While battle was and still is essentially chaotic in nature, and no plan survives first contact with the enemy, there are several characteristics and factors common to the winner (survivor) of a medieval duel, trial by combat or battlefield ordeal - and these are outlined in chapter 14 of Hank Reinhardt's excellent book, the Book of Swords as follows: Simple enough, but as is often the case, the simple things in life are often overlooked. Like the humorous illustration at the top of this page, the basic principle of a sword fight was to deliver a fight ending blow without taking one yourself - or as the Sword Saint, Miyamoto Musashi put it, 'the object is to cut down your enemy'. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA)ĭid you know that you can read the classic treatise on Sword Fighting, the Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi for Free Online? Check it out here!.Ultra Durable 'Beater' Katana under $400.Affordable Traditional Blades with 'Hamon'.
