Are JUMP ATTACKS more powerful? LET'S FIND OUT! 

Shad rolling a mini trampoline on set while cackling maniacally. It warms the heart.

I honestly burst out in laughter when you brought out the meat tenderizer. Bravo for using it for its original, intended purpose.

The fight between Cloud and Sephiroth in Advent Children shows a beautiful example of why a jumping attack can end up screwing you over. Near the end of the fight as Cloud is hulking up and attempts a running jump attack, Sephiroth just stands there and extends his sword (which is easily spear length) forward, letting Cloud do all the work of impaling himself on Sephiroths blade.

I think the biggest issue is not being able to engage your lower body beyond the jump into a strike when you do a jumping strike. Lot of energy comes from your hips which really helps with force gener-and he's already talking about this as I am writing it. God damn it XD

I'd love to see this with "heavy" or oversized weapons, such as an axe or a hammer.

Okay. I love Tyrant's deadpan delivery. And I think this has basically shown that a *FALLING attack* is only beneficial on an unawares target, and jumping attacks are wholly detrimental with an aware target, and not beneficial against an unawares target.

It would be interesting to see you test downward thrusts instead of slashes. Like stab soft earth standing up vs jumping off ladder and see which sword goes deeper into the ground.

Isn't a strategy for killing a bear or lion with a spear to use their own weight and momentum against them with them falling onto it? Same could be done with a jumping opponent, right?

Shad, you should do a functional fantasy video revisiting cloaks, specifically testing to see the most effective and fashionable way to wear cloaks in tandem with a backpack. Adventurers are always combining the two, but when I try it irl it never looks good or works out. It might be interesting to do a video on.

Shad is going to become a legendary swordsman by the end of the life of this channel. They're going to hang paintings in art galleries portraying his epic battles. Specifically his back scabbard greatsword jump attacks that have cleaved horses in two.

I always thought a jumping attack was more of a "I'm higher, and you don't see me yet" you get one shot. You can swing or stab as you recover, or tumble out, but the first hit is just about everything.

I have a handful of criticisms/ tips for if you re-examine this in the future. 1) If you're testing for the production of force, you need to engineer your test accordingly. Hitting a fulcrum that isn't attached absolutely HEMORRHAGES energy. I thought you were going to be utilizing pulleys off the thumbnail, but no, you went with using a lever just resting on a table. If you attached it to the table (like a see-saw) then much more force would be sent to the intended target, in the intended fashion. 2) You could make a distinction between aerial attacks, fall attacks, and jump attacks, whereas this video treated all 3 as the same thing. Aerial attacks being moves that are initiated and completed while you are still in the air, fall attacks rely on environmental context to determine the chain of criteria for it to be a falling attack, whereas jump attacks are initiated on the ground, carry through the air, and are executed back on the ground. This video experiment really didn't grind out the results of all 3 of these properly, but I'll stipulate that I don't think ANYONE thinks pure aerial attacks are strong, for reasons you already mentioned. Without any kinetic links, the force any aerial attack can impart is drastically reduced. The advantage and use scenario pretty much boils down to 1) desperation 2) surprise advantage or 3) Movement efficiency. FALLING attacks are of course more powerful, and that's where you let gravity do all the work, all you have to worry about is surviving the fall, and making sure the weapon hits where you want it to. These are almost exclusively used as an initiation attack, where the opponent does not even know they are being attacked. Refrain from doing any kind of anime screams and it is unlikely they will magically know it's coming. If the enemy knows they're engaged in combat, or worse, knows or accurately suspects where you are, these attacks should not be used. However, jumping attacks didn't get fair representation in this video, in my opinion. - You were making contact with the lever with different timings. Pick a timing and stick with it until you decide to test a different timing. And by timing, I am referring to the moment you make impact with the lever, in accordance with the kinetic chain of attack. For example, there were attempts where you hit the lever while your body was still in the air vs as your body makes contact with the ground. - As you could probably glean in hindsight, the crash mats taint your results! They add in height to the ground, reducing the amount of space you have to fall. They're wobbly! This weakens your balance, delay your movements, and also hemorrhage energy spent pushing into them! Try just a standing hit while on top of your crash mats and you'll see some changes. - That trampoline was really tiny, would have liked to have measured how much height that trampoline added to your jump because I'm guessing not very much. Plus, trampolines, the more height they give your jump, the more your jump attack becomes a fall attack. Fall attacks will always have the strongest power because humans aren't capable of hitting anything with terminal velocity (by themselves). And yes, a savvy martial artist will be able to strike using their body weight to aid their strike. But, jump attacks are kind of a natural crutch for reaching that level of power without having to learn that much technique. HOWEVER, I think if you apply that same level of martial discernment into your execution of the jump attack, you will consistently see greater power. If you jump (or better yet, take a running jump), and then time your strike to land on your target when your feet land at the new position AND SIMULTANEOUSLY USE THAT CONTACT TO FINISH YOUR KINETIC LINK PROPERLY, the only difference is you have more momentum and stronger forces going through the attack. Just think about the differences between hitting a golfball off the tee normally, where you have to keep both feet on the ground, vs how far you could hit the ball if you were allowed to get a running start into your hit. It's the same thing, with more energy to work with. As long as you keep the striking essentials in line, two otherwise identical attacks, the one with more energy will always be stronger. I know complete scientific experimentation accuracy isn't the whole point of these types of videos, but if you at least make sure you don't have confounding variables, I think your experiment videos as a whole will benefit.

Don't believe him guys. He's holding back on those jump attacks so he can surprise you in actual combat!

8:00 'A centimeter apart' So not only are the spiders larger in Australia, the metric system has gigantified itself as well.

Honestly, this is exactly how I imagined the effectiveness of jump attacks. It reminds me of those anime/cartoon comedic fight scenes where the fighter attempts to attack their enemy but they just simply step back. Said fighter ends up failing or face first into the ground

Speaking of jump attacks. A fun fact: There is alot of mentions and stories of vikings using their shields to jump over a line of enemy defense during a clash. No idea how effective it was, but i bet it confused the enemys shield wall and people would fall over, allowing to push through easier.

Hearing Shad yell "Bastard" was probably the funniest part of the video. We gotta applaud Shad for going all out on this one.

This is the most amazing duel I've seen on this channel in a long dang time. "Okay, do it." Shad challenged. "Auright." He replied. Two duelists appear instead of Shad M. Brooks, and Ty in that instant. Two battle participancees took their place. Then, whenst, the time came to deal the killing strike, through the plate and cloth... "BONK." Go to historical jail. (With the wooden one, not the metal one.)

advice from actually having been in a fight or two... don't leave the ground without a really good reason. It's almost always a bad idea. Equally important, if you find yourself on the ground but not on your feet, you either need to be significantly better at "ground game" than the person trying to hurt you, or you need to get back on your feet 30 seconds ago.

The one counter I wanted to see: stepping directly towards the jump, ducking, and letting the attacker tumble over the hip check.

On behalf of all way-too-overly-massive swords everywhere, thank you for this video. These sword-science videos are just wonderful.

Shad, I am LEGITIMATELY so happy you are healthy enough nowadays that this video showed up in my feed. I remember a couple of years back and it feels great to see you like this now. I'm sure it feels good for you. Cheers.

I think you can compare the jumping attack to a sucker punch, that would really only work if it was a surprise attack to generate the most power

Air control is a seriously underrated "break from reality" that video games often employ for the sake of fun and dynamic visuals. Also because of the way video game controls and interfaces work, there is an upper limit to how much realism can be translated outside of VR while still being fun. As such video games require a different framework in order to add depth and strategy to combat and Jumping attacks are a mainstay of these formulas. I don't expect jumping attacks to go away any time soon in video games that rely on conventional controls, nor would I say that they should. Besides, most if not all unrealistic tropes can be explained away by magic and I'd love to see a series where ALL of the hollywood magic stuff is represented in universe as ACTUAL magic, such as enchanted swords making a distinctive "shing!" when drawn while non-magic swords make a realistic "fwwp"

The thumbnail should be used in the next Shadow of the conqueror comic I wanna see Daylen jump through the air in the same knees and feet and sword held horizontal back as he flies forward please

REMEMBER: In video games, when you're doing a Jumping Strike, it's typically MUCH higher up, like closer to the height of the Ladder. Either that OR you are Magically Empowered and create a Shockwave. So I think that's the key difference. Though at least you saw that Falling Attacks are EXTRA Lethal as Surprise Attacks AND Extra Power

I was kinda expecting that. Without superhuman jumps and airborne body control like in video games the benefits are pretty much nonexistent and the disadvantages will get you killed. In regards to ttrpg, depending on how realistic the world is, I still think it's a cool and borderline reasonable thing to do if you have a high value in acrobatics.

I feel as though if the target you leapt at had a shield and sword, they’d block the sword, then ready the shield, charge and send you to the ground. So not only would you waste stamina against said target, but you’d be bowled onto the ground, their sword would go through you like a fence post into dirt.

This is the kind of content I love this channel for! I wonder what someone who is exceptionally athletic, like a gymnast, someone who could jump flip over you, could do with such a move set in combat.

I always appreciate that Shad incorporates the advertisement in a clever way that relates to the channel theme. Thank you for putting in all the extra effort in the fine details Shad!

I love the new Squire. I think he adds a great deal with your dynamic.

This is the kind of content I love to see from Shadiversity!

This is the glory of Shad. As soon as I saw the title of the video, I found myself saying, "Yes. Yes! I *must* know the answer to this question."

Watching Shad jump around for science was definitely worth it! ^ ^

1:23 - 1:27 is one of my favorite Shad moments to date.

This is so cool! I also really appreciate that you take precautions for safety!

My main takeaway is: a body in a dynamic state or a static state is a very different thing. Also, in mechanical physics those two really are seperate.

I just realized; if you had a squirrel tail, NOW HEAR ME OUT! Squirrels are good at rotating their bodies mid air, if you had a tail to help you rebalance or readjust your body, you could have an easier time moving the rest of your body mid air for striking!

Part of the problem might have been you kept touching the ground before your swing even connected, making it just a normal swing but with worse form than if you started grounded.

Gratings Shad! Love your content

The funniest part of the whole video, Shad- I moved Squire- I'm heart broken Me- dying of laughter from high quality comedy and that perfect delivery.

“For Australia! For Vegemite!” *something something a lion, a witch and a war sword*

feel like a part 2 for this would be interesting, especially if you look at other weapon types such as spears, axes, daggers and other such weapon types (including other sword types) mainly referring to the latter half of the video but would be interesting to see the initial part as well

This is one of my favourites episodes so far. And I wasn't expecting much to be frank. Kudos.

Anyone else half expect to see Shad "Jump Attack" the Hello Fresh meat? I know it would be a waste, but I half expected to see "This is how we tenderize meat here"-*jump cut to a jump attack that just destroys the food*-"Perfection!".

Bit of a yin and yang going with the new guys. One ready to explode while the other is more calm and collected. Looking forward to what the future holds.

Subbed for life because of this very video. Your squires are the best, new guy rocks too.

Shad honestly this was freaking hilarious. What a great vid, love the banter

Loved the edit of the flying sleeping bad. One other disadvantage you may have overlooked with the falling attack: The power increase from your momentum would probably only work on a straight down strike. Trying to go to the side and around the guard as you did in the practical tests would likely lose all of the (small) advantage from extra power, especially because that high downward force would also mess up your edge alignment. Love the videos! I just wish RU-vid would keep recommending them...

One of my favorite jabs at the jumping attack is in the dragon prince. It’s a fight scene where after Rayla attempts a jump attack soreen stands on her blades and says. “Jumping attacks are not a viable means in combat.”

Thanks Shad, Loved this video... Brilliant...

From a kinetics standpoint, a sword strike is acting using torque from the swing of the blade... the swing is initiated by countering the torque with the connection with the ground using your legs, after the strike hits the object being struck will resist that change of direction by applying a counter torque... when you are standing on the ground it runs up against the legs and meets that higher resistance, whereas in the air it is mostly the force of gravity producing the "torque (not really) for the strike.... so when that counter-torque is travelling back through the weapon, there will be additional losses as some of that counter-torque is now being applied to the legs to swing them the opposite direction, or at least slow them down. That can be demonstrated by the "bounce" of a hammer on an anvil, and has further been proven by astronauts in free fall...the attempt to swing generates a partial movement of the striking object and a counter directional movement by the unanchored legs.... In conclusion, I would say that the only truly useful application of a "jump strike" would be doing a truly free fall attack from a position of surprise (and hopefully your arms could take that additional strain!) or for the sheer "shock and awe" intimidation factor momentarily confusing the target into delaying their defense if not just being a bit "scared away"... a hope that might only work against lesser trained or unprepared opponents. Essentially, all impressive "bark" and no real bite... I would say that any "extra" damage would come from not being ready (or able) to properly defect a blow... a well trained or prepared opponent would basically use your own momentum (and stupidity) against you.

With propper research this experiment would have been over fast. Caus Obiwan had the highground. But seriously, nice work!

I would say the test rig needs to be rethought because just measuring the highest point on the bag only works if the bag remains in the same orientation for every test. Then there is the consistency of striking which admittedly would be harder to control. Maybe instead of a weighted bag you can use a spring scale (or something of that nature.) that is attached to the target pole so when its hit it will give you a hard number to compare everything to.

Great video, it's something I've always wondered. Very interesting and funny video too. 💯 Tyron was great as well.

I legit love the Hello Fresh advertisement Shad does, makes it wonderful since I'm usually having lunch when watching the videos, they don't feel unwelcomed.

Shad losing his glasses on the first jump strike is so incredibly relatable

Ooh, Shad upgraded his look by adding greaves and pauldrons. They work really well with the red brigandine. Slice and dice, Swordman!

Loved this one, fun content! Keep it coming, more like this.

I think this is the best demonstration my eyes have laid my eyes on. Quite a lovely jump assist as well. Very good and technical.

Theres also the potential energy difference between starting positions. As in if you start from a higher position, you have more potential energy, so jumping off that would add kinetic energy to you and your weapon, making the strike more powerful. But jumping from the same starting position (aka level ground) means that the potential energy you add by jumping is canceled out when you land, and maybe even lessened slightly by the added height difference Edit: the only benefit then is in ambushes and surprise attacks, adding force and intimidation to the first strike

Your jumping yell sounds like a gym whistle in super slow mo. Love your videos

This was an essential video. I'm a fantasy roleplayer and mainly watch channels like yours to get a realistical take on combat scenes. I gotta admit I'm not regularly watching your channel despite being subscribed, but I did catch your health troubles some time back, struggling with fatigue. It's good to see you that active and energised. I mean, we don't get to see the uncut footage here, but you're literally jumping around in armour so I guess you're better. :)

Man, these vids are so cool, dips me into my childhood with Vikings era 8th-13th century...

I remember watching Mythbusters and thinking how fun it would be to work there. Now I see Shad's videos and I think the same.

The practicality was always questionable with certain jump attacks, so I’m glad to see you really put it to the test. Though seeing the slight increase in force from a falling attack kinda got me thinking about its practicality outside of a standard duel, like for a surprise attack or in an enclosed space with little room to maneuver. It definitely is not the most versatile form of attack but there could be rare situations where it’s worth the risk of attempting it.

Welp, found my new favorite channel. Thank you good sir

Yaknow? Its been awhile since ive visited the shadlands, i need to keep my mind sharp so time to binge your videos before bed :D

Just a couple of things. Jumping attacks have a few more considerations. Mounted targets are less manoeuvrable than an opponent on foot. Jumping laterally (with little height gain) - either to close/gain distance more rapidly, or to create an unusual angle. If jumping away, distancing and timing can be used to strike an incoming opponent. A strike can be more effective not only though power but also effective placement... edit: All that said, I've found that jumping is best used sparingly - if at all. If you're going to be fighting all day on a battlefield, wearing armour and swinging heavy weapons, conservation of energy is paramount, right? One-on-one is a completely different story so context is everything.

That thumbnail is truly epic... well done, sir!

Ive never had that much fun watching a hello fresh sponsorship and you didn't even try that hard. Great video

I’d think it would be for pure strength, like if you know you opponent is going to be stationary and defensive, and try to go through their block with pure force, but then again we found out you don’t get much if any strength from jumping

some youtubers have such scientific means. Shad just puts a sleeping back on a catapult because thats all you really need and sensors cost money . I love that.

I love seeing classic Shad coming back, being informative and getting medieval again!!

I would love you seeing teaching your kids how to our martial art. I doubt you don’t do it already but I would love to see the chemistry and maybe a different side of you. Love your work. These channels like yours makes me want to learn hema. Great man.

23:52 DUDE THAT WAS SO SMOOOOTH!

Yes, Malenia has taught me that an opponent skilled enough to sidestep usually means getting cut to pieces after landing. Everytime I jumped at her, she probably also thought: "You see it a mile away. Just do a normal strike, I guess."

appreciation to the people who skipped the ad before me so i could see the most replayed, thank you for making it easier to skip ads

This was the Funniest and Well Mythbusting video I've yet seen Shad!! Squire Tiren is Awesome, well chosen as well Shad.

I love the physical (physics?) comedy you demonstrate as you destroy movie/video game tropes. Still fondly remember the floating in empty barrels skit.

Before watching the video, I would imagine that jump attacks would only be better in fairly niche scenarios. So against larger targets, with your weight above the sword while using stabbing motions more than striking motions.

This is one of the best sponsorship ads ive seen, way to incorporate what the channel is about into the ad!

I really love how much Shad commits to the war cry's.

This test is amazing! Jump attacks for the win and the Vegemite! Keep up the awesomeness Shad!

I don't know why but Shad jumping and screaming in slow mo is hilarious

Wow this was a really good video!

I think tyrant is an amazing squire. I want to see more of him!

Great to see what I "imagined would happen" actually happened. One fighting response you did not investigate with the opponent jumping - stepping INTO the opponent before they can deliver their strike, or stepping to the side and in. Once an opponent's feet have left the ground you know for sure the entire trajectory of their centre mass and you know their speed. While their sword is in the air, it should be pretty easy to step forward and impale them or slice them before their strike falls and you would be INSIDE that strike anyway. (The little martial arts I did that was one of the first things they taught in defence - stepping inside a strike and blocking it close to the body.) I guess the other thing you could try is the jumping, but not with an overhead strike, with a blade forward strike/spear motion - I suspect that would simply telegraph MORE information to the defender.

I knew going into this that a grounded jump strike would be weaker, but I didn't expect the decrease to be so slight! So a jumping attack with a height advantage is way more viable than I thought, in terms of power. Now, obviously if they're expecting it there's also a large reaction window, but usually these kinds of attacks are depicted as initiating strikes from stealth

The little intro alone gets a like from me! Well done sir!

i enjoy your Hello Fresh advertisment. i don't skip them. i hope it is availaable in canada. each is unique and looks delicious

I am so pleased you did this, and that you had it in mind already before I mentioned it for a Functional Fandom video in the previous one, of which I saw your like on my comment, made my day dude, great video Shaddy.

You GIVE jump attacks in games more power, because it looks cool. you are rewarded for landing a difficult, risky move, and its a distance closer. And also it looks cool.

Great testing!

I find it interesting that the jump attack is actually used in martial arts most notably (for my knowledge) in tantōjitstu

I’m totally for watching the mini series: “what medieval weapons can cook hello fresh?”

Loved the food prep. I love Shadiversity. This is literal rocket science. Free fall kinetics. Mass of attacker versus mass of opponent anchored to mass of Earth. This whole episode is hysterical AND informative.

"DEATH FROM ABOVE!!" lol that you for answering the question that has been dominating our thoughts for years. :)

Very cool action shots! 💪👊✊🤘

Great episode of testing. Your new squire is doing a fantastic job.