Shield
The size and weight of shields can vary greatly. Lightly armored warriors who rely on speed and ambush tactics typically carry small or thin shields. Heavy troops, on the other hand, may be equipped with sturdy shields that provide extensive coverage for their bodies. Many shields have straps that allow them to be slung over the user's back when not in use or while on horseback. These shields not only protect the wielder but also offer protection to their comrades on the left side. Ancient shield designs often feature indentations or cutouts to accommodate the shaft of a spear, facilitating the formation of a tightly packed shield wall.
During the early European Middle Ages, round shields were common. They were made of lightweight, non-splitting wood like fir or poplar, often reinforced with leather and occasionally equipped with metal rims. They typically had a central metal shield boss for reinforcement.
As armor improved, knight's shields became smaller, eventually adopting the familiar heater shield shape. With the development of plate armor, shields became less common as the armor itself provided sufficient protection, reducing the need for a shield. Over time, some heavily armored knights completely abandoned shields in favor of mobility and the use of two-handed weapons.
Buckler
Buckler typically has a diameter ranging from 20 to 40 centimeters. The basic design of a Buckler consists of a circular disk with a raised, hemispherical boss in the center. It is usually made of metal and features a handle on the inner side. The buckler was one of the few types of shields that were primarily made of metal. Due to its small size and light weight, the buckler could be easily carried by hanging it from a belt.
However, it is important to note that Buckler can still come in various shapes, including spike-shaped variations. While the buckler provided limited protection against projectiles, its main purpose was for hand-to-hand combat, serving both as a defensive tool and an offensive weapon. The use of the buckler dates back to the Middle Ages and remained prevalent well into the 16th century.
Italian Bolognese system
Bolognese Swordsmanship, also known as the Dardi school, is a tradition within the Italian school of swordsmanship that is based on fencing treatises published by several 16th-century fencing masters from Bologna.
The surviving manuals of the Bolognese masters exhibit a greater consistency in style, terminology, and teaching methods compared to fencing masters from other regions of Italy, justifying their classification as a distinct school. The Dardi school primarily focuses on the use of the single-handed "spada da lato" (sidesword). The sidesword is often paired with various defensive weapons, including different types of shields such as the "brocchiero," "rotella," or "targa."
The Bolognese Sidesword and Shield system is included in our Technique Courses.
German Sword and Buckler system
The earliest source of knowledge on sword and buckler fencing is the Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33. Created in the 13th to 14th century, it is one of the earliest known European combat manuals and one of the oldest martial arts manuals in the world. The author, known as "the Priest," instructs his students, clients, and a lady named Walpurgis. The manuscript provides detailed descriptions of unique techniques for unarmored combat with the sword and buckler.
In the 16th century, Paulus Hector Mair's manuscript also includes techniques for sword and buckler, which were influenced by Paulus Kal and referenced the I.33 manuscript.
Paulus Hector Mair (1517-1579) was a 16th-century German aristocrat, civil servant, and fencer. He was born into a wealthy and influential Augsburg patrician family. In his youth, Mair likely received training in swordsmanship and grappling from the masters of the Augsburg fencing guild and developed a strong interest in fencing treatises. Like his contemporary Joachim Meyer, Mair believed that the martial arts of the Middle Ages were being forgotten, considering it a tragedy. He saw fencing as a civilizing and character-building influence on men. Mair was particularly focused on preserving the integrity of historical teachings and created a manuscript that included techniques for up to 15 different weapons. However, Mair not only spent considerable sums of money on his fencing interests but also led a lavish lifestyle funded through embezzlement. His embezzlement went undiscovered for many years until he was reported in 1579, leading to his arrest, trial, and execution as a thief at the age of 62.
Among Mair's techniques for sword and buckler, he used a simple-hilted rapier in combination with the buckler. His approach mixed early German master techniques with characteristics of the contemporary side sword.
We will soon be launching the Paulus Hector Mair's Sword and Buckler course.
Coaches with expertise in Shield
Hugo Yip
Joyce Yau