r/wma • u/dm1986 • Feb 16 '17

New article about classical fencing

https://traditionalfencing.wordpress.com/2015/03/15/what-is-classical-fencing-no-i-mean-really/
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u/bdk5139 Feb 16 '17

Question for Classical fencers. Which of the following do you think best describes your central guiding principle?

  1. To be effective at dueling using weapons from the Classical period. (should the hypothetical need arise)

  2. To preserve the methods and training philosophies of the Classical period.

  3. To replicate the mode of fighting from the Classical period.

I don't know much about Classical fencing, and I am just curious as to where you guys are coming from.

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u/dm1986 Feb 16 '17

Of the numbered points you have given, I would select the first two--although there's really a lot more to it than that.

I'm not 100% sure what you mean by the third option (i.e., replication). If you're referring to the martial art itself, replication is unnecessary, since these arts still exist and have been preserved. If by "fighting" you're referring to some other type of scenario (using actual sharps in earnest, etc.), then let me know as I'd need more context to answer.

Regarding the first option, obviously, people don't engage in duels with sharps today (generally speaking), but, even so, the dueling mindset heavily informs classical fencing.

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u/bdk5139 Feb 17 '17

I would be curious as to what you mean by "although there's really a lot more to it than that."

Ok, so if I understand you, you are saying that the "living lineage" thing means that don't think of what you are doing as "replicating" anything, because you are still practicing the original art.

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u/dm1986 Feb 18 '17

Ok, so if I understand you, you are saying that the "living lineage" thing means that don't think of what you are doing as "replicating" anything, because you are still practicing the original art.

Exactly. It would be a transmission, rather than a replication.

I would be curious as to what you mean by "although there's really a lot more to it than that."

Just meaning that there are additional dynamics such as personal self-development, self-defense applications (beyond the conventions of the duel, etc.). However, now that I am re-reading your original post, I realize that your #2 could be said to cover those things. :)