He translated the Karma Sutra Matt. I think that means he knew rather more about thrusting than you ;)

When are you finally gonna get Superdry to sponsor you?

"How to fence against a Scarecrowe" - Sir Richard Burton

If he liked sex, and he was a linguist, was he a cunning linguist?

I was so excited to see this video that I had to control myself to keep from commenting before actually watching it. I appreciate the fact that you never make things up. That's why yours is my favorite KZfaq channel. Despite all of Burton's obvious and glaring flaws, I still love him. Maybe it's because I'm so obviously and glaringly flawed myself.

"I could do a cut number 1 in your head"...I never have been threatened by Matt Easton before. I feel In danger now

Still love the guy. "'Ah, It has always been a matter of regret to me that I never quite succeeded in cutting a man in two. I very nearly did once..." We should all hope to live such lives.

It's a great example of how someone being an authority on one thing, or a few things, or having lots of personal experience in many situations doesn't automatically make them a credible authority on something else. There's no universal genius that's the go-to on every subject.

I only know of Jack Burton...he took down Lo Pan with a bootknife straight shot to the head. He said, "It's all in the reflexes". Had a grill on his truck The Porkchop Express that says Haulin' Ass.

Something a lot of people don't get is just because you are the world's greatest expert in one field of knowledge doesn't mean you know jack about another. Read an account of Einstein having bicycle trouble and some young guy came along and fixed it for him. They later became friends but my point is pretty simple. He doesn't seem to have been much of a mechanic. Not all that surprising I suppose.

You're really improving the quality of your videos. Good use of images to go along with the commentary.

You are so soft spoken, and humble, it's really fun to hear you lambaste someone.

Something about seeing Superdry next to a picture of the Kama Sutra just cracks me up to no end.

Burton sounds a bit like a 19th century Lars Anderssen kind of a guy.

A spherical man of uniform density ...

Takedowns of 19th century blowhards; truly this is the content I never knew that I always craved

I only knew Sir Richard Francis Burton from, "To Your Scattered Bodies Go" by Philp Jose Farmer. His character makes it a perfect novel sci fi hero.

Burton not being politically correct is hardly a fair criticism in the context of the 19th century. Indeed many people despise political correctness even today.

I have been desperately trying to get into Napoleonic abd Victorian era saber and smallsword for probably about 20 years now but me being as stubborn as i am, I really need a lot of exposer to things that don't immediately appeal to me. I've always been attracted to cruciform medieval blades, knights and all that (specifically crusade era, late 11th centry to 13th century) but repeated exposure to sabers throughout your videos (i won't lie i just got into your channel about a year ago, and just discovered one of my now favorite movies, the Duelists) has finally done the trick. Thanks Matt, you are the best at what you do (in my opinion). If you ever cost the States, Queen City Charlotte North Carolina by chance, i wouldn't mind grabbing a beer. Best wishes my dude.

I love whenever Matt gives negative reviews. They're my favourite. He just rips into them but in the nicest possible way.

burton was just making a 19th century paradox on fencing

Honest question: if I'm left handed and I do (for this example) a downwards cut from left to right, which is my dominant hand and would be a #2 cut for a right handed, would this be still a #2 cut or a #1 cut?

If you fence left-handed, are the cuts mirrored? Is it more important for a #1 cut to be from the right to the left (the same direction) or from the outside to the inside (the same biomechanics)?

The excellent description of the standard system of numbered cuts was well worth my time. Maybe you'd done a vid about it before, but I was not aware and now am. Thanks!

Fascinating. Thank you for this. I read Brodie's biography of Burton (The Devil Drives) last year and had been wondering about the sword manual and its contents as it is given mythic status in the book. Your analysis has been a great insight for someone like me who doesn't have a deep knowledge of fencing, swords etc. Reminded me of the occasions when people subjected T E Lawrence's accounts to some 'time and motion' and concluded that some accounts didn't add up. (Not sure about your new look though, Lindy).

I don't know exactly if he was a "linguist" per se, but he had good methods to learn languages which is a bit different. A linguist study the structure of the languages but may not even be able to speak in the language he is studying. (a lot of them do though, often because language becomes a passion) This guy just found a very "modern" way to learn languages (practiced today almost as a norm) but may not be able to know the difference between a fricative or a labial. Think of it that way : you can learn to drive a car but it doesn't mean you know how to build one from A to Z. This is the difference between learning languages and being a scholar learning linguistics.

I've looked at a couple of broadsword fencing texts from around the time of the excercise being discussed. I agree it seems silly, but I'm wondering if there was a general tendency to focus more at specific parts of the body, rather than specific angles of attack (like in Angelo's system) under the influence of continental swordsmanship. I found an Broadsword manual published in the USA from within a decade or two of Burton's exercise, by a Sardinian named Riboni. His cut exercises are not numbered, but named according to the parts of the body they attack: right cheek, left flank etc. Was this more typical of continental styles of fencing? And possibly those systems that focused more on the use fo the point? I wonder if the contempt Burton expressed for Angelo's target was just a trendy preference for cuts against specific parts of the body at the time?

Hmm. Matt, if you read this comment, any thoughts on Roworth? I was considering using his infantry sword manual as a basis for learning/teaching saber. It seems like it's a bit earlier than Angelo and definitely earlier than Hutton, I'm worried that you didn't mention him here though.

I think that if he was around today the description would be 'larger than life'. But he would have one hell of a KZfaq Channel.

So he is kind of like flashman, but also wrote stuff down.

Hi Matt!! I was wondering if you could make a video talking about all or the more common kinds and styles of handle-wrapping in swords through Europe's history. I haven't seen many articles on the internet talking about it, being it more of an artistic approach when analysing swords rather than functional matter.

As soon as I heard "round face" I instantly imagined a bouncy orange Space Hopper. I can't quite understand why this should be, especially as Space Hoppers are not round either and don't have legs but no doubt it will be a live, active part of my continuing training in military sabre. This insight will produce great things and another leap [sic.] forwards in progress.

Really nice analysis of Burton's sword excercise manual. A great insight into Burton in his time. Just like many writers through history he seems to have wanted to feed the market regardless of his actual knowledge. Really enjoyed this video, thankyou!

Matt, Can I get a copy of Angelo's manual online? So, I had several of Burton's books about Africa downloaded from Gutenberg, but haven't read them yet. Do they fall into the "Burn Before Reading" category? …..RVM45 PS-Does the Left-Handed swordsman use a mirror reverse system of numbering?

"I have seen a few people who are absolutely circular." Also I have used cut 8 in tournament. It is my go to if I fail a geisel and am forced to squat down. Groin protection manufacturers love me.

Also, if you haven't memorized what the numbers mean, wouldn't saying a cut ( insert number here) be a lot vaguer than describing the cut direction and location?

Well, categorizing the cuts in 7 types by the angle is also a thing in renaissance treatises (Marozzo and Manciolino for sure), where are often used specific words for referring to specific cuts (a famous example I guess is the Meyer square even if it use only 4 cuts for training purposes).

I am really glad to watch this. As someone who has briefly tried reading his book as a newby to saber, there was a lot that seemed ... odd is probably the best word ... about it. I think I'm going to stick to O'Rourke's 1873 manual as an American with an US M1860 light saber while reading enough of the earlier English works to understand where it came from.

I have a question that's related to an older video. In your second video discussing about sword draw sound effects, you mentioned brass being used as a metal throat if scabbards to soften the draw on blades. However, I've heard that steel (which swords are usually made of) is corrosive to brass. So how did swords not corrode brass throats of scabbards?

His moustache alone deserves a chapter in history :P

Hi Matt. Could you make a few comments about gilted scabbards for 1796 officers light cavalry sabres? I purchased a light cavalry sabre a while back to start my collection and there is clear remnants of gilt on the scabbard which I did not expect. I've only managed to find 1 other example and the listing didn't speak to it. love the videos. I've always loved swords and medieval weaponry but you have brought my interest into later periods which is great as it now means I can afford to start collecting the swords themselves! So far I've just got my officers light cavalry sabre and US Civil War Staff and field officer Sword (cheap for so much history!).

Burton sounds like that american who claimed he fought in Kumite.

I have a simple system for cuts. Use the "o' clock" position and name the target. 3 'o clock cut is from your right traveling left, 12 o' clock is straight down. Then you've got thrust to (target). Simple. Strikes done. I've yet to think of a simple way to describe parries, blocks, and beating aside incoming strikes with strikes of your own.

Norman Stanley Fletcher - Fighting in Confined Spaces.

The only times Burton's credibility is called into question is when there are witnesses.

No idea how useful he was with a sword but I was surprised to see this book listed in his bibliography. Two things occurred to me, 1/Why does he not use a pistol? 2/It reminds me of a sergeant showing off to a females farm owner in a book, was it 'Far from the Madding Crowd'? I never expected to find that book among the other titles.

Not every FMA system use that exact system, but arguable some variation of it. Some use 9 angles, some use 4, some use 6 etc. But ita just variations

So I guess, Richard Francis Burton did not know the Vitruvian man of Leonardo Da Vinci. 😓🤣 It seems "funny", in a sad way, that some people try to reinvent the wheel over and over again, despite it exists already. But in the case of Burton, he did not even managed to archieve a circular drawing🤣. Or was this intended?😉 Maybe, he was trying to manipulate the readers view and tried therefore to put his writtings in a better light (> selfishness?!)😔.

Don't forget that time Burton fought against Cyrano de Bergerac on a sinking boat.

"When I see these things I like to grab them" , sadly the police officer did not see this as a valid excuse

Haha, Dicky :D

Sorry to have to correct you Matt but John Gaspard Le Marchant wasn't from French stock, he was a Guernseyman. (Guernsey being a small island in the English Channel, a Crown Dependancy and a remainder of the Duchy of Normandy) The Le Marchants are an old influential Guernsey family that go back to the 13th century at least and probably further. Interestingly there is a Fort named in John Gaspard's honour called Fort Le Marchant in Guernsey.

are there still angelo's heir in london?

By the middle of 1800's book publishing was quite easy and often quite profitable. Go into a proper military or other research library and shelves full of them. Seems like every military officer wrote a book. German, French and British Equitation books go on and on about how the others are doing it wrong. Of course besides making a few Pounds, the thought of getting a position at Sandhurst, Samur, Hanover or even a Royal Stud was a great incentive. Burton did quite well but if you look into say Kama Sutra he had help from Indian translators and experts.

4:09 For fuck's sake... xD

I trained in FMA for a while and it was very clear that numbers were direction of blows or cuts.

Why sport fencing sabre has different numbers, and a oversimplified cut parry number system ? Correct me if I’m wrong, in sport sabre 5 can be 1,2 and7. 4 would be 4 and 6. And 3 it’s 3 and 6. Lastly 8 does exist but as a hit with the false edge, which is not really common. I wish Angelo’s cut numbers was used in sport f as well, sometimes it’s a mess to talk about sport fencing actions, it lacks detail.for example: I’ve done faints to 3 to get either under the arm or ribs (Oversimplification in sport f, makes it difficult to describe and to imagine the actions) If I were to use military sabre cuts numbers I simply say, I’ve done faints to 6 and then proceed with a no.3 cut to the forearm or chest.

Man, I love your work.

Another good one Matt. Burton's flaws don't deter my interest in him of course. What a life well lived....And the quite famous actor if the same name apparently took his name from this famous 19th century rake.

I think Burton would be deservedly more obscure if a certain Sci-fi writer hadn't been obsessed with him.

First sword book I ever bought back in the 80's, Book of the Sword. Pretty difficult reading for a 12 year old, but pre-internet we toughed through it because info was hard to come by.

I tried to cut 3, but my opponent moved and i kinda 6'd. Opps

The act of definition inherently assigns boundaries and limitations equal to the degree of specificity of the definition. In martial arts, specificity has its place if it can exist without a terrible amount of detriment to the effectiveness its techniques, does not compromise the proper teaching and learning of its techniques to its students, and remains harmonious with the style to which it belongs.

Ive wondered if there was a Spanish connection with Doce Pares/the 12 strikes as seen in the Kali escrima literature and Burton's 12 cut exercise. Burton's only contains cuts and the escrima versions contain both cuts and thrusts. It's kind of a stretch, I guess.

Sir Richard Burton is the greatest and wisest English man ever lived IMO. follower of '' the teaching abhorr'd that maketh mind a secretion, soul a word ''

What's wrong with usiung radians for angles? "I did the half PI cut to his head."

He must have written his sword book as a supreme exercise in irony & satire. Or at least that's what I'm sure his fans would say!

Where can one get this printed facsimile?

Richard Burton annihilates you in a sword fight any day of the week...

I recognized the numbers from my phillipino martial arts training. Usefull system. :)

gilderoy lockhart in real XD

I think I have identified the point of failure of this review. Your judgement of Burton's sword technique is spot on, as usual. You have missed entirely the point of Burton's publication however. He wasn't promoting a new school of swordsmanship, he was promoting the idea of "Sir Richard Francis Burton, Iconic Briton". In support of this thesis, I submit the century plus of worship he has achieved as a result of his self-promotional efforts.

Is it not possible, that he was making fun of other experts? Or was he really serious? i just can not imagine... :O

What is interesting in Burton's Bayonet manual in 1853. he actually recommends that the reader of his book consult Angelo's books.....I wonder what happened between the two ?

You'll find the cut diagram in cane/stick fighting manuals as well. It may have evolved out of the Spanish School, as a simplification. As for Burton, it does seem he is over complicating things. I did find his Book of the Sword interesting, though it could use an update to correct his errors. His life of adventure? Probably wise to take it with a grain of salt. He was a contemporary of P.T. Barnum after all. If you take everything he says as the absolute truth, then you might as well take the Flashman Papers the same way.

Numbered guards and cuts? In my day we stood in middle iron door and we liked it! -old Italian guy probably

So he would be a great KZfaq presenter. Not to mention social media. He would make the Kardashians cry.

Many many years ago the SF writer Philip Jose Farmer based a portion of his Riverworld novels on Burton. There was something about the whole thing which never sat right with me. Burton was clearly a grandstander,a showboater. Showing off to the crowd was important to him. His wife burned large portions of his writings after his death and certain scholars bemoaned the loss. Glad you brought this to light. It is easy to get caught up in ego,certain of his claims he was convinced would never be duplicated and I tried to read some of his minor stuff that was available . Heavy handed and egotistical,could never finish or even get very far. My own warning lights went off that I do remember. Was his education so poor he could not or would not read what was probably the standard text on a subject ? Or did he just glance at it and toss ? He must have known men spending time in a salle d'armes would read his stuff. He died at a time swordsmanship was still culturally important. Why spout nonsense ? That brings the rest of his claims in to question. He must have recognized that.

I wonder if the 1-7 cuts could be used when talking about other, earlier systems. Likely not.

After drop the mic we have drop the book

when will you talk about 2h sword vs sword and shield?

If I surmise correctly, the original design of the circular diagram is based on DaVinci's "Venetian Man" diagram, which makes perfect sense when organizing a system of description for combat.

You could theoretically complete Burton's system with numbered cuts for every angle and to every part of the body, but the problem you're left with is that that's way too many numbered cuts for anyone to remember. If you say "give him a cut # 37" in class the students, or at least the ones who aren't already experts in Burton's system, will never remember if that's a leftwards cut at the right leg or a rightwards cut at the left arm. What Angelo's system does is combine a reasonably small number of cuts by angle - seven - with a designation of targets that everyone can understand and remember because we all have the same body parts. It's a system that's *both* adequately precise and descriptive *and* easy to remember without either taking out the book for reference or spending many, many hours memorizing the list.

I've never really known what to think of Burton...thank you for an honest opinion.

This Burton guy strikes me as quite narcissistic.

Not to mention the 7 cuts are even older than the 16th century, they're on Fiore dei Liberi's studies on late 14th century.

Go, Matt! At a few of your ranty-er episodes, I almost thought I was watching the Metatron (I do not mean that insultingly). I thought you might say, "What a muppet!"

Maybe he understood that Angelo's style was so good at defending the legs that he wouldn't bother with any leg attacks. Roworth is also quite good about the shift and counter.

Burton had an "I" problem. Today he would one of those "No shit, there I was. . ."

Now... not judging a gentleman by his moustache, but there wouldn't happen to be a section on sword swallowing, would there? :P

One of your most entertaining videos. :)

Are we looking at the birth of the glorious field of keyboard warriorism here? A lot of the stuff he says is so similar it's almost not even funny to the stuff folks who look at Axel Petterson or Dennis Ljunqvist fighting and say shit like "I have fought better, how bad are people in HEMA" and who at best have sad foam-weapon videos.

@scholagladiatoria Even though there are indeed some Filipino Martial Arts that are closer to the Angelo system and philosophy, i.e., the six-seven cuts and defenses, and I personally prefer Angelo's system as well to augment my skills, modern FMA is actually closer to Burton's new system and philosophy because modern Arnis in particular uses twelve to thirteen strikes to specific targets of the body, e.g., a strike number 1 or two will always be understood as directed to the head, and Burton's footwork is what FMA uses (weight equally on both feet), and also I personally have witnessed many Filipino martial artists misunderstand Angelo's concept of the seven cuts and parries, in particular I was criticized for using the hanging guard and was told essentially the same objection that Burton had for this guard, that it exposes my forearm (proving it with a painful swat as i go to the hanging guard).

Sir Richard Francis Burton : Single handedly destroyed and plundered , My beloved Spanish Armada ... ( No wait ! That was Sir Francis Drake and His Dragoons ... a little bit in My cups here ,Mate ) I mean : He single handedly deflowered , impregnated , and taught an entire Armadas’ worth of wenches how to fuck properly ...perhaps He was scorned by The Scholastic SwordsMen of His time , due to His hands on instinctive and reflexive methods ; so tried and true , and personalized to what one could refer to as a:” Spiritual Degree” ... ( speaking of His battlefield Swordsmanship ,not His Golden Belt in Cockjitsu ...but perhaps in that area aswell) A True Warrior , Who defined His own epoch ( This : We can not deny ) despite His linguistic talents , was in no doubt , most critical of His vocation of living by The Sword , as it were and still stands , I say : most critical of His absolute way of life : being condensed and simplified into one tiny easy to devour brochure ... all of His contemporaries ignored The Heroic Adventurer out of fear ... did anyone of them ever openly criticize Him ( Which would have been cause enough for a Duel ) or in any such way minimize or belittle This Robust Rebel , to His face? To Sir Dick , life itself , was one mighty sword thrust ... whether it was aimed into the heart of a foe ; or betwixt the inviting thighs of some winsome wench ... Long Live The Fire Breathing , Triple Sworded Dragon of The Karma Sutra !

Thanks for making this video, very informative

Burton sounds a bit like Lindy Beige . But less irritating

Good to know that this level of arguement existed before the internet.

I'm a fanboy of cut eight.

Don't beat about the bush Matt !

A system like Mr.Burton's is far to complicated and specific it seems to me.