Iaido vs. Medieval Fencing

**Azure Chrysanthemum** · 09-09-2005, 10:11 PM

This is an argument a friend and I are constantly having, so I thought I'd put it to a poll. Which fighting style would win in a duel between two people of equal levels? Iaido, the Samurai style (from which Kendo is derived), or the medieval fencing style from which modern fencing is derived? Remember, neither Kendo nor modern fencing are as brutal and efficient as the original combat styles, so don't use those for a complete basis.

I will refrain from stating my opinion until later.

**Madonna** · 09-09-2005, 10:14 PM

What're you fencing with? What quality are the weapons? Would the opponents be equipped with only one weapon? As in, does all the samurai have is one katana (and which one of his set) and does the fencer have a dagger or something to parry with?

It's kind of vague so far.

**rubah** · 09-09-2005, 10:43 PM

I'll go with fencing, as my preacher fences :O

**Azure Chrysanthemum** · 09-09-2005, 10:56 PM

Since it's basically supposed to be even setting, if the fencer has a dagger or other secondary weapon then the samurai has the wakizashi, as it is part of a set. Weapons would be of basically equal quality, as far as the respective blade qualities are concerned. A katana of good quality against a rapier of good quality, as is dictated by the overall quality of the sword.

So we'll say samurai with katana and wakizashi (full daisho) against a fencer with a rapier and a dirk to parry with. Neither are armored.

**Aphelion** · 09-09-2005, 11:17 PM

Iaido, I guess. I think it's cooler, at least.

**Dreddz** · 09-09-2005, 11:19 PM

My vote goes to Fencing.....

**Shoeberto** · 09-09-2005, 11:22 PM

Iado, or at least general samurai combat arts, always seemed a lot more graceful and smooth than European sword combat techniques. My vote goes towards Iado.

**Quina** · 09-10-2005, 05:23 AM

I've never been to Idaho so I'll pick fencing.

**Masamune·1600** · 09-10-2005, 05:28 AM

Iaido, I would say.

**Madonna** · 09-10-2005, 06:13 AM

I have a fear that the katana may break the blade of the rapier. I'd love to go against my anime-fan instincts, but it seems to be leaning that way.

**Azure Chrysanthemum** · 09-10-2005, 06:50 AM

Aside from the fact that a katana would probably be able to break the rapier, I also think that the iaijutsu would be a massive advantage against the fencing style. Assuming that the fencer knew about the iaijutsu, however, I still think the attack would be extremely effective, given the ease it can be changed to a two-step attack. While thrusts are indeed quite fast, I don't think they quite compare to the iaijutsu attack.