For the past several years I have taken my interests in swords and swordsmanship to the next level by being involved with various reenactment groups. Starting with the Highland Mercenaries in Northern California, then joining the Highlander Warriors after the previous group disbanded, and most recently with the Renaissance Scots in Colorado, I have tried to bring swordsmanship and the period weaponry to the public.
A real issue is keeping balance between the European marshall art and the theatrical interpretation that we see in film and television. An important factor to keep in mind when doing live-steel reenactments is that these weapons were designed to kill people and unsafe practices or mistakes can have dire consequences. Especially since your sword partner is usually a good friend!
My focus on weaponry and swordsmanship is primarily on the 17th and 18th century Scottish Highlands. The basket-hilted broadsword and backsword were the predominant gentlemen's weapon of the period paired with a very functional dirk and a defensive targe in the off hand.
There are few period treatises on sword technique from that locale and era, but pieces by McBane and Angelo have been quite useful in providing insite to the usage of these Highland tools. Several current day authors such as Christopher Thompson can provide even more insite into period martial arts.
In an effort of putting on a good "show" combining what can be learned from these masters mixed with theatrical sword from current day masters of arms like DeLongis have provided a good methodology for a good and *safe* presentation. These pictures are a view into some of the shows I've done.
Pleasanton Highland Games 2003
Loch Lomond Highland Games 10/5/2002
Pittsburg Ren Faire 8/10-11/2002
South San Jose Community Fair
King's Head Pub/Campbell Scottish Games 6/15/2002
Shasta Highlands Celtic Faire 4/28-29/2002
Duncan and Angus - Battle Pageant
Angus Charging!
Duncan and Angus squaring off!
Duncan and Diarmid
Targe Blocking
Angus Attacking
Phread's Day Care
Aargh!
Wump!
Woosh!
Hah!
Ouch!
Broke another sword
Why isn't my sword up?
Bar-room brawl!
Take that!
Anyone want to buy us a beer?
Prepare to meet yer maker!
Hacking and slashing!
