Sparring Intensities and Gear Levels (HEMA)

There are criticisms you can say for any type of sparring but as long as you have experience and know how you want to spar then you can use any of these ways to practice. Using them for there purpose. You don't want to "play to rules", my sparring looks similar whether it's with steel or foam.
This footage used is over the span of 3 years. We usually don't record our lower tiers of sparring.

[@jacobzavitz705]

Awesome! Early on we spent a lot of time full speed sparring, and I what you said about muscle memory really applies to me. In order to break the muscle memory and actually improve, I need to spend time on those “lower rungs” on the ladder.

[@WheatKnight]

My buds and I have been thinking the same way in the last year too! We've gotten a ton of useful mileage out of low gear and low intensity work. Also it is nice to not have to fully kit up, when we're feeling lazy ;)

[@superiorhema]

Haha, ya heat is a big consideration for us.

[@kaenae8100]

Fear of getting hit is something you have to train out for effective sparring

[@superiorhema]

Yes, but like with all absolutes if you go too far then it still won't be effective sparring. ie: "Büffel" and "Wilde Fechter"

[@TaoistSwordsman]

You make very good points on speed, and training with no gear. At 4:25 it looks alot like taiji sword. And on the thrusts being easier. There have been times at my club where I actually thought I had been stabbed through my gorget in the throat, and I do wish I has a plastron for my rib cage haha

[@superiorhema]

Thanks, those are German weapons called Langes Messer or Long Knife. Oh that's some strong thrusting right there.

[@societyofhistoricalfencing7836]

Synthetics generally have wider edges too which allows for more distribution of force during impact. Bruises look quite different from synthetics vs steel!
I have some students that only want to train longsword or only want to use a specific blade. The points you make towards the end is what I try to drive into them. I don't want them to be "longswordsmen" or even "swordsmen" I want weapon masters! I want fencers who apply the concepts they learn across the entire spectrum of armaments so they can deal with anything that comes at them.

[@superiorhema]

That's definitely a good view to have. One of the Blood and Iron Instructors would say: "It's not Swordfighting, it's fighting... with a sword."

[@waltergenson7185]

what is the Brand of the foam longswords?

[@superiorhema]

Go Now in Poland. Review: ua-cam.com/video/G9XmEPXJCKQ/v-deo.html

[@waltergenson7185]

@@superiorhema Thank you so much?

[@waltergenson7185]

I mean, thank you so much!!

[@reybladen3068]

Do you guys do full speed sparring yourself?