Agilitas.tv Sword and Shield DVD Review

[JohnF]

Sword and Shield covers basic principles and techniques of sword and
buckler combat. It is 85 minutes long. It draws mostly from I:33, but it
discusses other manuals as well. It doesn't cover the entire I:33, but it does
take the time to suggest how to stand, how to move, when to strike, how to
strike etc. They show techniques from a variety of angles, at a variety of
speeds. It also shows solo drills for practicing.

See a trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNyujSEadQc&feature=related

This DVD has four parts
1) Historical Introduction
2) Anatomical and Physical Basics
- Biomechanics I: Pressue, Strength & Weakness
- Biomechanics II: Reach
- Biomechanics III: Cutting technique & Posture
3) Martial Basics: Wards, Actions, & Tactics
- Right Shoulder
- Distance and Tempo
- Follow-up actions from the bind
- Left Shoulder
- At the chest
- Underarm
- Revision of Wards and Attacks covered so far
- Reflections on Tactics
4) Appendix
- Appropriate Equipment
- Freeplay

If I had to choose between this and the Obsesseo DVD I would choose this
one. It's coverage of biomechanics, stances, tactics, and technique are
deep. Following this interpretation I feel that I have better balance, and I'm
better able to work from binds, or follow up a retreating opponent. I found
myself watching Obsesseo and trying out the I:33 moves in it through the
methods shown in Sword and Shield. Despite that, I still think that
Obsesseo is a good buy because it shows more of the I:33 manual.

Not only do Agilitas explain in depth, but they also explain what makes
early S & B manuals like the I:33 different from the later manuals. Of which
a key difference is that early teachers recommended that the buckler cover
the sword hand, whereas some later teachers recommended moving S & B
independently. This depth makes it easier to know when to apply the
techniques of the DVD and when they need to be changed for different
tactical scenarios.

In summary, I am pleased to own this DVD. I feel it has enriched my
understanding of fighting with Sword & Buckler. I believe I am a better
fighter for having watched and applied it's teachings.

--

See my Obsesseo DVD Review for my opinion on that DVD. Also at the
bottom of that review are the details for the cheapest place I have found to
purchase both DVDs.

[mikronn]

Good review John

I also own this DVD and would agree with everything John has covered in his review.

It does cover the basics well. It does cover the 'why' parts well.

If you didn't have an instructor that knew I.33 but did have this DVD and a partner it would be enough to get started.

Apparently they are looking to make some more advanced DVDs - look forward to those.

cheers

mike

[JohnF]

Also, check out Colin McKinstry's review at swordsmanship.co.nz

[Callum]

Great review thank John.

Looks as if I'll have to get a copy.

[JohnF]

They've the cheapest rate for DVD+Shipping. They're at
http://www.albion-europe.com/ They also sell Obsesseo (not advertised on the
site though) and Reclaiming the Blade.

Soren was a little slow in taking my money and sending, I had to remind him a
few times. But 10 Euro for shipping vs 40USD on some other sites, worth
waiting for.

[Mad Jim]

Cool I may have to check this out, the Hammaborg fellows are pretty up there with I:33..

[JohnF]

Roland of Hammaborg, one of the dvd producers and I have been chatting via
email. He's given me a few updates that he's come up with since producing the
DVD. You can read our conversation at the bottom of
http://johnflower.org/blog/sword-and-shield-dvd-review.

[mikronn]

Hi John

Many thanks for linking to your discussion with Roland - very interesting to see what he has to say and how he and his colleagues are recreating the I.33 material and working with the wards.

Look forward to seeing you next weekend.

cheers

mike

[JohnF]

Hi Mike,

You're welcome. Roland was generous in sharing his thoughts. A very decent chap.

I'm looking forward to the workshop at Order of the Boar, on Saturday. For those who
don't know, Callum is running a Sword & Buckler, dagger, & longsword workshop. There
is a post on these forums with the details. Come!

Regards,
John

[JohnF]

See:-

https://www.facebook.com/events/173095062812192/