In his 1711 manual Zachery Wylde presents two methods of Back or Broadsword use. This video looks at his abbreviated, linear method based on his smallsword "Stand Your Line" posture.
This method of broadsword seems quite similar to some of the sabre systems that come of 18th and 19th century Germany, which were definitely drawing inspiration from the teachings of Salvatore Fabris, was Wylde doing the same? Because to my eye his smallsword posture seems far more reminiscent of Fabris' work than anything the French were doing with smallsword. Leaning the torso forward, keeping the arm fully extended, or holding the left hand near the face would be considered a faux pas in any respectable Parisian salle d'arms from 1650 onwards.
Thanks for the comment. We don't know of any Fabris connection from Wylde- but we probably don't need it. There's a lot of British idiosyncrasies in defence through this period. Wylde says something to the effect of- "We don't know who came up with it and it doesn't really matter- London is now the center of excellence in the practice of smallsword." Also, we can pretty clearly see that either Wylde had a copy of Swetnam, or the lineage of British swordsmanship method was strong. Wylde is definitely in the Swetnam mode who recommends the straight-arm guards and parrys. The body-lean seems to be entirely Wylde's- as far as British sources are concerned, except for Hope's New Method. His Hanging Guard and Wylde's are identical in my opinion. Silver and Swetnam both use a foundational rationale of forcing the opponent to break distance to offend. This allows for time in defence to cross the opponent's sword and strike from your wards. Wylde's extended stance basically says "If you want to cut me you have to deal with my sword on your way in... or you take a cut." Wylde doesn't mention left hand position, but he talks about palming in numerous places. So, I think it reasonable to have the left hand in a position where timely palming is possible. Cheers!
@@korg20000bcWould Wylde’s smallsword system have been used with rapiers as well? I’m currently reading marcelli’s rapier and dagger dates to the 1680s, and if you take Wylde at his word that he has been training in fencing for 50 years, that would put his system well within the same timeframe.
Thanks. Great context for Wylde. I'm not sure that I agree with Wylde that transitioning through a med guard between parries makes it quicker to return to the original guard if needed. It feels like leaving the point forward and turning nails up/down would be quicker, but I'll certainly test it in sparring. But I definitely do see the benefit of having that med guard chambered and ready to exploit an opening during the opponents action. Just curious, is that a Castille you're using? I always ask, just in case there's something new on the market that I'm not aware of.
Thanks. My experience has confirmed Wylde as being correct with moving through Medium Guard but would love to hear about your opinion from trying it in bouting. The option to cut is really helpful and, I think, shows how he recommends dealing with smallsword players. He says to cut them on the wrist as they present their thrust, or to guard their thrust and cut their arm during their recovery. Neat! My sword blades are made by the Usher in our club and I make the hilts. The exception in the Danelli broadsword that I'm using in the Throwing the Guards drill.
