This video illustrates our method for the tuagh catha or Highland battle ax. This fearsome weapon can hold off a swordsman or even a man with sword and shield, as the powerful figure-eights and sudden changes of direction make it easy for the axeman to dominate the space in front of him. Every time the swordsman attempts to close in, the axeman easily hamstrings him or strikes him repeatedly on the head with different parts of the weapon.
Our method for the battle ax makes no distinction between the Sparth ax of the galloglass mercenaries and the later Lochaber ax of the Highland clansmen. In this video we're using a training spear to represent a Lochaber ax, but the techniques can be performed just as easily with a Sparth.
In this video, we were sparring at light intensity because the length of the training weapon and the large rotations used in the techniques would have been dangerous at higher intensity and would have required much more safety equipment.
Matt and Chris have been training together for a long time- please don't try to hit each other with wooden weapons if you don't have sufficient safety gear or training.
If you're interested in studying the Highland broadsword or other weapons, check the Cateran Society website for a study group near you:
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If you can't find an instructor in your local area, send Chris Thompson an email at gilbride100@hotmail.com to request membership in our online apprenticeship program. There is no charge to participate in this program. Members file training reports on a weekly basis via an online forum, and receive critique and correction from Chris Thompson.
