This past Saturday I taught a workshop on the grittier, all-in, side of Sword and Buckler combat. We explored shield strikes, wrestling entries, arm binds, disarms, throws, and counter-wrestles. The workshop had 12 participants and went superbly. I've included a few photos taken by Greg Reimer during the workshop showing a few techniques in action.
For those interested in continuing their sword and shield skills I recommend checking out Tom Leoni's excellent translation of Antonio Manciolino's 1531 Opera Nova on the art of Sword and Buckler. This book also includes some of the wrestling actions from the workshop. You can find it in our store under the name The Complete Renaissance Swordsman.
Also check out the featured videos on Duello.TV this month. Starting next week the Blue Cord videos will be moving into this month's content which focuses on the guards and actions of the sidesword and buckler.
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.