Hutton's Sabre Parrying: Response to Criticisms 

Thank you for taking the time to assemble a critique. As I said in the prior version, please let me know if you'd prefer further argumentation as commentary here, or in video form. I consider some of the counter-argument to be steel-man, but others to be (accidental) straw-man. As an aside, for those who may have gotten a garbled or emotive take on the position staked out in the original video, critique of Cold Steel should very obiously not be taken to imply disdain for Hutton, and certainly not for "Hutton Enjoyers." I would ask that those on the sidelines have the courtesy not to assign me responsibility for positions which I have regularly and explicitly disavowed.

Thank you. I have used the high octave parry in combat and it works.

A lovely example of modest claims, defended robustly.

I love high octave :')

I watched the recent video by Russ and found it informative as a non-Hutton and non-Sabre fencer trying to get into sabre fencing. I also found yours, Pope, to be an interesting counter-argument and response, this sort of thing always helps me learn. Also, love my little "Go Josh" in your Swordplay sabre footage, it was a fun fight to watch!

Love the approach to the criticisms, well said

Russ' video was one that left a very sour taste in my mouth, as it reminded me a lot of toxic, unproductive fencing teachers I've had in the past; ones who seek to present a pseudo-dogmatic "right way to do things", while necessarily suppressing a more constructive and open-minded approach, fuelled especially by multiple perspectives on a given technique. My past teachers' targets normally centered around constant mocking of Meyerists as "flowery and impractical", teaching us students a hyper-canonical interpretation of early KDF sources. I think there comes a point where playful cross-system rivalries devolve into pointless dunking on martial systems one simply doesn't like; I believe Russ' video was an example of the latter, though I strongly suspect he would disagree with my perspective. Regardless, it produces an unhealthy environment in which to learn as a community. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to demonstrate the issues in Russ' video, as such easily accessible visual demonstrations serve to counteract more harmful elements within the historical fencing community :)

Good man 😊 Keep up the smashing work. Love your videos. Very thorough and rationally considered

Really good video. Well done, Dan.

This video is not a criticism it just shows the arguments to be utter hogwash as politely as possible. If you eviscerate someone smiling doesnt make it better.

excellent video ! thank you

I'm new to Hutton, the impression that I have gotten is that his style was specifically designed to counter the way that rebels in India were sword fighting.

Great video - thanks !

This is the same as katana vs longsword. Depends on the person using it, but katana has more Hollywood time.

Having limited experience with either presenter, Russ Mitchell or Daniel Pope, but having been involved in fencing in one format or another since 1982 I am singularly unimpressed with Russ Mitchell's video and interpretations. Unfortunately the other field I've been involved in for a decade or so is politics and the similarities I see between Russ's presentation and that of a highly partisan advocate are staggering. The bias is blatant and obvious.

Quartparade mit Terz Conter...