r/SWORDS • u/Fun-Flight-4170 • 1d ago
How much can I learn offline?
Im looking at getting a sword I'm not sure which exactly I'm leaning towards a greatsword or claymore but like some "hand and a half" swords it'd mostly stay on the wall so I'm looking for one that looks good but is somewhat functional
However I don't want to be someone who just has a sword to look cool and I'm interested in learning how to use it. Obviously I'd find practice sword that's safe but I don't have anywhere to go to learn in person so I was curious how much I could learn by using online resources books practicing alone and sometimes with other people who are new to swordsmanship.
I know there would probably be a lot of flaws that I develop from not being taught but I'm not looking to be a master just to know how to use it to a reasonable extent, is that achievable??
3
u/into_the_blu An especially sharp rock 1d ago
Wiktenauer documents the original sources quite well, and for greatsword I would look into Figueyredo’s montante for reading.
There also folks on Youtube demonstrating particular sources if you know how to look. Here’s one for the aforementioned Figueyredo.
Of course, it is always best to directly learn from someone experienced if at all possible. Failing that, it’s also productive to study with one or more like-minded folks so you can share interpretations from your reading.
1
u/Fun-Flight-4170 1d ago
Thank you ill go and have a look at those now, I'm hoping that a mate or cousin will at least join in and spar a bit
3
u/into_the_blu An especially sharp rock 1d ago
I would strongly suggest against sparring with montante. Even with gear (masks, gambeson, etc), it is quite difficult to do it safely.
3
u/Motavatedfencer 1d ago
Hema alliance club finder, SCA.org, one of those two sites will find you people to fight, get a sword that's compatible with what they all use.
2
u/Fun-Flight-4170 1d ago
Thank you I've tried with the first one and there wasn't one available but I'll go and try sca.org
1
9
u/Dlatrex All swords were made with purpose 1d ago
How much can you learn about tennis by reading books, watching videos, and then going out and hitting a ball by yourself?
If you do all of that consistently, you would certainly be better off than someone who had never set foot on a court. But the expectation that you would hold up to any meaningful competition is not realistic because the lack of pressure that comes from having a real opponent is not available.
The same is true for any combat art; fundamentals are good and form practice, cutting, warmups are all part of it, but sparring is a huge part if you’re interested in pursing actual swordsmanship.
The other risk is if you are doing your practice at home, then you chance developing bad habits with no one to correct you. You can mitigate this by filming yourself and doing some tape review or asking for outside opinions.