Backsword

The backsword was a military and civilian sidearm popular throughout Europe in various forms from the early sixteenth century to the end of nineteenth. The training at the school recognises three arenas of backsword use: the military sabre, the SESH method of which is based on Harry Angelo's treatise (1798); the civilian sidearm, the SESH method of which is based on Zachary Wilde's treatise and others; and the sporting "cudgel play", which is not practiced at the school.

Students commonly begin training in this weapon with the singlestick, a wooden stick of the correct length, with a basket covering the hand, before moving on to steel.

# posted by chanlee @ 2:08 PM