Hurstwic Viking Combat Training Volume 1: Fundamentals of Viking Training

A Proper Perspective, Professionally Presented
I am always skeptical about groups and/or individuals resurrecting extinct fighting methods from the distant past, whereby said souls are attempting to devise appropriate time period exercises for learning issues of mortal combat from that part era.

I am a firm believer of studying history deeply and objectively, toppled with serious scrutiny and critical inspection. We must learn from history so we really don't repeat the big mistakes in humanity. Dr. William Short achieves this very attitude, producing an extremely valuable instructional DVD. In addition, Dr. Short does this with a profound sense of genuine humility and accurate detail, always explaining how we must keep historical records in their proper place as we use them to guide us through discovering what was long ago.

I did not purchase this video from Amazon.com, but was given this as a gift. After reviewing the materials for the third time, I needed to write something to support the...

How it must have been...
I've reviewed many of the western martial arts (WMA) products over the years including the Jomsvikings and Regia out of Europe. No one comes close to the authenticity that the folks at Hurstwic and Dr. Short put into this first volume on Viking Combat.

While all the others do a reasonable job of portraying vikings in combat, the folks at Hurstwic take it to a whole new level. With Regia, Jomsviking, and the others, it seems more theatrical than real. Not so with Hurstwic; you can see the true combat techniques unfold here with realistic training drills, sparring, and a depth of technique that comes from devotion to the topic by Dr. Short, the staff of the Higgins Armory Museum and the Hurstwic folks.

Highly recommended; also, see Dr. Short and Hurstwic's videos on fighting (7 short films) taken directly from the sagas on youtube. Truly well done; you wont want to miss out on this video or the upcoming releases they have planned.

I've seen no better...

Excellent instructional video!
This is an excellent training video for Western martial artists. Dr. Short goes into Viking history and myth, correcting many modern misperceptions of the Vikings. The chapters are detailed, drills are explained, safety precautions are noted, and techniques are shown from different angles. The lessons can be applied to many other forms of sword and shield work where there are no codices to illustrate proper technique. Highly recommended!

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