OUR BROADSWORD/SABER CLASSES
Fridays at 6:30PM-7:30PM
Have you ever wondered what it was like to fight like Scottish highlanders? The Scottish broadsword is one of many 18th and 19th century swords including spadroons, sabers, and great swords used by Scottish warriors across the ages. It evolved out of many models of British basket-hilted swords of all shapes and sizes. They are characterized as straight, single or double-edged blades that are protected by a symmetrical, pierced metal basket. Though less common, curved blades did exist gaining popularity in the mid to late 18th century. They had thick, stiff blades with a great amount of distal taper lending themselves to deadly blows.
The typical blade length can range from 30-38 inches in length. This deadly martial art was written down and preserved through the ages by great masters like McBane, Roworth, Mathewson, Taylor, Sinclair, Silver, Sorlie, Page, Angelo, and Ferdinand.
The British saber shares a lot of techniques with the highland broadsword, even though sabers typically have a move curved blade. Because manuals on the broadsword apply to many swords such as a spadroon, stick, and saber, the techniques we teach can be used for multiple weapons.
We have found that our combination of referencing historical sources and organically working through concepts through drills and sparring results in people understanding the art of the sword most effectively! Feel free to reach out about our classes at any time if you have questions! Visit our GEAR GUIDE page to see what equipment you need to get started!
GALLERY
SCOTTISH BROADSWORD AND SABRE
The basket-hilted sword emerged in the 16th century and gained prominence in the 17th century, continuing its widespread use throughout the 18th century. This sword became particularly associated with heavy cavalry units, with its design providing both protection and versatility. It remained a key weapon of choice until the Napoleonic era, adapting over time to meet the needs of evolving military tactics. While other weapons rose in prominence, the basket-hilted sword maintained a significant role in European and military culture, especially in specialized units.
In the 18th century, dueling became a fashionable activity across Europe, and the focus shifted to the lighter small sword. At the same time, broadsword fencing grew to be seen as an area of expertise linked primarily to Scotland. Several fencing manuals were published during this time, which focused on techniques for the Scottish broadsword. These texts became an important resource for both practitioners and enthusiasts, preserving the unique fighting style that was integral to Scottish martial tradition.
The Scottish basket-hilted broadsword, or claidheamh mor (meaning "great sword" in Gaelic), was a weapon commonly carried by the Scottish clansmen during the Jacobite uprisings of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Its use extended beyond the battlefield, symbolizing the fierce warrior spirit of the Scottish Highlands. As the years passed, the basket-hilted broadsword evolved into backswords with smaller "half" or "three-quarter" baskets, which continued to be used by cavalry through the Napoleonic era. The Scottish broadsword's influence even reached into the 20th century, with Major Jack Churchill famously wielding it during World War II.
THE SABER - A PROVEN MILITARY SWORD
The saber, a single-edged sword with a curved blade, has a long history that dates back to the 16th century, originating in the Middle East. From its beginnings, the saber spread throughout Europe and Asia, eventually becoming a central weapon in military history. Known for its swift and precise slashing ability, it became the favored weapon of mounted soldiers, particularly cavalry units, who could deliver powerful strikes while riding. Over time, the saber's versatility allowed it to be adopted by foot soldiers as well, cementing its place as one of the most effective and widespread military weapons.
MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEMS WERE BUILT AROUND IT
In the Highlands, where many clans passed down the art of the broadsword through generations, this weapon became a staple in combat, especially during North American conflicts. The broadsword's formidable reputation spread far and wide, and it was used to devastating effect. In the United States, the first recorded sword school was opened by Scottish soldier Donald McAlpine at the Old West Church. In 1790, an anonymous Highland Officer, later identified as Captain G. Sinclair, published Anti-Pugilism, or the Science of Defence, which detailed the broadsword and singlestick techniques he had learned during his time with the Black Watch. This manual marked the beginning of a series of influential texts on the Highland broadsword, most notably used by soldiers in British regiments.
In 1791, Archibald MacGregor, a fencing instructor, published A Lecture on the Art of Defence, which covered various weapons, including the broadsword. Later, in 1799, Henry Angelo, the son of renowned smallsword fencer Domenico Angelo, produced a poster titled The Guards and Lessons of the Highland Broadsword, illustrating eight defensive positions. This was followed by his Hungarian and Highland Broadsword manual, which aimed to instruct English cavalrymen who had adopted the Highland broadsword for their own training. These texts played a critical role in spreading the martial traditions of the Scottish broadsword throughout Europe and beyond.
