Fight training begins again at Shady Shakespeare. Our fight master and choreographer is the incredibly gifted Larry Barrott and the weapon of choice is the broadsword. The broadsword is a heavy two-handed weapon used for slashing your opponent. If you saw last years show (Romeo & Juliet), then you experienced rapier-style sword fighting. Rapier is much faster than broadsword and flashier in its execution. The broadsword is all about brute force and stamina.
Let the inside scoop begin...
The three hour training session begins with warm-ups. During this time we stretch and prepare mentally for our training. Then the fight master instructs us on safety and how to handle the swords without injuring ourselves and others. Although the swords have been blunted, (sharp edges dulled) a four pound stick of metal can still pose a serious threat. From there we move to a brief history of the weapon and its primary use. I found it fascinating that the heavily armored knights of this period would literally pummel each other until a weakness in one’s armor was exposed. Next were the defensive (parry) stances with our sword. Then, the offensive attacks we could make with this weapon. Finally, we learned maneuvering and got to put it all together.
Once we were comfortable with the weapon we then moved into the choreography of the fight. This is where the real magic happens. Getting six combatants on stage swinging swords without killing each other is quite an accomplishment! I’m not going to give away any of the fight specifics, but I will say you will be impressed.
Let the inside scoop begin...
The three hour training session begins with warm-ups. During this time we stretch and prepare mentally for our training. Then the fight master instructs us on safety and how to handle the swords without injuring ourselves and others. Although the swords have been blunted, (sharp edges dulled) a four pound stick of metal can still pose a serious threat. From there we move to a brief history of the weapon and its primary use. I found it fascinating that the heavily armored knights of this period would literally pummel each other until a weakness in one’s armor was exposed. Next were the defensive (parry) stances with our sword. Then, the offensive attacks we could make with this weapon. Finally, we learned maneuvering and got to put it all together.
Once we were comfortable with the weapon we then moved into the choreography of the fight. This is where the real magic happens. Getting six combatants on stage swinging swords without killing each other is quite an accomplishment! I’m not going to give away any of the fight specifics, but I will say you will be impressed.
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