First and foremost, if you actually do happen to find yourself in this situation, please, let us know how and why it happened.

That's a story that we cannot miss.

Before we begin, however, we'd be amiss to suggest that if you actually do find yourself in this scenario, run away if you can.

Sword fighting in real life isn't nearly as fun as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion makes it out to be.

Only, and if only, there is truly no way for you to escape, then, by all means, pick up your sword.

Without further ado...

How to Win a Sword Fight

Always keep your sword in the "ready" position--held out in front of you, with both hands, and perpendicular to the ground.

Like so:

With this stance, you can move the sword side to side and up and down easily, blocking and landing blows in all directions with simple movements of the arms.

Furthermore, hold the tip of the sword at a bit of an angle, with the tip pointed slightly toward your opponent.

As an illustration, picture a doorway--you should be able to move your sword in any direction and quickly hit any edge of the doorframe.

How to Deflect and Counter a Blow

1. Step up into the blow, with your arms held against your body.

React quickly and against your instincts, which will tell you to move back and away.

By moving closer, you can cut off a blow's power.

Avoid extending your arms, which would make your own counterblow less powerful.

2. Push or "punch" at the blow instead of simply trying to absorb it with your own sword.

If a blow is aimed at your head, move your sword completely parallel to the ground and above your head.

Block with the center of your sword, not the end.

Always move out toward your opponent, even if you are on the defensive and not currently attacking.

How to Attack

1. Move the sword in steady, quick blows up and down and to the left and right.

Assuming you must disable your attacker, do not try to stab with your sword.

A stabbing motion will put you off balance and will leave your sword far out in front of you, making you vulnerable to a counterblow.

And perhaps leave you with one less arm.

2. Do not raise the sword up behind your head to try a huge, powerful blow--you will end up with a sword in your gut.

3. Hold your position, punch out to defend, and strike quickly.

4. Wait for your attacker to make a mistake to make your finishing move.

Stepping into a blow or deflecting it to the side will put him/her off balance.

Once your opponent is off-balance, you can take advantage of this moment of weakness by landing a disabling blow, remembering not to jab with your sword but to strike up and down or from side to side.

Pour Conclure

This is all easier said than done, of course.

The idea of swordplay may even espouse more anxiety in some than the thought of shooting guns, and with good reason.

Fighting up close and personal can be terrifying, and the thought of getting maimed or losing a limb isn't too comforting either.

The bottom line: run away.

And only, if you absolutely must, should you fight.

In fact, this goes for all scenarios where combat is a possibility.

Always avoid it if you can.

The information presented to you here today is from Joshua Piven's book, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook - an excellent on-the-go addition to any hiking pack or bug-out-bag.

However, something like the SAS Survival Handbook will be more practical for everyday use while outdoors.

Cheers,

-Alexander @ Survival Cat

P.S.

If you're gearing up for your next adventure, take a peek at our catalog and see if there is anything you'll need to accompany your travels.