Is the singlestick you describe different to the naval singlestick taught until the early 20th century to develop cutlass skills?
Just spent the day in the royal armories library reading about European single stick and I totally agree with bear. Will post details later in the day when I'm free (not eating fish and chips)
Is single stick the thing they did where you had to draw an inch of blood and hold a hanky looped under your crotch?
There are various rule sets. It was a very popular sport at country fairs right across Europe. So you find a wide range of rules. The Bear.
So does anyone know of specific styles? Most of everything I've come across does seem to mimic the basket-hilted sword, as Bear said, and seems to be more sport/entertainment. Does anyone know of any other singlestick styles that may be more useful for SD or a little more practical?
im interested in something with weapons mr. bear! HEMA or otherwise but im only free during the day of weekends. im in Stirling!
The nearest clubs to you are: Dawn Duellists - Edinburgh Black Boar - Edinburgh MacDonald Academy - Edinburgh Academy of Historic Arts - Glasgow Don't know what time they run classes. and Glasgow Company of Duellists - My group. (we're on Sundays 2-4) The Bear.
Ah, I was slightly confused by the OP's statement "singlestick fighting, which is apparently very similar to fencing". My understanding was that single stick referred to practice for fencing itself, rather than a sport that was 'similar to fencing'. I can see that single stick as practised at country fairs etc. would be to actual sword use what kendo is to kenjutsu hence, as you say, probably not the most practical thing for self-defence. Perhaps it would be worth looking at le canne? It was originally designed for self-defence rather than sport and is I think partly based on European sword systems. So that might go some way to a) being practical and b) based on sword work. Mike
"Le Canne is hard to come by" ... unless you marry a french lady like I have. Then it is really just a case of being yourself and waiting paul
From what I have seen of Le Canne (I caught a little in Italy), it has become very sportified and not very useful for self defence. if you can find some of the older versions then it will be taught differently.
I've never experienced it at first hand, but from what little I've seen on tv/video/youtube I'd have to agree. I mention it primarily because the OP expressed interest in sword inspired systems. I'd echo Hannibal's comment that Escrima is probably a better starting point, both in terms of practicality and availability. Mike