01-18-2007, 05:00 AM
I have no problem with the target and angle of attack - as mentioned it is one used by gladiators ( http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/enc ... achus.html ). I agree the pommel looks like that of a sword. However, looking at the mosaic of the gladiators, they are clearly holding the sword in the usual way, and have turned their thumbs downwards to attack (each has his elbow pointing upwards).
Are there other clear images of a sword held thumb on pommel?
If the attack is with sword held with thumb on/beside the pommel, when did the attacker reverse his grip? Either he started the fight that way, in which case I would hope there was other evidence of this novel fighting technique (I have seen it shown once in medieval combat, when a man was about to throw his sword).
Or he switched his grip during the fight. Now, while that may not be so difficult to do, if you are doing it in close combat you are taking time to perform a move which neither protects you nor threatens the opponent. Generally, I have the impression that if you are in touching range (with your hand, not the outstretched tip of a sword) of an enemy in combat, it is not a good thing to waste time doing anything which doesn't directly threaten him, or guard you. (George Silver wrote about this in discussing the Time of the Hand, and conventional wisdom among martial artists regarding knife fighting is similar: "the winner is the guy who makes it to the hospital" - it is very quick and very easy to hit and get hit). So, why spend time switching the grip before striking?
For those who have sparred with a sword in a reverse grip: aside from novelty/surprise value, what advantage does it give in combat?
Are there other clear images of a sword held thumb on pommel?
If the attack is with sword held with thumb on/beside the pommel, when did the attacker reverse his grip? Either he started the fight that way, in which case I would hope there was other evidence of this novel fighting technique (I have seen it shown once in medieval combat, when a man was about to throw his sword).
Or he switched his grip during the fight. Now, while that may not be so difficult to do, if you are doing it in close combat you are taking time to perform a move which neither protects you nor threatens the opponent. Generally, I have the impression that if you are in touching range (with your hand, not the outstretched tip of a sword) of an enemy in combat, it is not a good thing to waste time doing anything which doesn't directly threaten him, or guard you. (George Silver wrote about this in discussing the Time of the Hand, and conventional wisdom among martial artists regarding knife fighting is similar: "the winner is the guy who makes it to the hospital" - it is very quick and very easy to hit and get hit). So, why spend time switching the grip before striking?
For those who have sparred with a sword in a reverse grip: aside from novelty/surprise value, what advantage does it give in combat?
Felix Wang
