swords

Even against a gun, a sword can be advantageous in certain circumstances.

I am both a fencer and a historical sword fighter (rapier).  Modern fencing is pretty much a very different thing than rapier play.  The epee is shorter, lighter, and much faster.  More people probably fence with an epee though, giving you a variety of opponents.  It's hard to find someone who knows how to use a rapier.

Swords have been with us throughout our history.  The rapier kills through penetration.  You literally run your opponent through.  The opponent will, of course, use his (sometimes her) sword to deflect your attacks with a parry, and then a riposte.  Cutting blows are typically not killing blows.  Back in the day I am sure there were a lot of delayed deaths due to infections.

You have to personally be involved in the fight to kill someone with a sword.  It must be harder to do.  The opponent won't die very quickly either (as with a bullet from a distance).  You are also personally at risk of getting hit even by a dying opponent.  I took balls to face someone with a sword. A small mistake could easily lead to death.

Here are some observations for you to remember if you are ever in a sword fight.

Watch your opponent.  Do they move lightly and surely? Are they aware of distance?  Are they experienced?  Do they react to your feints?  Do they riposte?  They are teaching you how to defeat them.  Watch for their clues.


Distance is your friend.  By stepping back or shifting your position to the side, the opponents attack is thwarted.  Keep a safe distance until you are ready to try your attack.  And don't try your attack unless you are sure that you can achieve your target and also avoid being hit yourself.

Decide how you will attack.  It can only be one of three ways:
1) defensive:  Let your opponent attack you - give them an opening - then parry and riposte.  Or, counter attack into their attack (but don't get hit yourself!)
2) offensive:  You attack first, either with a beat, a feint, or a direct attack.
3) second intention.  You attack falsely, inviting a parry and riposte from your opponent.  But you are slightly out of distance giving you time to parry and riposte - and hopefully hit your target.

Above all, if you think you will be fighting regularly, you MUST stay in shape.  That means regular practices and physical training.  You have to be ready to fight at any time, often with little warning.