- Free sparring with the historical arsenal
Activities
Activities
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Latest Activities
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Unicorn, Swordnet Republic and Realistic Sparring Weapons joint function: Free trial and techniques sharing day
On 1st October 2008, Unicorn organized a Realistic Sparring Weapons free trial and techniques sharing day on Swordnet Republic. There were around fifty participants. First, Kenny, the president of Swordnet Republic and Lancelot, one of the founders of Realistic Sparring Weapons, gave the opening speech respectively. Then Unicorn and several other veterans led the participants to do warm up together. Afterwards, they divided into four sectors, which three of them were dedicated to a particular weapon. The host of the sector shared the historical background, basic techniques and sparring skills related to the subject. The newcomers tested their sparring skills in the last group. The event lasted for four hours and everybody enjoyed it. We would like to express our gratitude to Unicorn and Kenny again!
The floor plan of the event.
The function consisted of four sectors.
Unicorn shared his knowledge with katana at sector A.
Unicorn was teaching sparring to the newcomers.
The newcomers sparred, cutting the inner thigh.
There were a couple girls in Unicorn's sector.
Unicorn taught the girl parrying skill.
Unicorn sparred with kendoka MJ.
"Old ghost" shared his research with Chinese two handed war sword.
"Old ghost's notes of Wu Bi Jian Fa.
Many were attracted by his sharing.
Mkai was teaching his friends the skill of Chinese Jian.
Jonny who practiced Iaido and Kendo, was sparring with newcomers at sector D.
The girls sparring.
The boyfriend was teaching his girlfriend how to deal with Zachary, a veteran.
There were romantic sights other than the sparring scenes.
Winnie had her abdominal cut in the sparring.
The lovers were sparring each other.
Other than swords sparring, they also did grappling.
Swordnet Republic President Kenny Sugo
Lancelot and Kenny Sugo were watching the sparring.
Dagger sparring took place out of the sectors.
Chatting in the resting area.
Even a little kid wanted to spar.
Wraith brought the guest Lamlam.
The first aid kit.
Cooper Moo from Seattle paid RSW a visit on 18th July 2007. We entertained him in our fashion of friendly sparring, discussion of German longsword techniques and test cutting. He is a friend of the famous swords maker Michael Tinker Pearce and the latter asked for videos to view. It was the first time Lancelot met someone in person who was also a friend of his favorite swords maker.
Cooper stated that sparring with RSW was an experience vastly different from his 2 years of boffer sparring. He said in the past, his group used to just hit each other without paying attention to blade alignment. Only until recently when they were invited by swords makers Angus Trim and Michael Tinker Pearce to test cutting events did they realize how different it was to cut with a real sword. The experience resulted in a significant change in their sparring style, which he said was like a start over again. He said that sparring here with RSW also provided more insights into swordsmanship, for back then they did not count the hits and just kept hitting each other. While being here, each valid hit count and the awareness of not being hit was a lot higher as if he was facing sharp weapons. The RSW, besides handling like the Tinker swords he had handled in person, also provided substantial bind and wind opportunity that changed the dynamic of the sparring.
Sparring video part 1
Sparring video part 2
The test cutting video
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The first Arms Culture Association sparring competition
On 9th July 2006, Arms Culture Association held the first sparring competition. There were more than thirty competitors and they were arranged to fight three times in their respective groups. The two fighters with the best result in the group would be allowed to participate in further bouts to become the final winner. The competition had its unique rules where the veterans would have less life points and the rookies would have more. The highest life point count was 7 and the lowest was 1. Hitting any part of the upper body would deduct the life point by 1. Hitting the lower limbs would turn the victim into a stationary target. The competitor lost after his life points were expired. During and after the competition, there were some demonstration fights. The whole event lasted for 4 hours and the winner was master Kie Brooks from Practical Tai Chi. Realistic Sparring Weapons provided the sparring equipment and video recording service to the competition. Since there were too many fights, we only show the quarter finalists' videos here.
The video of the winner master Kie Brooks (5 life points), which includes the fights, the speech giving after winning the competition, receiving the prize, a steel Katana from Arms Culture Association and the demonstration fight.
The video of Tom Biliter's fight in the competition and the demonstration. He is a proficient swordsman from USA. While only having 1 life point himself and not allowed to proceed to the quarter finalists fight, he still defeated most of his opponents regardless of their superior life points count!
The video of the first runner up, Dark Knight (7 life points).
The video of semi finalist Kuen (7 life points)
The video of semi finalist Zachary (3 life points).
The video of quarter finalist Ero_220 (7 life points).
The video of quarter finalist Edward (7 life points).
The video of quarter finalist Old Ghost(7 life points).
The video of quarter finalist Chiefumpire (7 life points).
Tom has been working in China and spent his weekend in Hong Kong. He took the time to spar with us on 23rd October 2005. He has been practicing in SCA with sword and shield, sword and buckler and rapier. Since we did not have any shields and bucklers around by the time, he picked the rapier, which was probably the weapon he spent most time with. The result was devastating. None of us survived his accurate and skillful rapier work intact.
Rock and his Zulu War Spear had been our secret weapon since his emergence. He was quite undefeatable for most practitioners. However, facing the same kind of long, thrusting-oriented weapon, he had his first taste of being turned into bee-hive by Tom and his English rapier (pre-RSW, Sunday Butchers version).
Lancelot and his Brescia Spadona RSW vs Tom and his English rapier. After the first fight, Lancelot realized that he did not give half-swording a try and asked for a rematch using half-swording.
Kalun and his long Katana vs Tom and his English rapier. Kalun was not good against thrusting weapons and this fight was particularly difficult for him.
Tom and his English rapier vs Maurya and his two handed Persian Shamshir. Maurya was not familiar with his new sword's additional weight over his previous Indian Tulwar and facing this tough opponent resulted in many defeats for Maurya.
We appreciate Tom's lesson on the prowess of the often underestimated rapier!
On 13th November 2005, it was the last day Tom sparred with us for the year. This time he had a buckler and that allowed him to be able to defend himself in close quarter combat, making him a more dangerous opponent.
Yik and his custom Ninjato vs Tom and his rapier + buckler.
Lancelot and his Brescia Spadona RSW vs Tom and his rapier + buckler.
Simon and his European dagger vs Tom and his rapier + buckler.
The rest of the players with their various weapons coming up to spar with Tom and his rapier + buckler.
Leo is Arthur's younger brother and was one of the practice partners Lancelot had sparred with at Taiwan University during his trip. He came by this time to pick up the products ordered by his brother. In order to make it for the plane trip at the evening, Lancelot and Leo sparred right after the lunch without enough warm up with the same European bastard sword. One side was using Chinese two handed sword style while the other was using the European style. After ten minutes of intensive sparring, both of them were exhausted. Their thighs were so sore that they could barely stand up. Click on the picture to download the video.
Arthur, a traditional Chinese martial artist from Taiwan, paid us a visit during his trip through Hong Kong on 16th July 2005. His choice of weapons were Chinese Jian and Chinese Spear. We headed to the hilltop for some sparring practice. Click on the pictures to download the videos.
Arthur with Carp Jian RSW vs Lancelot with Brescia Spadona RSW.
Arthur with Chinese Spear vs Lancelot with Brescia Spadona RSW.
Arthur with Brescia Spadona RSW vs Simon with Carp Jian RSW.
Arthur with Carp Jian RSW vs Simon with Chinese Spear.
Arthur with Brescia Spadona RSW vs Simon with Chinese Spear.
On 30th April 2005, ET of Shaolin Black Tiger style had joined force with us to organize a weaponry sparring that was free for the public. There were over 60 visitors and many of them got to handle European bastard sword, Japanese katana, Chinese Dao and Jian during the event. While some of the participants did not want to have their sparring videos disclosed, there were still plenty videos available to show. Every fight was around 2 to 3 minutes long and the file size was about 15mb. Click on the pictures below to download the videos.
Simon vs Lancelot
Cobra vs Yin
Sauchan vs Sauchan
Shadow vs Gunbuster
Kalun vs Howard
Ah Wai vs Ho
Sauchan vs Ho
Maurya vs Sauchan
ET vs Lancelot
Kenny vs Drifter
Alfred vs Edward
Shadow vs Yin
Cobra vs Edward
Parke vs Sum
Simon vs Drifter
Nobody here vs Drifter
Jimmy vs Ah Jun
Cobra vs Nobody here
On 14th February 2005, Jay Noyes of Avalon group in Japan and Dominic from Australia paid us a visit. From the time of Sunday Butchers, Dominic had been here to practice with us more than once. However, it was Jay's first time to be here and he brought along his wife Mikiko. Jay had been anticipating for a visit to Hong Kong and it became a reality after waiting for a year. Originally the weather was bad in the week but it seemed we had luck on the day and it was a sunny day. We took a breakfast/lunch together and gathered many water bottles for test cutting. Since we wanted to emptied the bottles first, we proceed to sparring before conducting the test cutting.
(The bunny in Lancelot's hands was Mikiko's favorite here that she could not let go!)
The first fight was Jay vs Lancelot. Jay practices Liechtenauer style longsword and George Silver style single handed sword, which were both different from Lancelot's bastard style. It was also the first time Lancelot fought against an experienced German style swordsman fighting with historical accurate European medieval swordsmanship. As a result, Lancelot was slaughtered.
The second fight was Kalun and his Bagua Jian vs Dominic's Chinese Jian. Dominic did not have many practices in Australia and he had not recovered his prowess in this fight.
The third fight was Kalun vs Jay. Kalun wielded Bagua Jian and then Katana, while Jay wielded heavy bastard sword and then light bastard sword.
Then it was Lancelot vs Dominic, who had fully recovered and bettered his oldself.
Dominic fought Jay but Dominic's calf was over-stressed. Later in the afternoon he fought Jay again after recovery.
After all the sparring on the rooftop was done, we proceeded to examine some real swords (including pudao and antique swords). Since Jay did not have many chances to handle swords other than Katana in Japan, this opportunity was especially attractive to him. We arranged a test cutting session to fulfill his thirst.
Then we moved to another district for sparring so that our participants in that proximity could appreciate Jay and Dominic's prowess. Alfred fought Jay's Silver style first.
Then it was Parke the German style practitioner vs Jay, trying to learn whatever he could in the unique chance.
Kalun rematched Dominic.
Since we decided to learn from Jay, we had a mini swordsmanship seminar hosted by the swordsman. Then we went to the mall to have some food.
In the night, Jay, Mikiko and Dominic paid Lancelot's apartment a visit to review the videos on the day and conducted a secret test cutting (because it was in the night and videos could not be taken, thus it was a secret!). We finished the event after midnight. Here we would like to thank Jay who had to leave so soon for enlightening us on the swordsmanship!
In the afternoon of 13th March 2005, we visited the sword exhibition held at Wan Chai Convention and Exhibition Center. The sword booths were all set up by the workshops from mainland China, including the famous Zhen Wu Zhou of Lung Chuan and Million swords workshop. Besides, our friend Joe also brought along his over 400 years old Japanese antique sword to let Mr. Zhou to have a look. Following is the photo album of the event:
This is the venue.
The booths shown above were selling some lower quality products, including some that did not really worth looking at, such as the followings:
The sword on the plaque was a decorating piece, while the huge Dao was too thin on the tip portion that made it non-functional. It was very whippy.
The following photos were Million Swords workshop. The quality was much higher than the above ones, so were the prices.
The tale-telling signs of the Chinese Jian made by Million Swords workshop were: 1. the square grip; 2. the use of metal tunquo 3. the blades had strong profile tapering that made them looks more like European swords.
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The grains on the pattern welded blade were very obvious.
Then there was the booth of Zhen Wu Zhou. The quality of the products is high, so were the prices.
Right: Mr. Zhen Wu Zhou
This is Parke.
Mr. Zhou's swords featured tighter grains than the ones on Million Swords workshop's. The fittings were also classic.
Then we all moved on to examine Joe's antique sword.
Since we went to the exhibition on its last date, the booths were on big sales to get rid of the items they were selling, so that they did not have to ship them back. We bought some steel spearheads.
At the end, we took some group photos.
Regular Activities
The course will prepare the student(s) with no former weaponry martial arts knowledge to engage with confidence in in full contact, full body targeting weaponry sparring. Each student can choose to learn how to use a European bastard sword, a claymore, a Bagua Jian or a Katana. The curriculum includes but not limited to the following:
the recommended warm up exercises that prevent injuries during practice
safety precautions in handling swords
the grip
introduction to the mechanism of cutting (blade alignment, tip velocity, sequence of power generation, etc.)
the High Guard
the vertical downward cut
the diagonal downward cuts
the footwork
parry and counter
void and counter
The teaching will be conducted through solo drills, paired drills, controlled sparring and ultimately free sparring. The number of lesson taken to complete the curriculum above will depend on the student's progress. Those who complete the curriculum will be awarded a certificate of achievement signed by the instructor.
Instructor: Lancelot Chan - Historical European swordsmanship practitioner with long time sparring experience against different weaponry, including Japanese Nodachi, Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, European dagger, sword and shield, sword and buckler, mace and shield, longsword, great sword, Claymore, Chinese Dao, Jian, Bagua Jian, spear, Indian Tulwar, Katar, twin weapons combination like butterfly swords, rapier and dagger, etc. All the techniques taught have been tested through years of sparring. Time: Individual appointment. Each lesson lasts 90 minutes. Location: Rendezvous at Showroom. Suitable For: Age 15 and up. For those who are younger than 18, signed parental permission is required before the first class. Sign up: Click here or take the sign up form at the Showroom. Fee: For 1 student, 400HKD per month, 4 lessons. For 2 to 4 students, 800HKD per month for the group, 4 lessons.
Training equipment for each lesson is provided by instructor during the lesson.
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Gathering
Do you want to feel the thrills of weaponry combat?
Do you want to experience the swordfighting scene in "The Last Samurai" and "Lord of the Rings"?
Do you want to improve your weaponry skill through practical and intensive usage?
Or are you looking for training partners to train with?
Realistic Sparring Weapons gatherings can fulfill your quest!
What you get:
By attending Realistic Sparring Weapons gathering, you can:
*Experience the excitement and the fun of weaponry sparring
*Practice and communicate with partners from various backgrounds
*Video review after each gathering and the host will analyze the actions for you to help improve your skill
*In the end you'll receive a CD with the videos of the gathering for further reference and review
Activityt: Realistic Sparring Weapons combat (rules), skills conference, private review of videos (including a CD for record), etc. Time: Every Sunday 2:00pm Location: Rendezvous at Showroom. Suitable For: Age 15 or up. For those who're younger than 18, parental permission is required beforehand. Note: People may use their own sparring weapons if they have been deemed safe.
Realistic Sparring Weapon can be rented at 10 HKD per 3 minutes.
Helmet and mask can be rented at 5 HKD per 3 minutes.
Sign up: Click here or take the sign up form at the Showroom. Fee: Free (or 25 HKD each time if you want to review the videos)
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Gauntlet
Are you confident in your weaponry skill?
Do you want to practice with a dedicated partner?
Are you interested in fighting the crew of Realistic Sparring Weapons in a simulated dueling mode, where there is only 1 round to determine who's dead and who's alive?
Then the Gauntlet is for you!
In the Gauntlet, the most significant feeling is the pressing survival urge, because you can only be hit once. If you can win, you'll receive both a certification signed by your opponent to prove your victory and a 50 HKD coupon.
Opponent: Lancelot Content: Realistic Sparring Weapons combat (rules), one round only. The winners will be awarded a 50 dollars coupon for Realistic Sparring Weapons. Time: Individual arrangement. Location: Rendezvous at Showroom. Suitable For: Age 15 or up. For those who're younger than 18, parental permission is required beforehand. Note: People may use their own sparring weapons if they have been deemed safe.
Realistic Sparring Weapon can be rented at 10 HKD per 3 minutes.
Helmet and mask can be rented at 5 HKD per 3 minutes.
Sign up: Click here or take the sign up form at the Showroom. Fee: 25 HKD