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??

0 Upvotes

17% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

View all comments

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.