27. Longsword Techniques Were an Advanced Martial Art
Longsword fighting featured a variety of moves, ranging from straightforward swordplay with stabbing, hacking, and slicing, to complex martial art maneuvers that entailed wrestling, grappling, and disarmament techniques. In the hands of wielders with armored gloves protecting their hands, the longsword could also be employed in a manner known as “half-swording“. That entailed a user keeping one hand on the hilt, and the other on the blade to deliver well-controlled and powerful jabs and thrusts.
Longswords, especially those with a diamond cross-section, could penetrate plate armor with a well-applied half-sword thrust. Lethal usage was not restricted to the longsword’s blade. Techniques were taught for using the pronounced crossguard to trip a foe or knock him off balance, to jab into the opponent’s face. Swinging the sword by the blade like a hammer, the crossguard could be used to pierce the enemy’s helmet and skull. The pommel could also be used after a swing in a quick reverse jab to the opponent’s head or body, or more straightforwardly applied with brute force to pummel and smash in his helmet and head.