Sometimes it is distraction, sometimes it is communication and other times it is just keeping it active so it does not become static during the fight.

@@RobertChildsRapier cool, thanks!

mr.childs’s special skill: casting spell to slow enemy down

My brother used to do this to me as a kid “watch the birdy” bam other hand smacks me in the head

I think I can manage that.

Correct. A staple of my practice for decades.

​@@RobertChildsRapierCool it reminds me of some Eastern arts. You are/were Air Force right? I'm also a military fencer. I teach a volunteer modern class to youth who would ordinarily not have fenced at all. We also do "HEMA-Light". Hema with lightsabers.

Yes, also a military guy here--at least for a little while longer. I am retiring at the end of this year.

Congrats on being close to the end of the tunnel! I plan on buying your book. Our sport club's niche is application of historical fencing during bouts. Like a game inside a game type of thing. The kids like it.

Definitely better to be fencing with your weight evenly distributed over both legs. If you are referring to the still shot it is important to keep in mind you are looking at a snapshot in time.

@@RobertChildsRapier Nope, watched the whole thing. Thanks!

No, not Italian--though there is some influence. Instead this is the style I have developed over the last few decades of fencing and learning around the world.

@@RobertChildsRapierwhy does the other one copy you if it’s a customised style ? I am learning destreza. I notice you take an angulo recto stand, but front forward and keep the blade down? Aren’t you exposed… you use the hand as a distraction? Any tips on where to find pointers on your style. It’s actually very intriguing to watch! Thanks for the explanation and the video!

@@LancelotVantuyckom The reason the person across from me looks so similar is because he is a student of my school of fence. In that tournament the gold medal match came down to the two of us. As for your other questions, no, I am not exposed with the low guard. Have a look at the other competition videos on the channel and you will see what I mean. And the hand can be a distraction, sure, but there are other reasons for it explained in other training videos. Suffice to say it has multiple reasons behind it. And lastly, yes, there are places to find pointers on my style. You can peruse further on my public KZfaq channel; you can also join the Patreon called Castle & Sword; or there is also my book. All three will serve as resources for someone looking to learn more about my particular practice of the art.

@@RobertChildsRapierthanks I’ll definitely have a look!

Wow, thank you so much warrior.

Back in the day of what context ? You do know first blood duel exist in history right ? It's just as "real" in old society as fighting to the death

What exactly are you referring to?