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REVIEW: Stephens Broad and Small Sword Exercise -
11-03-2006, 01:11 PM
This is my review of the 1843 1st edition Broad and Small Sword Exercise
Relatively unknown in the western martial arts community, Broad and Small Sword Exercise by Thomas Stephens offers an in depth look at the theory of the military tactics in pre-Civil War America.
Stephens’ book was widely circulated among various military organizations such as West Point, but there are very few copies that exist today. It is interesting to see the list of recommendations following Stephens’ instruction, perhaps to encourage a wider distribution. The list of names praising the book would surely peak a commander’s interest just a few years prior to the onset of the Mexican-American war.
People like Colonel Alfred Pleasonton who would later become a Union Cavalry general said “I have no hesitation in saying that I deem him (Stephens) to be entirely competent to furnish such instruction in the use of the saber.” Others such as James Page, Captain of the state fencibles, and Pennsylvania Governor David Porter also offered their approval of Stephens’ system.
The book begins with instruction of the cavalry soldier on foot. It focuses on basic drill and ceremonies, very similar to what is taught in today’s military. Stephens gives very clear, precise directions to perform the various facing movements as well as positions for marching in single and double rank.
He leads into the sword exercise chapter which starts with the mounted saber. This section has 21 plates while mounted and as you read Stephens describes his system best by saying “The exercise of the Broad Sword consists of seven cuts, or directions of the edge; the same number of guards, or defensive positions; three points, or thrusts, given with the edge up and with two circular motions of the blade , termed parries; therefore, whatever may be the attack or defense, it can only be formed by having recourse to some of the above movements, or a combination of them.” His directions for performing his techniques along with the plates help even the newest practitioner grasp the basics with ease.
One thing that is quite impressive about this book is that it is written for both the student and the instructor. Stephens gives the reader various practice drills throughout the manual, both for the individual, and paired.
Much like the renaissance masters, Thomas Stephens realizes that balance is one major key to fighting and he even has an entire section devoted to balance practice and extension motions. It is all by the numbers and he tries to instill in his students that balance, speed, and flexibility are just as important as blade work.
The sword section for infantry deals with the small sword and after viewing the plates, the reader will see the techniques mirror that of fencing except that the legs are considered a viable target. As with the beginning of the book, he talks of drill and ceremonies, but for a more specific infantry audience.
Something rarely seen in other manuals, Stephens includes by the numbers drills for mounting the horse, properly fitting the stirrups and bits, directions for funeral ceremony and the use of the carbine and pistol while on horseback. Although no plates are included for these, he instructs the student so well that you can easily visualize what he means.
Perhaps one of the last manuals to deal with it, Broad and Small Sword Exercise also has a ten page section on the lance. Stephens emphasizes initial practice on foot for the recruit prior to attempting it on horseback which simply consists of carrying and shouldering of the lance. He goes into proper mounting and dismounting procedures, and as with his other sections, goes into a by the numbers drill for against a cavalry opponent and against an infantry opponent.
Thomas Stephens manual is a valuable resource for the western martial artist as well as the military historian. No other manual goes into as much detail on martial skill as Broad and Small Sword Exercise. He leaves no subject out and by the recommendation list, it is clear that many high ranking officers and officials of the time believed it to be superior to what was being taught at the time. As Robert M. Lee, Captain of the Volunteer Corps of Union Fencibles (killed less than twenty years later during the Civil War) puts it in his recommendation, “You will find our officers in the army and navy liberal, high-minded, honorable men, ready to embrace every useful improvement in the science of war, and never backward when their country calls to do their duty.
PICTURES TO COME SOON
It's time to grab the bull by the horns. If there are no horns, you're grabbing a cow! Stop it! -Steven Colbert
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