"Christian" fighting style

For those of us who wish to talk about the many styles and facets of recreating Medieval armed combat.
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Christian de Westborn
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"Christian" fighting style

Post by Christian de Westborn »

Someone mentioned this fighting style over on one of the Weapons board threads and it reminded me of the one time I faced it. I forgot all about the greatsword being a weapon that my opponent was able to stab me in the neck with it.
Does anyone have a point of origin (when/where) for this broadsword/greatsword combo? Any good reference material?

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Fearghus Macildubh
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Post by Fearghus Macildubh »

I'd have to say that there is little historical precedent for this style. I think that it is really just a way to avoid using a madu, yet gain the benefits. I've seen fighter's do the same thing with a long handled axe(called pagan round here). Not that I'm against the style, I fight mainly madu and sword.
I have heard some talk about a spainish parrying weapon called the cross of christ or somesuch, which was basicly a longsword sized cross shaped piece of steel with all four ends being points. Using the power of the cross against the unbelievers.
You might find some SCA pages devoted to christian, madu, pagan two weapon style.
sorry I couldn't be more helpful.
Fearghus

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Minamoto
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Post by Minamoto »

I dont have evidence on me offhand, but it has always been my understanding that this style came about from the Landsknechts (my apologies for the butchered spelling) As they would start off with their great swords looping off spear heads then when ranks closed they would reverse the grip and use it as a blocking device and pull out their katsbalger (short sword translates as cat gutter, if i recall correctly) Again dont hold me to this in court but it has always been my understanding where the style came from.


Joe
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