Fundamentals: Footwork
From clumsy student to graceful master- everything you need to move like a swordsman.
Have you ever missed an opportunity to strike because your feet let you down?
Maybe your weight was in the wrong place, or on the wrong foot?
Have you ever experienced joint pain after or during training?
Have you looked at pictures in the sources and said to yourself- I could never do that, my knee would blow out?
Do you ever feel clumsy?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this course is for you. I will take you through a safe, sensible series of training routines which will cover:
Safely warming up
Developing the necessary range of motion
Developing the necessary strength
Understanding body mechanics, and applying them correctly
How to step, lunge, pass and turn
How to control measure
Solo exercises
Pair exercises
Specific separate modules for Longsword and Rapier footwork
Addressing common problems and solving them
I have designed the course so that you can do most of it alone, in a small space, with no special equipment, so you can practice anywhere, any time. You will just need a stick (about 70-120cm, 28- 45 inches or so; an umbrella would do) and a belt for some of the stretching exercises.
Some of the drills require a partner, but I have designed the program such that the partner does not need to be skilled (or even interested in swordsmanship), so you can get any friend to help you out. Of course you can also do most of the exercises with a sword in your hand, but it isn't necessary.
By the end of this course, you will be a better swordsman or swordswoman, moving more gracefully, effectively, and efficiently.
You will experience noticeable improvement in the first four weeks, or I'll gladly give you your money back.
I look forward to seeing you on the course!
Guy.
Your Instructor
I have been training martial arts for 30 years, and teaching swordsmanship professionally since I founded The School of European Swordsmanship in 2001. The School has branches and study groups all over the world, so I have taught thousands of students, from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures. My books include The Swordsman’s Companion, The Duellist’s Companion, The Medieval Dagger, The Medieval Longsword, The Theory and Practice of Historical Martial Arts, and The Swordsman's Quick Guide series of ebooks along with many others. It's my job to help you achieve your goals. I do this by teaching in person, through my books, and through these online courses.