The Highland Broadsword

Highland Broadsword is the study of a one-handed basket-hilted weapon that was traditionally double-edged, in common use in the 18th century around the British Isles. The core concepts were taught in a military setting that was represented most famously by the Highland Charge, used to supreme effectiveness by the Jacobites for a brief period of history against what should have been a far superior force.

Leading up to this time of military dominance, earlier history saw common use in what was essentially roaming gladiators putting on prize-fighter combat shows for towns and cities, that only occasionally resulted in fatalities for the contestants. One of the most famous of these was the widely regarded duelist and fencing master Donald McBain.

Contrast the broadsword with the rapier, and you find the martial tradition of military combat vs. that of a gentleman’s dueling weapon as a civilian.

If you desire a no-nonsense cut-and-thrust system with a heavier one-handed weapon, this might be the one for you!

The style of this martial art can also be used effectively with single-edged sabers or backswords, such as the heavy cavalry saber.

While the fundamentals of broadsword study rely on the use of the sword alone, the material and lessons may also be expanded to include off-hands such as alehouse dagger, parrying dagger, targe, or buckler.