Whatever the 'chastity' of said woman, I think everyone can agree that such tactics is nothing short of champagne-comedy gold.

I however regret to inform you that all attempts to find the above description on Youtube ended with disappointed failure. But the dream lives on.

It sounds a lot like a choreagraphed fight designed to wow the Ren-Faire folk, one that needs a bit of practice to avoid injury.

Hi Guys

I have known Stephen for at least ten years if not longer. Can't quite remember how long ago it was. He is a very accomplished martial artist and instructor. He is well versed on many period fighting techniques and I would expect his book to be quite good. I have not had a chance to get a copy as yet. He is also a very good modern self defense instructor, often using period material that is applicable. There are several sources that discuss fighting in real world situations, like when one is a guard or escort, I am not sure of the use of the escortee is mentioned but it is certainly viable as an option. One needs to remember that the way they approached combat was with a mind set in their world view. This is different than ours or what we perceive theirs to have been.

The idea of a fair fight was different than we think of it, often the realization that personal combat was not going to be fair in any way is core to understanding how they approached it.

I would be quite happy to get Stephen's book and will be ordering it. I would also suggest taking his classes when you are able to. He often teaches at WMAW, ISMAC and events across the country and in Europe.

Best
Craig

I sincerely do hope the book proves a good one; I'm simply voicing my apprehensions based on the article, which I find personally unconvincing.

As to the "offhand wife" technique, there seems only one way to really settle the issue: By seeing it actually demonstrated effectively. Fortunately, I'm in a position to arrange this. As chair of the new (and I'm hoping permanent) "Fashion and Power" session at the Texas Medieval Association Conference this October at the University of Texas at Austin, I extend the offer to Mr.&Mrs. Fick, or any other capable couple, to demonstrate this technique in person in real time, before an impartial audience of medieval scholars.

This friendly invitation will be open-ended, so that anyone, at this conference or any subsequent one, will have the opportunity to prove the martial viability of swinging a lady at a surprise attacker. I hope one of you will take me up on this!

"As to the "offhand wife" technique, there seems only one way to really settle the issue: By seeing it actually demonstrated effectively.

Hello everyone,

This has carried over much more than I ever really thought it would. The 'offhand wife' thing was written as tongue and cheek. I enjoy throwing little things in when I'm doing a show. Please remember that the magazine is, as described, by the editor, as a 'life style' magazine and not a martial arts forum. The people that generally read this publication are re-enactors that are looking to put on a show.

For those on this list that have choreographed fights for plays and renaissance faires, you will remember that the reason for a fight it to forward the story. At faire, I play a soldier that is very aggressive.

Now, while I've played with this at faires, I would not suggest throwing your wife at an adversary. If you were to throw her, be prepared for the consequences. My wife and I play around at the faires and we've done this entertainment for the audience.

As for the "Fashion and Power" session, I'm always glad to travel to teach. When I go to events like this, I teach the concepts and principles that underline the martial application of techniques. As I like to tell my students, any monkey can swing a stick. I want people to understand why they are choosing the movement and technique that will forward their fight and keep them safe.

If you would like to see how I teach, take a look at Reclaiming the Blade. On the second dvd of special features I am teaching and provide a little lecture of what I make my students learn. My portion is in the middle and it is called 'Armoured and Unarmoured training'.

As for the sword on the front cover of the book, the art department of the publisher designed this art work. I don’t know where this sword came from, but I don’t believe that this is a ‘fantasy’ sword. While I didn’t provide this picture, I agree with them in their choice of design. This is an eye catching pic and will get the reader’s attention.

I have gone on a bit longer than I planned on, but everyone that has trained with me or knows me, knows that I like to have fun when I teach. Otherwise, what's the point if you're not enjoying your study? Let me reiterate that throwing your wife at an adversary is not a technique that I would recommend for a fight, nor is it anywhere in my book. However, it does provide good entertainment at renaissance faires.

I think the off-hand wife technique could work. but it all depends on who the Lady is. I can see my instructor and his wife being able to do this in a moments notice. Though, in this case the Lady is also a trained fencer (I believe taught by Mr. Fick) who is at times more dangerous than her husband. Especially when the attacker believes it's a 1v1 fight, the subtle introduction of the wife into the fight makes it a surprise 2v1. That in itself can be unnerving enough to cause enough hesitation in the attacker for an escape or to press the advantage. Not to mention the (hopefully successful) blow to the head.

I just love these techniques that noone would expect you to use in a fight. that's all :D

For all of you who are interested. Here is a copy of the cover of Steaphen's book. He is the real deal according to a group of ex-ARMA guys I know. I believe if I'm not mistaken that the picture is one of Christian Fletcher's swords.

Any tips for throwing your neighbor's wife or mother-in-law Steaphen?

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