Capt. "Mad Dog" Davies

Capt. William, You're most welcome. After all, if a pyrate serves no other purpose in life he should at least be an evil influence, no?

Ahoy all! For Jocko and others who were wondering about reputable sword instruction, I think it best to refer you to the links at Sword Forum On Line (www.swordforum.com). From the listings there you can match up your particular interests with the region you live in. The site itself carries a wealth of information about swords of all kinds, their history, manufacture, and use. The discussion forums are interesting in themselves, but tend to reflect a lot of opinions based on speculation rather than accurate information or real experience. All in all it's a fine website to have a look at, so give it a try.

Jocko, I'd say check out the websites of some of the reputable historical swordsmanship organizations like HACA, who require anyone representing them as a teacher to undergo thorough examination and accreditation. There are several of these organizations around the country, and they usually list contacts by region, so you can try to find someone close to where you live. Give me a chance and I'll be happy to make up a list of organizations I feel comortable referring you to and I'll post it here. Cordially, Capt Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

Fine words indeed, Capt. Flint, Being a sword "master" means having faced the ultimate challenge time and again and won. As I said in my last posting I doubt there's many alive today who can make that claim in truth. As for medieval groups, my comments were a generalization. If yours uses steel blades, then you know yourself it's a superior experience. You can guage an opponent's character through his blade when even his eyes won't give him away. I learned that through 28 years of Japanese swordsmanship. Now that's a regimen of training I'd recommend to anyone who really wants to learn the sword. The very word for it, "Iaido", means sword, body, and spirit working together in one harmonious unit. You see, the human body can only move in so many directions, in so many ways, and then it begins restricting itself. Over centuries, the Japanese sword masters (and these guys REALLY were) figured out the most efficient ways a person with a sword (or two) could effectively move and cut down an opponent or multiple opponents as quickly and economically as possible. And because it is so concise, there is no style or form of swordsmanship ever invented in the world that it cannot be applied to, and improved by that applicaton. I'm not saying every technique, but certainly the science of how the body and sword work together. I highly recommend it, but again must warn that here in the U.S. especially there are many who claim to teach it, and don't really know what they're doing. I suspect a lot of watching of videotaped episodes of "Highlander" and mimicking of moves shown in them. When I see these dubious techniques performed and ask the "teachers" what the technique is called, or what style they're from, they can't tell me. This seems to be a trend among storefront martial arts schools with dwindling enrollment as a gimick to build business back up, so beware. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

Ahoy all, To reply to each in order: Red Maria, you've a rare perception of the pyrate world. There's nothing so inspiring and worth fighting over as sex. Especially to a seadog who'd been shaking hands with 'imself and keeping 'is backside to the bulkhead for weeks on end. Contemporary accounts from Port Royal, Jamaica concur with your observation. Buccaneers probably saw more fighting there in a drunken week than they did in their whole careers at sea. Capt. Lassiter, Capt. William, You both seem like kindred spirits in the discipline of steel, and I'm glad you see my point. As for my comment regarding medieval groups, I didn't intend it as a poke, but rather an all too frequently reinforced observation. Each to his own I say, whatever brings one the fulfilment they need, so long as no harm is done. And so long as it doesn't include me indulging what I know to be someone's delusion about what swordsmanship is supposed to be. Let's face it, most likely none of us will ever know the experience of facing an opponent eye to eye, blade to blade, life and death in the balance. More's the pity, for with the passing of those days went a great opportunity for true self-appraisal. As for the here and now, I am safety's most ardent advocate, and do not now or ever endorse abandoning safety for the sake of authenticity. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

Aye Dorian, Both books you recommend are really informative, especially John Clements' book, which is far more instructional than the Elizabethan book. However they are both directed toward specific types of swords and the methodologies that are particular to their use. If the rapier or its' antecedants are your weapons of choice, then they are both worth reading. Just don't try applying too much of it to cutlass fighting, because it's different. And don't think that any book will teach you all you really need to know, because it can't stand and watch you move and correct your mistakes. Only an experienced and qualified teacher can do that. What qualifies a teacher is not only the time they've put into it, but a clear knowledge of how the sword and body work together as a unit. Someone saying they've been doing something for 10 or 20 years doesn't neccessarily mean they're qualified. They may well have been doing it wrong for that long, so be wary of such claims. I find this especially to be a trend among certain Medieval societies that consider whacking each other with pvc pipes to be swordsmanship. It's not and never will be. The Japanese sport of Kendo, played with bamboo shinai is derived from traditional swordsmanship, but is not the same thing. The Japanese, who brought true swordsmanship and sword making to the highest level, recognize the difference and so should we. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

Aye, Capt. William, but then fencers have been killed when their masks got penetrated by broken foils, too. I believe self control and concentration are the best protection. There's a time to be competitve and a time to just train. In a life devoted to training with swords, I've come across too many who skip the training part, or most of it anyway, and go right to swinging or thrusting, and you're right, it can be hazardous if you get in the way. I'm glad you weren't injured as seriously as you might have been, but at the same time I can't help but question your assailant's judgement. Skill is as much a mental discipline as it a physical one. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

Ahoy mates! In my earlier postings regarding cutlass fighting, I did not mean to suggest just grabbing cutlasses and having at it. So, before any cutlass-happy yahoo out there gets themself hauled off by the King's men for involuntary manslaughter, I now want to suggest that you can learn cutlass fighting, with a working cutlass, safely, and without encumbering armor (after all we're pirates, not knights). As I said in an earlier posting, there are mechanics involved. Learn and practice them, alone, and slowly, gradually building speed as muscle memory develops. To borrow a concept from Japanese martial arts, invent some plausable kata (fight scenarios, for those who don't know what kata are), and work them out. Start with simple one-on-one situations, and build up to multiple opponents. Number the individual actions involved and, count them off as you execute them (referring to the steps, not hapless onlookers). Eventually, partners can learn the separate parts and perform them together, safely, at the same time really getting to see how it all works. The key is to start slow, develop precision, and let speed happen as you gradually get to know your weapon and what your doing with it. Finally, I must again stress that each type of sword should be experienced within the context of its own design and intended function. The cutlass is not a fencing weapon, nor is fencing anything even remotely like cutlass fighting. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

Ahoy Shipmates! I've been seeing postings here that refer to cutlass "style", and I'd like to point out that there's a difference between "style" and "technique". Style implies some sort of organized body of specific proven methods. Cutlass fighting was more like a bar brawl, on wet rolling decks littered with debris and bodies. The technique involved meant learning how best to use the cutlass to one's advantage, usually in conjunction with punches, kicks, grappling, throws, and/or some sort of cudgle. The British Navy during the 19th C. implimented a set of training drills for the cutlass, but they were based on fencing techniques, and pretty ineffective by my estimation. One of the cutlass's greater attributes was it's psychological effect, especially in the hands of pirates, very like confronting a maniac wielding a machete or meat cleaver. It was very intimidating, and the cutlass didn't even have to be that sharp to deliver horrendous wounds, and everyone knew it. What really matters in any form of sword fighting is a correct synchronization of sword movement, body movement, footwork, and breathing. They are all interdependant, and disregarding any one of these elements cancels the others out, and ultimately the swordsman or woman as well. (For more on this I again refer to my article, NQG Sept. '02). Also, I'd like to point out that although the cutlass was the most efficient blade weapon for use at sea, and the one we most associate with pirates, it was not the only one, by far. Rapiers, small swords, and a variety of basket hilted swords would also be found, depending on period and personal preferences. I myself would (and do) own several types of swords that would have been carried in the later 17th C., the period Ye Pyrate Brotherhood re-enacts. My all-around favorite is a "mortuary" sword, a straight-bladed cavalry sword of the period. It's light, fast, tough, short enough for use at sea, and long enough to keep an opponant at a safe killing distance in a tavern fight. It's capable of delivering a cut or thrust with equal effectiveness and has a cage guard of iron knuckle bars to both protect the hand and land a solid punch. Very nice indeed. Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

A few words af advise about cutlass fighting: 1.)First, do some research about how it was done historically. 2.)Don't confuse it with other types of edged weapon combat, SCA fighting or sport fencing. 3.)Procure a cutlass and get to know it's weight, range , and limitations on your own before you think about crossing blades with a partner. 4.) Watch the opening beach fight in the new version of "The Count of Monte Cristo". It's the most accurate representation of cutlass handling I've seen yet. I think a perfect, and inexpensive practice cutlass are those wooden chinese broadswords you can buy for around $10 from martial arts stores or catalogs. They're the right size and shape. Sticks, foils, boffer weapons, or other substitutes will not give you an accurate sense of what cutlasses are really like to fight with. And replace all that armor you're talking about with a good pair of gloves, proper technique, and some common sense. Lastly, why not move this part of the "Plunder" discussion to the "Boarders Away!" postings. That's what its for. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

I agree with you all on most counts. But as far as pirates' willingness to fight, I don't think it was so cut-and-dried as some would make it out to be. Pirates came from many walks of life, and became pirates through a wide variety of circumstances. This in turn produced a wide variety of motivations, from desperation and survival, to greed, revenge, and outright psychosis. Historical contexts also need to be addressed. Buccaneering in the 17th C. saw action at sea as well as large scale amphibious operations (eg. the sacking of Panama). Spain was everyone's enemy and every pirate's target. Piracy in the Golden Age of the early 18th C. saw a rise in pirate flotillas, increased merchant traffic across the Atlantic, the expansion of the British Royal Navy, and many other factors that made it a very different time than that which the Buccaneers lived in. Pirates of this time were at war with the whole world, and the world with them. Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood

Any of ye swabs interested in discussing pirate fighting skills and weaponry; historic, reenacting, or theatrical? I meself be open to any related topic, be it swords, knives, pistols, muskets, cudgels, boarding actions, dueling, or land assaults (after all, they don't call me "Mad Dog" fer nuthin'!). "I've clinched and closed with many a foe, I've learned to defy and defend, Shoulder to shoulder we'll fight it out, But the strongest must win in the end." Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, LINY

Avast ye there Golden Shellback, A fine source of information regarding cutlass design and construction is Wm. Gilkerson's "Boarders Away: With Steel" (1991 Andrew Mowbray, Inc., R.I.). It's Vol. I of a 2 volume series covering all the weaponry you can imagine (and some you couldn't) that was used in maritime combat from the 15th -19th Centuries. As I mentioned in my previous message most of the repro cutlasses available are representative of later periods in maritime history, a tribute to the cutlass's efficiency in that it's basic design was in government production right into the 20th Century. Most of the original "cutlasses" used by Buccaneers and later pirates of the Golden Age were actually short hunting swords called "hangers", which appeared in a wide variety of configurations and degrees of embellishment. At any rate, I'd like to see what you come up with. Keep us weapon afficianados informed, and good luck to ye. Cordially, Captain Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, LINY

Ahoy Shipmates! For those of you contemplating the purchase (or otherwise) of a cutlass, especially with the intention of engaging in some sort of staged swordplay, may I direct you to my article on cutlasses and their useage in the September 2002 issue of "No Quarter Given". As I state in the article, proper technique will minimize the damage that results from contact with other blades. The main rule is to avoid edge to edge contact at all costs. Blocking, parrying, or deflections should always be done with the flat side of the blade. or occasionaly the back of the blade. If chips in the edge do appear, they should be reduced as much as possible with a good mill file, or they could propigate into cracks, which could eventually cause the blade to snap if struck hard. Well made cutlasses of the correct period design and strength are hard to find. Most are 19th century patterns, and few are adequately tempered enough to take any serious impact. I personally carry Museum Replica's 1700 Dutch cutlass with shell handguard, made in India by Windlass Steelcrafts. It's right on the money for a late 17th/early 18th C. cutlass, but the steel, though flexible, is soft and chips easily if care and technique are not properly employed. It was only offered in 1 or 2 of Museum Reps. catalogs so I'm not sure if they're still in production. Cordially, Capt. "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, LINY

Ahoy, Jocko, and welcome aboard, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood makes its base on Long Island. Not exactly New England, but close enough. If ye ever cross the Sound , seek us out and lift a tankard or two. Cordially, Capt. "Mad Dog" Davies

Ahoy Capt. Luigi! I'm glad you appreciate "my" quote, but it is in fact from the movie "The Buccaneer" (1958). It was spoken by Charles Boyer and in it's entirety goes..."The Code of Our Brotherhood is better than all the lies of nations. There is only one thing we can trust in life, and that is that it will end in death. Well, when it comes...spit it in it's eye!". I first saw that film when I was about 5 or 6 years old, and it had a profound effect on my life, much to my poor mother's regret. That particular quote also was one of the prime factors that led to the founding and naming of Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, and we have adopted it as our official motto. Buona Fortuna, fair winds and fat prizes to ye and yer crew. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, LINY

Favorite pirate flicks (in no particular order): The Black Pirate (groundbreaking) The Crimson Pirate (bewildering mix of periods, but lots of fun) Capt. Blood (awesome, due in large part to Raphael Sabatini's own book to screen adaptation) Cutthroat Island (probably my top favorite to date) The Black Swan (another great favorite) The Buccaneer (saw this in the movies as a toddler, and never forgot it) Hook (one of the best pirate crews ever) Master of Ballantrae (Frustrating. They found pirates in paradise, so why would they ever leave to go back to Scotland?) The Princess and the Pirate (w/ Bob Hope, and really hysterical) Treasure Island (Robt. Newton defines the pirate and gives "Ahrrrr" to the world. He even says "Ahrr-men" at the end of a prayer during a burial at sea. Brilliant) Blackbeard (see above) Blackbeard's Ghost (wonderful, especially the Buccaneer restaraunt/ hotel) Morgan the Pirate (rare Italian prod. w/ muscleman Steve Reeves. Compare him to Laird Crieger's authentic portrayal of Morgan in Black Swan) Pirates (Gotta love that Spanish Galleon) Yellowbeard (aka "Monty Python goes to Sea") Masterpiece Theater's "Frenchman's Creek" (careful attention to period detail and wonderful casting) Goonies (I only wish Spielberg would make a real pirate flick)

In my humble opinion, I think that collectively most all of the fight scenes in Richard Lester's "3 Musketeers" and "4 Musketeers" are among the best ever filmed, precisely because they are fights and not fencing. Comedic moments aside, they are thoroughly authentic in both the variety of techniques displayed, and the realistic way in which they were choreographed and executed. I especially like Oliver Reed's ferocity and commitment. I believe Bob Anderson was the fight director on those shows, (actually one long show cut into 2 seperate movies) and he really did a great job of making the principle actors all look as though they had learned to fight from different teachers and experiences. Historically speaking, the rapier as used by the Musketeers was not a particularly great choice for a maritime weapon. as opposed to the hanger, or cutlass. Now, for a really great cutlass fighting scene, from the newest version of the "Count of Monte Cristo", the Elba (St. Helena?) Island cutlass fight on the beach was right on the money. Unfortunately, in the climactic fight between the hero and his primary antagonist, smallswords are (mis-) used as though they were cutlasses. Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, LINY

Capt. Ian Davies is who I am, Mad Dog is what they call me, and I lead Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, berthed on Long Island, NY. We are LI's premier pyrate crew, commanding nautical festivals far and wide, with flashing steel and blazing guns. We take no prisoners, but make many friends. We love hard, drink hard, fight hard, sleep it off, and start all over again. We live perpetually in the late 17th C. world of Buccaneering and High Adventure on the Spanish Main, breaking occasionally to pay a 21st C. bill or two (Devil take 'em!). "The Code of Our Brotherhood is Better Than All the Lies of Nations!"

Ahoy! Capt. Davies of Ye Pyrate Brotherhood here. I don't know where abouts New England ye might be berthed, but there are several worthy crews in the region ye might approach, including our good shipmates the Free Men of the Sea, in Mass. Ye Pyrate Brotherhood hails from Long Island, which might be a bit far for ye to travel, but we're very active in a variety of events. My best advice would be to have a look at the regional crew listings at the NQG website. Good Luck and calm seas to ye. Cordially, Capt. Ian "Mad Dog" Davies, Ye Pyrate Brotherhood, LINY