Historical fencing in Scotland


There is some evidence on historical fencing as practiced in Scotland in the Early Modern Era, especially fencing with the Scottish basket-hilted broadsword during the 17th to 18th centuries.
Most of our current knowledge of these arts derives from various combative treatises or Martial arts manuals, as well as written anecdotes and artistic representations from different periods and locations in Scottish history.

Scottish fencing masters

The following is a list of fencing masters that were very influential in their day, and have contributed to our current knowledge of the martial practices of Scotland :
Scottish fencing manuals detailing the use of the basket-hilted Scottish broadsword
were published throughout the 18th century, with early and late examples dating to the late 17th and early 19th centuries, respectively:
The Highland Broadsword texts of the 1700s portray 7 cuts and numerous guards. The footwork is sword leg forward with the other leg behind, similar to modern fencing. Traversing footwork allows one to step off the center-line of attack, either to right or left. The following Guards are listed in these texts:
The Cuts are as follows:
Shifting the Leg: When an opponent cuts at the outside of your leg, it is prudent to step back, counter-attacking with either a cut at the head or at the wrist simultaneous to shifting the leg. This technique was taught by Angelo, Taylor and Roworth.

Famous Scottish duellists

In the 17th-18th century, there were a number of warriors and soldiers that developed a reputation as skilled duellists. In the highlands, they were known as Caterans, and were noted for cattle theft as well as black-mail, and often traveled to different villages challenging them to produce a fighter that can best them, or pay a fee. Some belonged to the Duine uasal of their Clan:
It has been suggested that certain Scottish Clans and families had specific training systems that were distinct from one another. For example, it is said that some members of Clan Macdonald were ambidextrous, and were thus able to fence with either left or right hand. The Kerr family is reputed to have predominantly left-handed swordsmen such as in poems by James Hogg however a study concluded that the family has no increased incidence of left-handedness.
The Black Watch appears to be the source of Highland Broadsword technique during the later part of the 18th century, as evidenced in Captain G. Sinclair's manual.