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[article] Towards a new approach in HEMA-tournaments: Let’s fence naked!
Sir Brian:
--- Quote from: Ian on 2014-02-02, 22:48:38 ---
--- Quote from: SirNathanQ on 2014-02-02, 22:08:33 ---But full-force knees to the skull are rather rare in MMA. The vast majority of blows are decidedly without killing potential, excepting in rare anomalies. The most common MMA hits are probably leg kicks and punches to the body/head. (This is ignoring grappling clench submission game, which has no parallel in longsword HEMA as practiced today) These are rarely going to seriously injure a professional fighter. The most common HEMA hits are hand/arm/shoulder cuts. Without some type of protective gear, a full force cut has a decent chance to disable the wrist, for a long time.
While I think less/lighter/less restrictive gear will always be better, I don't think HEMA can safely be done at full force without some type of protective gear.
--- End quote ---
All very true Nathan. But is it necessary for HEMA to be practiced at full force? I agree that the killing or serious injury potential is higher in HEMA, but this is predicated on the assumption that at the top tiers of HEMA it need be practiced with that level of force. I don't know if it needs to be or not. If people are good enough, then I think technique can be valuable absent full force, but I'm not nearly experienced enough to make that judgement.
--- End quote ---
The subtle distinction with that question Sir Ian is the tendency for the exchanges to ratchet up in speed (and thus power) as it continues. Most especially if it is two highly skilled and intense combatants. Neither means for the tempo to increase but as the duel continues with each defending skillfully it will basically come down to one setting up a complex combination for a quick conclusion or quickly exploiting a minor mistake of the other. True masters are capable of maintaining the required constant state of control and not be 'caught up' in the excitement of battle and I can assure you that I will never attain that level! ;)
SirNathanQ:
I think that speed will be a defining part of any HEMA duel, and I don't see how a top-tier bout could recognize a fighter's great speed without the power. Sure, there will be some pulling, but the blows will be at full speed, hopefully, and thus a high amount of power will almost certainly present.
Sir Brian:
I witnessed some very fine, disciplined and skilled fighters this past weekend at the ShortPoint event hosted by Maryland KDF and some of the fights were clearly getting a bit out of hand. Mainly due to a couple of fighters but they dueled some of the top HEMA practitioners who naturally ratcheted up their speed and power in response, even so that some of the exchanges were downright scary! Still after all is said and done, it was technique that won out of brawn and raw aggression every time.
Stanislaw:
Speaking of which, here's a video of some very skilled practioners binding (slowly!) with sharp swords in I.33 style, and no protective gear to speak of:
Thorsteinn:
--- Quote from: Sir Brian on 2014-02-25, 11:36:11 ---<snip>Still after all is said and done, it was technique that won out of brawn and raw aggression every time.
--- End quote ---
That's the nice thing about wearing armour. Your technique can include Brawn & Raw Aggression as a strategy to win. :)
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