|
| About Sword Fight |
|
 |
 Sword Fight is a concept inspired
by a serious passion for martial arts training,
specifically training in the art of the sword. My
passion lies primarily in weapons (katana) training
through natural and spontaneous combat (free sparring)
with artistic evolution as the focus; while maintaining
the highest level of both realism and safety as
possible. Being first and foremost a student and an
enthusiast of martial arts, I felt the need to create a
means to train in martial arts through artistic and
technique-focused sparring, while at the same time
experiencing the excitement of watching other martial
artists do so as well. In addition, I wanted to expose
others to the benefits of training and the excitement of
watching various sword art forms and traditions come
together through safe and realistic combat. The goal is
to use the combat as a medium to express oneself through
the art, as oppose to engaging in combat with the intent
to violently dominate every opponent.
Several years ago while I was studying Eastern Philosophy, I became very intrigued by Japanese Culture, and that of the Samurai; especially in regards to the way of the sword. As I began to incorporate spiritual beliefs into my daily life, I started searching for a method of self-expression that contained elements of my spiritual and philosophical thinking. Martial arts appeared to be ideal. Therefore, I started training in Aikido and experienced Aikido related sword training, but after a while, I felt a deep feeling of dissatisfaction due to the amount of restrictions and limitations. I felt like I couldn't freely express myself. As I grew more interested in sword art training, I sought after a school offering instruction in Kenjutsu. During that search I found Swordplay Alliance. I spoke with the founder and head instructor Eddie Floyd by phone, attended the next class, and have been happily training with him ever since. |
 At Swordplay Alliance I
trained in realistic sword fighting with realistic
weapons. I trained with the rapier, rapier & dagger,
small sword, long sword, and katana. I learned
simplified fundamental concepts regarding economy of
motion, tactics, strategy, sword technique, etc. I
learned how to sword fight and execute techniques that
work. I found the realistic combative aspects of martial
arts training to be self-fulfilling. The training became
increasingly more about creation and expression- art
through combat. I couldn't get enough, so I began
supplementing the sword training with knife, stick, and
empty hand training. With Swordplay Alliance, I have
been undefeated in school tournaments, and have also begun teaching katana techniques. I am forever thankful for
Swordplay Alliance and to Eddie Floyd for the innovative
creation of the katana sparring
sword. |
|
|
|
| The Katana Sparring Sword |
|
 Eddie Floyd of Swordplay Alliance
has created a magnificent alternative to the katana
sparring/training weapons currently available. It is
made of Kydex, slightly flexes during impact, and is
designed to allow safer sparring while performing
realistic sword techniques. This is due to it possessing
the physical features of a katana, which are integral in
relation to the method in which a katana is used, (i.e.
the oval handle and curved blade). Albeit, the katana
sparring sword is somewhat lighter in weight than a
steel katana; it is heavy enough to perform realistic
sword techniques. If desired, each individual sword can
easily be weighted to one's satisfaction. The sword
weighs approximately 1 1/2 lbs.
Mr. Floyd holds the patent for this unique design and
currently hand-crafts sparring katanas and wakizashis.
He is in the process of securing a manufacturer for mass
production. If you are a retailer and are interested in
adding this sword to your catalog, contact Sword Fight or Samara Floyd. The katana sparring sword is ideal for
realistic sparring. Schools and/or instructors, can
purchase a pair at a special Instructor Discount, try
them out, and see for your self how unique they are for
sparring and general sword training.  Discounts for bulk orders
are also available.
Purchase a Katana Sparring Sword online by contacting
Sword Fight or Samara Floyd. To see more of Eddie
Floyd's custom-made and replica weapons made for both
practice and display, visit SwordplayAlliance.com. |
|
|
|
| Sword Fight Competition (SFC) |
|
 SFC is a unique, all-inclusive
competition for martial artists and martial arts schools
alike to exhibit skill, learn through experience, test
themselves through competition, and enjoy watching
others do the same. Practically every aspect of the
competition is unique. All martial artists regardless of
style/system, skill level, gender, etc., are welcome to
participate.
There are no particular "rules,"
however there will be a code of conduct which all
participants must comply with. It will be enforced to
serve a purpose of promoting safety, realism, and
respect for one another. All participants will be
encouraged to be unique in representing themselves
and/or their school/organization in their respective
fighting system and appearance. The only required
commonalities are compliance with the code of conduct of
SFC, use of the new katana and wakizashi sparring
swords, and wearing of approved protective gear (of
their choice in color, styles, etc.).
Competitions will include group and individual
matches. Most matches will be determined by randomly
selecting participants to face one another. Participants
will also have the ability to propose challenges, (i.e.
ask to fight anyone they desire) once accepted they will
face one another. Multiple match categories will be a
part of every competition, making the competitions more
diverse and challenging. Match categories could include:
one-on-one sword vs. sword (no body-to-body contact or
touching of the opponent's sword), sword vs. sword (with
some body-to-body contact, (i.e. strikes with hands and
feet, and the ability to touch the opponent's sword),
double-sword vs. single or double-sword (participant's
option), and sword vs. sword with multiple attackers.
The scoring system involves no judges; martial
artists will self-score matches with honesty,
self-awareness, and honor. A mediator will be present to
ensure safety and resolve any disputes in the event that
they occur. The martial artist that performed best will
generally be obvious to the other opponent and any
spectators. The martial artist that feels the other has
performed better will honorably acknowledge the other as
such, at the conclusion of the match. Factors to be
considered when determining which martial artist
displayed the better performance will include: level of
difficulty and creativity of successful strikes, the
proficiency displayed in performing techniques, the
cleverness and effectiveness of the tactics and strategy
used, and frequency of successful realistic strikes. In
respect to scoring, cutting techniques with the edge of
the sword or a thrust successfully contacting an open target must be
performed to be acknowledged. All successful
cuts/strikes must be acknowledged at the point when the
single or combination of cuts/strikes is completed (by
the receiver of the strike). This can be done briefly by
the martial artist simply touching the body part that
was struck or nodding to the opponent. There are no
target restrictions. All the potentially dangerous areas
of the body will be protected.
Due to the spirit
of these competitions, and the primary purpose to learn
and evolve as a martial artist and a person, no prizes
or trophies will be awarded. However, a certificate will
be sent to the one person remaining at the conclusion of matches in each category. They will also receive formal
acknowledgement among the other competing martial
artists and spectators.
The Sword Fight
Competitions are set to begin very soon. To learn more
about how to be involved, contact
us. |
|
| Links |
| Training |
|
|
|
|
| Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
