Axes and Shields - A HEMA Sparring match - Wes and Steve
1Brilliant sparring session with Steve.
Always are!
The round shield versus the Heater shield is really interesting. Both have their own slight advantages and disadvantages.
Heaters seem to tax your body less while using. The Round Shields get very heavy after a minute or two, and you can burn out your stamina so easily.
Whereas the heater is supported much more effectively so most of the weight is negligible.
Downside of the heater, is you have less flexibility with your movement, for example at 1:57 you'll see me perform a turnover with the round shield, bringing it to my opposite side, this is simply something you can't do with a heater. The heater is well and truly strapped to your arm.
Round shields also offer a much coverage, and their size allows them to be punched with from a safer distance also.
I do envy the nimbleness of the Heater and the fact that there is zero chance Steve is going to ever lose his grip on the thing.
Maybe on day I'll get myself a heater, but for now, I'm all about the round!
Music: Viking Intro by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License