Quote Originally Posted by Karoht View Post
Yes, there are techniques for fighting with a weapon at all ranges, but when dealing with (for example) a pole arm it is undeniable that at short range your options become signifigantly limited, as compaired to longer range. Some fighters prefer the side arm (designed for that range BTW) when such a situation occurs, VS working with a limited tool.
Sorry, I didn't mean to be insulting, just not always enough time to get the right nuance into a forum post. But generally speaking 'live steel' ren faire combat is a lot different from MA systems from the Fechtbuchs or other Eastern Martial Arts as I'm sure you know, due to the rules and safety concerns etc.

I sort of agree with your basic premise, it's definitely better to get "insde" a weapon like a polearm if you have a shorter weapon. I just think you have to keep in mind it's not always that simple.

At closer range with a longsword you use half-sword techniques, ringen am-schwert techniques (something like judo, using your sword to help you gain leverage on your opponent.) and other more complex

Some examples from the Renaissance Lichtenauer tradition, you are probably familiar with this Karoht but I'm posting for others in the thread:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6Pnw-9A8qQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIFIn6tAI3A

With polearms there are similar techniques, you go from a spear -like grip / stance (gripping at the end) to a half-staff (gripping in the middle) stance which can be quite effective at short range, again you can use the staff to trip bind or disarm, you attack with both ends, etc.

But the caveat is, and this is what I really meant, a common soldier might not know any of those techniques. A trained veteran probably would.

G.