Traditional Scottish Fighting Arts Seminar

**Monkey@Arms** · 10th July 07, 01:53 PM

I was on Sword Forum International, and came across this seminar in Scotland. I've met the teacher, he is very well respected sword instructor with a school in Edinburgh. [Note: WMA= Western Martial Arts]

Highland Challenge 2007 - WMA Intensive - 07-03-2007, 01:28 PM

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Dear All,

I am happy to herald a new WMA event, the first ever Highland Challenge.

Where? - The glorious West Highlands of Scotland, with base camp in the remote village of Glenuig, Moidart, steeped in legendary Jacobite history and stunning scenery. See http://www.glenuig.org.uk/ for details.

When? - For an entire week, from Sunday 21st - Saturday 27th October 2007, dates inclusive.

What is Involved? - Seven days of serious personal challenges and martial training, pushing participants to the limit both physically and mentally amongst some of the wildest and most beautiful land that Nature has to offer.

In terms of training, weapons covered shall include the traditional Highland tools of dirk, backsword and quarterstaff. All training weapons shall be provided.

Accomodation and most meals shall be at the Glenuig Inn. Minibus transport shall be provided throughout the week for travel to outstanding selected training sites in the Moidart area.

This shall be a unique and unforgettable event. Numbers are strictly limited, so if you are up for the challenge, please do book early to reserve your place.

Contact macdonaldacademy@aol.com for further details including inclusive costs, further training and transport details.

Yours Very Truly,

Mo. Paul Macdonald,
Macdonald Academy of Arms
www.historicalfencing.org/Macdonaldacademy

On a related note here is a very detailed article by Dale Seago on The Weapons & Fighting Methods of Highland Scots from the aformentioned forum

Best regards,

Jake

**Archangel** · 10th July 07, 04:05 PM

what is a "backsword", mentioned in the article?

**Monkey@Arms** · 10th July 07, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by Archangel

what is a "backsword", mentioned in the article?

A basket-hilted broadsword, sometimes called a claymore:

Best regards,

Jake

**Archangel** · 10th July 07, 04:18 PM

thank you.

**davidlpope** · 10th July 07, 05:22 PM

Actually, a backsword is a sword with only one sharpened edge. A broadsword, as it relates to a Scottish "basket hilted broadsword," has two sharpened edges.

Cordially,
David

**Monkey@Arms** · 10th July 07, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Actually, a backsword is a sword with only one sharpened edge. A broadsword, as it relates to a Scottish "basket hilted broadsword," has two sharpened edges.

Cordially,
David

What he said. I knew it had something to do with single or double edges, but just too lazy to look it up. Thanks, David.

Best regards,

Jake

**Quaich Maker** · 16th July 07, 11:28 PM

'' A basket-hilted broadsword, sometimes called a claymore ''

Sometimes erroronously called a claymore . A claymore , Claidheamh Mòr ,
is a Great Sword , a two hander , comes up to your chin.
Staff fighting would be great entry training for claymore .
In this country a taiaha is the local equivalent , and martial arts camps are run throughout the land for this .

If you get the chance to go to sword camp , GO
cheers ,
QM