Hello swordsmen!

[Toby Lunn]

Hi guys

I love this sport so much

I am keen to get into HEMA as a sport, not just a pastime, I have just started longsword and backsword (a few months of training) but have 20 years competition in wrestling/judo/boxing etc

I train with Paul Wagner in Australia (http://sydney.stoccata.org/) and I am very keen to develop my skills in competition

Is there any advice for guys starting out for competition? I practice alot but sparring partners are very hard to come by....I am contemplating a trip to Sweden next year as I believe to get good you need super high level guys pushing you at all times

I have watched ALOT of youtube vids of sparring, Axel Pettersons seminars and feel I can learn something from it but I crave top flight competition!!

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated, I hope to see some of you at swordfish one day and we can hit each other 

[Robin Hedlund]

Hi
Sparring under the Swordfish ruleset will help you to some extent.
Part from that just keep up the training and work hard.
See you out there.
Robin

[Toby Lunn]

thanks mate i will! The swordfish rules seem to not focus on hitting the hands and arms as much as the normal rules I spar under

I was wondering where I can get the "feder" swords you guys use to compete? In Australia its all either shinai sparring or the heavier steel that is not really suitable for sparring

thanks again

[Robin Hedlund]

Amongst others, http://ensifer.carbonmade.com/projects/96362#1