Art of The Sword - ''The Grip''

By Crusader1307

Without a doubt the main starting point for Swordsmanship was to properly hold or “Grip” a Sword. The Family of Great Swords all featured the same basic component of The Long Handle. Traditionally 6 to 8-inches long, they were covered with leather striping, to provide for a firm Grip (greatly needed for sweat and the repeated vibrations afford by blows). Various techniques developed to provide both basic Hand Holds to holding techniques used to enhance various stances, blows and counters. A Basic Grip for many stances involved the placement of the Right Hand firmly under the Bar Hilt. A space is created of roughly 3-inches. From this point, the second Hand is wrapped around the Handle – to include covering The Pommel in most cases.

This also served to provide maximum control of the blade in Guard and during the application of various Strikes. Additionally, the Upper Right Hand “aims” the blade – with the Lower Right Hand providing “power” or Stroke control. Another common hold was The Thumb Grip. Still using the above Hand Placements, the Swordsman simply places his thumb firmly against the Lower blade end (were it meets the top of the Handle, or The “Ricasso”). Simply turning or pressure applied by the thumb – can turn the blade slightly into other positions of attack, guard or related protection.