00:21:06 kings, and princes, emperors.
00:21:09 A sword as a weapon
00:21:11 everyone would have owned
00:21:14 anyone being an adult male.
00:21:17 So, from top to bottom
00:21:19 personal combat
00:21:22 Few subjects have received
00:21:25 historians than the
00:21:29 although ancient kings
00:21:32 great credence
00:21:34 often modern academics
00:21:36 the reality of the blade,
00:21:39 as something apart from
00:21:42 It's quite a popular subject,
00:21:45 And you look at these books
00:21:47 and one thing they
00:21:50 You know, you'd think that this
00:21:55 But the one thing
00:21:56 was techniques of combat.
00:21:58 It's a subject that
00:22:00 for the most part
00:22:02 Probably the world's foremost
00:22:05 Dr. Sidney Anglo,
00:22:07 He said, "Hey historians,
00:22:11 I'm sure that
00:22:13 still find it kind of
00:22:16 That it isn't something
00:22:18 should be writing about.
00:22:20 Which, of course is foolish.
00:22:21 Think it's perhaps
00:22:23 you know, these people
00:22:26 and running each other
00:22:28 and often killing
00:22:30 if they didn't kill each other
00:22:35 Originally fencing meant
00:22:37 the noble science of defense.
00:22:39 We have lots of records of
00:22:42 all over the place and we also
00:22:44 complaining about
00:22:47 the noise and the violence
00:22:50 This changed bit by bit into the
00:22:56 they became more fashionable for
00:23:01 and to learn how to fence.
00:23:04 Yet today, there are too few
00:23:08 the significant role
00:23:11 And so to a large extent much
00:23:17 The sobering death toll of the
00:23:20 the truth that the romance of
00:23:27 The one-on-one dueling spirit
00:23:31 under the shadow of automatic
00:23:34 gruesome wake of millions who
00:23:40 With the increased use
00:23:41 during the turn of
00:23:43 the slow erasure of
00:23:45 from public consciousness
00:23:48 Fortunately the romance of
00:23:52 of early filmmakers
00:23:55 through imagination
00:23:58 But would the lost art of sword
00:24:03 It was a change from battlefield
00:24:07 for judicial combat
00:24:10 and for street level
00:24:13 gentlemen having private affairs
00:24:16 single sword against
00:24:18 Most duels back in the day
00:24:21 they were just to first blood.
00:24:23 During the 1700s you had guns
00:24:29 the sword as the choice
00:24:34 and in the mid-1800s fencing
00:24:40 People started, you know,
00:24:42 instead of training
00:24:45 The term fencing today is
00:24:48 the collegiate and Olympic sport
00:24:53 Now it's based on
00:24:56 into an electric circuit
00:25:01 You can just slip it in
00:25:03 slip it in on target,
00:25:07 Fencing became
00:25:11 and there's a lot of aspects
00:25:14 Anybody who wants to learn how
00:25:18 fencing because it teaches you
00:25:23 I like the honor aspect
00:25:26 that goes along with it.
00:25:28 Modern fencing has retained
00:25:30 of Renaissance fencing
00:25:32 before and after our bouts.
00:25:35 The thing that I like about
00:25:38 to do a physical
00:25:40 It's much more a thinking game
00:25:43 despite the fact that it's a
00:25:47 Tips of fencing blades
00:25:51 Fencers have very quick
00:25:55 You have to deal with someone
00:25:59 And fencing is straight
00:26:01 They're used to people
00:26:03 in a particular sort of ways.
00:26:05 There's a whole language of
00:26:10 It's not real, though.
00:26:12 And it's been 200 or 300 years
00:26:17 people nicking one another
00:26:21 or killing one another
00:26:23 There are very specific
00:26:26 hitting a little bit too hard
00:26:30 of the bout, if they thought it
00:26:32 or too hard or anything like
00:26:36 docked points,
00:26:38 You will see coupés, flicks,
00:26:44 on the end will score but if
00:26:49 a little bitty nick where as the
00:26:55 I can get my rapier
00:26:58 and come in here
00:27:00 I was sparring with some friends
00:27:04 he lunged I slapped the blade
00:27:08 and extended my right
00:27:12 And he said,
00:27:13 And I said,
00:27:15 I can engage it and
00:27:18 Then he said,
00:27:20 And I said, "I'm not
00:27:23 I'm trying to kill you."
00:27:25 They have no problem
00:27:27 and knocking you
00:27:28 and beating you over
00:27:29 He does a lunge at me, I would
00:27:35 and I'm gonna
00:27:36 This wouldn't occur
00:27:39 Fencing masters,
00:27:41 "Well yeah,
00:27:43 "You can't grab his leg,
00:27:44 you can't trip him,
00:27:46 People weren't dumb
00:27:48 They had their own styles
00:27:50 but they were
00:27:52 in terms of combat than
00:27:55 We don't think of
00:27:57 There's a lot of aspects
00:28:00 but you can't take their rules
00:28:04 because they just don't work
00:28:08 The evolution of fencing
00:28:11 Historical swordplay
00:28:13 classical fencing upon
00:28:17 Over the past century,
00:28:21 was developed from
00:28:24 Modern sport fencing is not
00:28:28 historical European martial arts
00:28:32 from older more inclusive
00:28:36 In time, proper decorum
00:28:39 came to replace
00:28:43 By the 19th century, fighting
00:28:46 and use diverse arms and armor
00:28:50 to employ such skills.
00:28:53 Not surprisingly, what was
00:28:56 from the wider craft
00:29:01 As they pursued
00:29:03 of gentlemanly fencing,
00:29:06 with single identical swords,
00:29:10 and sometimes even ridicule
00:29:14 At the same time, fencing
00:29:18 and in the 19th century it
00:29:21 or self-defense value.
00:29:23 Those who continued to duel
00:29:25 did so under less and less
00:29:30 The popular myth of crude
00:29:34 slowly evolving into more
00:29:38 began to surface
00:29:41 Ancient European
00:29:43 were now officially
00:29:59 If you look at our society
00:30:04 of subcultures from reenactment,
00:30:08 to even reenactment
00:30:11 It's interesting in that
00:30:14 back in to where he should be;
00:30:17 It's an interesting way
00:30:20 and it's a lot more fun than
00:30:24 This is an epee blade.
00:30:26 This is what we originally
00:30:28 in the SCA.
00:30:29 It's the same type of blade
00:30:33 that you would see
00:30:35 The strip fencing
00:30:38 It's not really dedicated to
00:30:40 the medieval martial arts
00:30:42 What I have here looks
00:30:46 It's heavier but it is
00:30:48 to bend without breaking.
00:30:50 It has more of the weight of
00:30:54 start to use the techniques
00:30:56 in the Middle Ages with
00:30:59 Well, it's
00:31:01 it goes from people
00:31:02 to very serious people
00:31:07 There is an individual
00:31:10 the individual becomes somebody
00:31:15 in a large plastic machine.
00:31:17 Historical reenactment folks
00:31:20 and it's an amazing thing.
00:31:21 It's a great to be in but
00:31:26 It's a whole lifestyle
00:31:29 What we do is to create
00:31:35 My name is Greg Prevost
00:31:37 In the SCA, I'm known as
00:31:40 which is Welsh
00:31:42 You create the clothing,
00:31:47 and you become that
00:31:49 I take the name
00:31:52 That name actually derives
00:31:55 so it's Moorish.
00:31:57 And my title in the SCA
00:32:00 But I'm also a knight
00:32:02 Once you get knighted
00:32:04 so it's like a lifetime
00:32:07 This is a very
00:32:10 Everyone's welcome.
00:32:11 I have 4 children and
00:32:14 their first event when they
00:32:16 My oldest son is 11 now
00:32:18 and I'm starting to
00:32:20 We don't chop each
00:32:23 There's a thrust and
00:32:29 Every kingdom is ruled
00:32:35 They are chosen by combat.
00:32:37 When all the fighters come
00:32:39 a best 2-out-of-3
00:32:42 You call the wound as accurately
00:32:46 done to you if it had
00:32:50 For instance, if you get hit
00:32:53 you then have to drop your knees
00:32:57 which compromises your
00:33:00 Your opponent has the option of
00:33:04 the same handicap so that
00:33:09 but he doesn't have to.
00:33:10 It's on his honor.
00:33:11 If he does agree,
00:33:14 then he is lauded by the
00:33:17 If I get hit with a solid blow
00:33:20 with a real sword,
00:33:23 We don't say that
00:33:25 we say we are
00:33:27 People see us fight
00:33:29 at first they think of
00:33:30 strictly for the entertainment
00:33:33 The SCA's completely different.
00:33:34 It's an actual sport.
00:33:36 We're competing.
00:33:37 Every blow thrown out there
00:33:39 We don't know who, when we
00:33:41 and we don't know
00:33:43 until the last blow
00:33:45 It's just a different spin off
00:33:49 The creative part is we take the
00:33:52 and we try to recreate them;
00:33:56 We leave behind
00:33:59 I think that reenactment
00:34:02 I feel like, approach to--
00:34:05 it can be a very rich, rich,
00:34:10 It's also a little
00:34:12 because reenactment is
00:34:15 history itself which
00:34:18 When you take a pipe and you
00:34:23 you whack on one another that's
00:34:26 we who fence with electronic
00:34:30 whether or not a touch
00:34:32 If the swords were
00:34:34 most of these guys really
00:34:36 And I wouldn't be either.
00:34:44 There are many martial arts
00:34:49 Out of China you have
00:34:52 eagle style, wing tsun.
00:34:54 From Korea, you have taekwondo,
00:34:59 kwonbup, taekyun, hapkido,
00:35:04 Out of Japan you have the very
00:35:09 Out of the Philippines
00:35:13 Out of Thailand
00:35:15 Out of Burma
00:35:18 and I'm sure there are
00:35:20 When you hit a target area,
00:35:22 where you're hitting;
00:35:28 Hua-mo-ah!
00:35:30 Just coming in and hitting
00:35:35 I have to have
00:35:37 I have to make
00:35:41 I have to hit the proper part
00:35:45 this leather piece
00:35:48 Ah-oo!
00:35:49 I have to either go
00:35:52 Hua!
00:35:54 My body, my mind, and my sword
00:35:59 The idea is you're becoming
00:36:26 In the '70s and the '80s,
00:36:28 movies increased our interest
00:36:34 Hey, wouldn't
00:36:37 Man who catch fly with
00:36:44 Today when people hear
00:36:47 they immediately bring to mind
00:36:51 such as karate and taekwondo.
00:36:55 There's a more esoteric concept
00:36:59 that is more than just
00:37:04 in my opinion, is absent within
00:37:10 as opposed to Eastern.
00:38:08 In many respects you can say
00:38:15 that the Japanese had
00:38:20 So there's nothing really
00:38:25 We have a tendency
00:38:29 had their own tradition
00:38:32 European fighting skills
00:38:36 to something that was very
00:38:40 which it wasn't.
00:38:41 What's funny is they
00:38:43 that the human body's
00:38:46 And it depends on
00:38:47 and that's governed
00:38:51 It's somewhat amusing to have
00:38:57 martial arts glancing through
00:39:01 say wrestling,
00:39:03 "Oh wow, this is done
00:39:06 Things from Asia and Japan
00:39:10 pinnacle of fighting skills
00:39:14 we were just as skillful here.
00:39:16 But what we did was
00:39:18 As you're comparing the 2,
00:39:22 seized on the firearm
00:39:26 Whereas in Japan it was used
00:39:30 once the Tokugawa Shogunate was
00:39:34 because this would destroy
00:39:38 When a peasant could blast
00:39:44 it was unthinkable.
00:39:45 Martial arts from the East
00:39:48 being orally transmitted
00:39:51 Pretty much, it was
00:39:53 because you had to be
00:39:55 So it was essentially father
00:39:58 When of course the big
00:40:02 and some of the oriental schools
00:40:07 How far they're teaching
00:40:10 they taught in the past,
00:40:15 You remember the game where you
00:40:19 to the next, by the time
00:40:21 this thought
00:40:23 Eastern martial arts have a long
00:40:25 in the West martial arts,
00:40:29 died down a lot after
00:40:34 As the gun improved
00:40:39 and became
00:40:45 People stopped training
00:40:48 There was no necessity, no need
00:40:53 So we have essentially a break
00:40:57 in the Western world.
00:41:02 What was the sword,
00:41:07 Before practical
00:41:09 into a gentlemen's ritual
00:41:12 masters of defense
00:41:16 Many of the surviving
00:41:18 their combative systems remained
00:41:23 until now.
00:41:25 Today historical fencing
00:41:29 and an unprecedented revival of
00:41:33 is now underway.
00:42:28 The West had its own
00:42:30 exactly as the Orient did,
00:42:36 There's been a renaissance,
00:42:39 in the study of the sword
00:42:43 that had been lost in
00:42:45 since the sword was truly
00:42:48 The work of people in making
00:42:53 of the sword in terms of form
00:42:58 they would handle, and then
00:43:01 who are taking these
00:43:04 moving them in space,
00:43:07 what was possible
00:43:16 All across Europe, the Americas
00:43:20 historical European fight clubs
00:43:23 to study the original
00:43:27 and the ancient world.
00:43:28 They have set out to practice
00:43:31 and intensity separate from
00:43:34 and sport fencing groups.
00:43:37 We're trying to discover
00:43:40 been there and has been
00:43:44 to obviously, to try to
00:43:50 It's a part of
00:43:52 and I think that's
00:43:54 This is actually
00:43:56 This is actually
00:43:59 Historical European
00:44:02 of Europe's traditional
00:44:07 I'm doing this because
00:44:09 Asian martial arts and I
00:44:12 related to my own culture
00:44:15 Martial arts from Japan
00:44:18 as valid as they are,
00:44:20 that was from
00:44:23 I came from a long background of
00:44:26 to see how modern arts compared
00:44:30 that their standard was every
00:44:33 and possibly more so.
00:44:39 If you look at modern sport
00:44:42 they've actually become
00:44:44 of these great complex systems,
00:44:48 It's our past, it's
00:44:53 Today historical European
00:44:56 are reclaiming the ancient
00:44:59 and studying the diversity
00:45:08 For me I think the sword
00:45:11 in the medieval time.
00:45:13 What matters is the man
00:45:20 The difference between
00:45:22 and the Japanese sword
00:45:24 is that the Japanese
00:45:26 In medieval time,
00:45:29 to put the other man
00:45:31 There's no such thing
00:45:34 It's a weapon
00:45:35 and I'm learning how
00:45:37 To me the sword is...
00:45:41 cool.
00:45:45 For centuries these
00:45:48 have not been practiced.
00:45:50 Historical fencing students
00:45:54 martial arts that have
00:46:00 We're having to try
00:46:02 what the fight masters
00:46:05 and how they formulated their
00:46:09 So there's quite a strong
00:46:13 in the western martial arts.
00:46:15 We're essentially
00:46:18 Just as European scholars
00:46:20 art and science,
00:46:23 was also documented
00:46:26 Many of the old
00:46:29 that were written during
00:46:32 recently been rediscovered and
00:46:37 We focus on mainly
00:46:40 but also Italian manuals,
00:46:46 My personal favorite
00:46:49 For the most part
00:46:51 the German books and the Spanish
00:46:53 have been forgotten,
00:46:56 and monasteries in old
00:47:00 Unfortunately, very little
00:47:03 For the most part,
00:47:06 for hundreds of years.
00:47:07 Today these old texts are once
00:47:11 studied and the ancient fighting
00:47:15 In the text the old masters
00:47:18 that the students study
00:47:21 and in one instance they ask
00:47:25 bringing their own ideas
00:47:29 These arts existed in various
00:47:33 together hand in hand with
00:47:39 There's nothing equivalent to
00:47:41 traditional martial arts.
00:47:42 They don't have the volumes
00:47:45 that we have.
00:47:46 This is our western tradition.
00:47:47 A lot of people learn martial
00:47:50 from somebody else so often
00:47:53 removed from someone
00:47:56 These books, they're
00:47:58 There's a play in
00:48:00 where the caption
00:48:02 The swordsmen have captured
00:48:04 I thought how that would
00:48:05 and I that following week
00:48:08 spun out and we were standing
00:48:11 and so that,
00:48:13 becomes like a direct
00:48:23 How did they communicate their
00:48:30 This is combination of words and
00:48:34 notation where you can
00:48:37 like we'd read in music.
00:48:39 It combines a ground plan,
00:48:43 a representation of how
00:48:46 You can see the relationship
00:48:49 horizontally as well as
00:48:52 it casts a shadow and,
00:48:56 the overall attempt
00:49:00 wants his student
00:49:03 This is the source literature.
00:49:05 This is what's going to tell us
00:49:09 and this is how we should
00:49:13 When one looks at books
00:49:15 the incredible detail
00:49:17 in such weaponry is apparent.
00:49:20 Therefore, it stands to reason
00:49:22 an equally sophisticated manner
00:49:27 I was inspired by the works
00:49:30 Ewart Oakeshott.
00:49:31 Oakeshott was considered
00:49:33 on European swords, on
00:49:36 Most academics look on them
00:49:40 but they have no real concept
00:49:45 or even how it was used.
00:49:47 Ewart made it into
00:49:50 These were weapons
00:49:53 to kill other young men;
00:49:56 a real weapon
00:49:59 The typology of the sword
00:50:01 included a classification
00:50:06 Oakshott's classifications
00:50:10 had obscured the true history
00:50:26 I think if you look at any
00:50:29 or Viking blades, ordinary
00:50:33 and a spear and a shield,
00:50:36 There are very few swords
00:50:38 in comparison to the number
00:50:41 Spearheads and axes
00:50:43 You have to be a swordsmith
00:50:45 to be able
00:50:50 I feel a real connection
00:50:53 because I like doing it with
00:50:57 with the fuel that they had,
00:51:01 and a hand hammer
00:51:03 I have a modern shop, too.
00:51:05 I've got air hammers and
00:51:08 which I used for experimentation
00:51:11 what I think is happening
00:51:13 is actually happening
00:51:15 What really affects
00:51:17 Say, "Well how do
00:51:18 from iron sand,
00:51:22 It's kind of magic.
00:51:24 The more I learned about
00:51:26 there's different ways
00:51:27 did it so
00:51:29 I don't like just
00:51:31 and putting a book
00:51:32 I want to do it until I
00:51:35 a whole lot of sleepless
00:51:37 and a lot of
00:51:39 I feel that a collector
00:51:44 some utility to those attempting
00:51:48 I can provide a swordsmith
00:51:52 to make very careful
00:51:54 some of the original swords
00:51:58 rediscovering the way
00:52:02 to give great performance even
00:52:08 that are primitive by today's
00:52:16 Well, sometimes
00:52:18 Is the Japanese sword better?
00:52:19 Or the Chinese sword?
00:52:20 Or the Chinese taught
00:52:22 so basically it's just
00:52:25 Well, no the European
00:52:26 no whoots,
00:52:30 I've been working a lot of these
00:52:32 more similarities of how
00:52:35 than I am finding differences.
00:52:37 But they have different
00:52:38 different ways to stack them.
00:52:40 Some of them using twists
00:52:41 some of them didn't use
00:52:43 But they solved the problems
00:52:45 And that really intrigued me.
00:52:47 I figured out some things
00:52:49 things that weren't
00:52:50 and other things that I feel are
00:52:54 and trying them and testing
00:52:57 analyzing things.
00:52:59 I enjoyed getting
00:53:02 Definitely people who smelt
00:53:04 their own blades
00:53:08 Where I feel the connection is
00:53:12 going and pumping the bellows
00:53:16 and just me and
00:53:30 In 2006 a suitcase in the attic
00:53:34 archaeologist was literally
00:53:38 The treasure inside:
00:53:46 Since then the sword has been
00:53:49 by the Royal Armories and
00:53:52 in a effort to
00:53:54 of this rare object's
00:53:57 This is one of the most
00:54:00 by Brian Hope-Taylor in
00:54:04 It remained in his possession
00:54:07 at which point it came
00:54:12 When you hold it today it has an
00:54:16 It looks like a corroded lump
00:54:20 this would have been
00:54:24 The x-rays revealed
00:54:26 sophisticated piece
00:54:29 It proved to be
00:54:33 One of the most
00:54:34 I think it's fair to say,
00:54:38 It's actually composed at its
00:54:42 of iron which are worked and
00:54:46 On the edge of that is added
00:54:50 if you like, in a technique
00:54:53 An iron core with
00:54:56 so you get the flex
00:54:59 with the extreme
00:55:02 Which is incredibly tough and
00:55:05 so it won't break
00:55:06 You'd rather have a sword
00:55:09 take a bend, than break.
00:55:12 Because a broken sword in
00:55:13 you're done.
00:55:14 I wouldn't want to be the smith
00:55:17 with his brother's broken
00:55:19 "Hey, why did you make
00:55:21 If a warrior would go
00:55:25 that was excessively
00:55:27 the battle for him could be
00:55:31 There's only a handful
00:55:34 probably 4 or 5
00:55:37 Experts we've talked to in
00:55:38 the British Museum
00:55:42 don't know of a single example
00:55:45 prior to this one being
00:55:48 that they are--
00:55:50 technological sophistication
00:55:53 If you were actually have looked
00:55:56 warrior or a warrior in another
00:56:01 often the sword would've really,
00:56:05 the most technologically
00:56:08 It represents the epitome of
00:56:12 of its age.
00:56:13 It is, I suppose in
00:56:15 something like
00:56:17 The one thing I can say with
00:56:19 very difficult to
00:56:20 You wouldn't let a smith who
00:56:23 a sword like this
00:56:25 They would have been kept
00:56:28 The information
00:56:29 an incredibly
00:56:32 The process is very
00:56:35 and requires an incredible
00:56:38 He would have had
00:56:40 He would have known exactly
00:56:44 which bits to forge, how hard
00:56:47 more importantly
00:56:49 One single blow can shatter
00:56:52 if it's at
00:56:54 Literally tens of thousands of
00:57:02 When you manufacture a blade
00:57:05 make it, you live it,
00:57:08 and you think about it
00:57:10 It would often reflect
00:57:14 and some of the best applied
00:57:20 I generally try to see how all
00:57:24 because Patton welding is
00:57:27 That would have been translated
00:57:31 in the computer of how it
00:57:33 There is a cleanliness of
00:57:38 to make it efficient, durable,
00:57:42 I'm continually impressed
00:57:46 all these objects are.
00:57:48 High-end warriors and kings
00:57:50 with precious metals
00:57:53 The idea that they don't need
00:57:57 is so precious,
00:57:59 There must have been quite a lot
00:58:02 the regular soldier to actually
00:58:08 Simply to employ a person of
00:58:11 who made this would
00:58:14 would have cost
00:58:16 If you look at old swords you
00:58:21 be used to parry
00:58:24 You can tell
00:58:26 It's actually notched and
00:58:29 does suggest that it has been
00:58:32 A sword of this quality would
00:58:36 who was incredibly important.
00:58:38 It was probably owned by one
00:58:41 possibly by several of
00:58:43 200 or 300 years of use.
00:58:45 So it may of well
00:58:47 the Northumbrian Royal House,
00:58:50 basically from
00:58:53 A sword like this, I think,
00:58:56 absolute terror.
00:58:58 When you're in battle and you
00:59:02 coming towards you, you would
00:59:05 who wielded a sword like this
00:59:08 their entire life training
00:59:10 who lived their
00:59:51 Contrary to popular notions,
00:59:55 is surprisingly light, weighing
00:59:58 and capable of
01:00:01 Sword combatants use both
01:00:05 manipulate timing and distance
01:00:09 and thrusting capabilities.
01:00:11 One of the primary principles
01:00:14 and defend at the same time
01:00:17 and defense and every defense
01:00:22 Picking up a sharp implement
01:00:25 you know you can teach
01:00:26 however the strategy
01:00:29 when not attack--that is
01:00:32 The subtle movements,
01:00:37 where I look over here, move
01:00:44 When you start fencing
01:00:48 then you discover that
01:00:50 than actually using
01:00:52 There's different angles
01:00:55 it's not obvious for the normal
01:01:00 Levering with the sword to
01:01:02 bashing with the cross, pommel.
01:01:07 Historically European
01:01:10 it is important to study
01:01:13 with great energy
01:01:16 From the manuals we
01:01:19 of the ancient masters' skills.
01:01:21 They studied
01:01:24 sword with shields,
01:01:29 and swords with daggers.
01:01:32 Often they considered
01:01:34 armored fighting,
01:01:38 Generally the ancient masters
01:01:41 and unarmed skills,
01:01:45 without also including grappling
01:01:49 Most of these combats
01:02:05 When he's down on the ground
01:02:08 to shove my sword through him,
01:02:11 In order to
01:02:13 you need to comprehend all
01:02:15 the actual use of swords.
01:02:18 Contrary to what you see at
01:02:21 in Hollywood movies,
01:02:23 using the edge of the sword.
01:02:25 It's not gonna penetrate that
01:02:28 armor so they have to come up
01:02:31 a man in armor and that method
01:02:35 The manuals are full
01:02:36 I grab my own blade and I
01:02:39 I can shorten the blade by doing
01:02:44 so I have accuracy and enough
01:02:48 I have to thrust it in,
01:02:51 and really drive it.
01:02:53 Fencing does not allow you
01:02:56 and I have heard people
01:03:01 the left hand
01:03:04 It has nothing to
01:03:06 We're constantly
01:03:08 so if he makes an attack--
01:03:12 forearm,
01:03:17 Now in classical fencing
01:03:21 you see slapping the blade
01:03:25 In fact, you will see that most
01:03:28 up here in a position to slap.
01:03:32 He makes a thrust
01:03:34 I'm gonna disarm him.
01:03:36 You have to do freeplay,
01:03:38 an intense amount
01:03:40 You have to do it with as
01:04:23 Today we do a lot
01:04:26 You know we sit in
01:04:28 We sit in front of
01:04:29 We sit on the way to work,
01:04:32 Then we go home and we sit again
01:04:35 In the medieval renaissance
01:04:37 They did a lot of walking
01:04:40 and a lot of running.
01:04:41 I think we have no idea how much
01:04:44 have been back in, you know,
01:04:47 I think we're very soft
01:04:50 to remain,
01:05:08 I was a sword nut at 12, so me
01:05:12 We immediately went
01:05:14 started fencing with them.
01:05:15 And after it was over with,
01:05:21 you know it just
01:05:23 Well I was shocked and upset
01:05:27 happened in the movies.
01:05:29 Movie combat is really a curious
01:05:34 not very realistic, generally.
01:05:37 It doesn't portray how
01:05:42 actually performs and handles.
01:05:44 It's one of my favorite themes
01:05:47 noise that a sword makes
01:05:51 which makes no sense.
01:05:53 Swords don't make a noise
01:05:55 It's, life as a fantasy.
01:05:56 It doesn't reflect the way
01:06:02 in violent,
01:06:04 Mainly when you see
01:06:05 they always focus
01:06:08 even in moves displaying
01:06:12 They always focus on Asian
01:06:16 and that's not our way,
01:06:19 Western martial arts,
01:06:22 whether it be English,
01:06:26 there are specifics to those
01:06:30 that are ignored in most
01:06:32 It's like a huge pot of soup
01:06:35 You know they're
01:06:37 They're not true to western
01:06:40 for the most part because
01:06:42 of Asian martial arts that
01:06:45 really if you want
01:06:46 So you have a little bit
01:06:48 you know, a little
01:06:50 Most of the time a lot of
01:06:53 The problem that I have with
01:06:57 in the audience think this
01:07:02 It's purely for entertainment;
01:07:04 But it certainly
01:07:07 We teach people: No, your
01:07:10 a guy with plate armor;
01:07:12 cut a Z in somebody's chest.
01:07:14 But you can do
01:07:17 even more interesting
01:07:23 Many who study classical fencing
01:07:26 believe that if you give the
01:07:30 with credible performances then
01:07:34 I think that now there's
01:07:37 readers who are ready for that,
01:07:42 Classical fences and historical
01:07:45 and scholars have now shown
01:07:48 out there that has been lost but
01:07:51 to exist again.
01:07:53 There have, recently there
01:07:55 focusing a little bit on
01:07:58 Good examples of films that
01:08:01 historical swordsmanship include
01:08:06 "Troy," "Kingdom of Heaven"
01:08:12 In some few cases people are
01:08:17 of researching and being true
01:08:21 As I said,
01:08:23 For example,
01:08:25 they're not what Bob would call
01:08:31 His goal is always
01:08:35 fights the way they would be
01:08:39 careful going in and they're,
01:08:42 fully is because even
01:08:44 infection and you could
01:08:47 You're going in to kill and
01:08:51 They were violent, you know,
01:08:55 and there were very real,
01:08:57 to mixing it up with swords.
01:09:06 In many regards it is to the
01:09:10 indebted for today's resurgence
01:09:15 Movies have inspired many
01:09:18 to take up the sword
01:09:20 to rediscover
01:09:27 The resurgence of authentic
01:09:30 growing exponentially over time.
01:09:33 Over the years it has actually
01:09:37 Historical European martial
01:09:40 nor sport fencing.
01:09:42 They're in a category
01:09:45 This fresh approach to training
01:09:49 striving to improve both its
01:10:18 Our lives don't depend
01:10:20 Nobody's going to challenge us
01:10:23 with a rapier.
01:10:24 Nobody's going to ambush
01:10:26 with a bastard sword,
01:10:28 alternative reasons for
01:10:30 We do this, I think,
01:10:33 And hopefully it will increase
01:10:36 and awareness of how
01:10:41 They will be appreciated for
01:10:44 and as useful as anything the
01:10:50 All these things
01:10:51 needs to be found again.
01:10:53 In an age where truth
01:10:57 symbol of the sword
01:11:01 The journey it takes to
01:11:04 to become good with your sword,
01:11:08 a lot of effort, and
01:11:10 matures a person.
01:11:11 Obviously in the process
01:11:13 to become a better man.
01:11:14 We hope to be--who knows--
01:11:18 maybe even mildly
01:11:21 It would be more than
01:11:26 What story can
01:11:31 I can't say I really
01:11:34 but hopefully one day
01:11:36 Eventually, I would like
01:11:39 the great heights
01:11:42 the first woman
01:11:44 Sword fighting is kind of
01:11:48 good fun and I've been a couple
01:11:54 While those who train today
01:11:56 the surface, they are slowly
01:12:03 You know, it's all
01:12:05 you really can't have any
01:12:08 People are often looking
01:12:11 whereabouts we've come from.
01:12:13 Even in the '50s,
01:12:17 People were looking forward
01:12:20 I think, where we're
01:12:24 trying to find meaning
01:12:27 People need to feel that sense
01:12:31 and their history.
01:12:33 There's nothing
01:12:35 History is, you know,
01:12:36 over thousands of years.
01:12:38 I've been doing martial
01:12:41 I've noticed my body changing
01:12:44 are a little bit
01:12:45 However, I don't
01:12:47 I train myself harder so it
01:12:51 Your body goes away, but your
01:12:57 So I get a bit more gray
01:13:00 As long as I can
01:13:02 I'm just going to
01:13:04 Within the sword lies the power
01:13:08 It can be used for great
01:13:12 to control a people or stop
01:13:16 to break the rightful will of a
01:13:21 and every man a king
01:13:26 A good swordsman does not take
01:13:33 If your sword is out, it means
01:13:36 It's a pity, really, that we
01:13:40 today rather than guns.
01:13:43 It's a pity that gunpowder
01:13:48 because we would probably
01:13:51 And I'd be good at it.
01:13:58 Subtitles: Arigon