How to Use Any Two Handed Sword

Co-authored by Nicole and Lee Smith

Last Updated: February 3, 2026

Long ago, swords were vital tools of survival, and today that knowledge can still be used. Consider this: one day, you're walking through a park when someone tries to mug you with a baseball bat. Unless you're a 4th degree blackbelt, you won't win this. But suppose there is a fallen branch by you, or a pipe lying in the alleyway. Perhaps this would happen on your way back from baseball practice, and you just happen to have a bat of your own. This guide to using any two-handed sword with instructions from martial arts experts Nicole and Lee Smith may very well save your life!

Steps

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Grip your sword with your dominant hand right below the guard. The Smiths say to leave a finger-width space between the cross guard and your dominant hand. Rest the side of your thumb on or under where the cross guard meets the hilt.^{[1]
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- Stick with Boffer swords (PVC pipe covered in soft foam), plastic swords, or wooden swords when training with a friend. When training under a master, use live steel. It has a more realistic feel!
Position your non-dominant hand as close to the pommel as you can without enveloping it, leaving as much space as possible between your hands. The goal is to wield the sword like a lever with the dominant hand being the fulcrum. If your hands are too close together, it will not be a very efficient lever, say the Smiths.^{[2]
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Grip the hilt firmly, but still somewhat relaxed, like you're holding an egg. Remember, your first grip is not a fixed position. It should be loose enough that you can adjust it to switch to various guard positions.
- The Smiths explain that there are three grips in Western sword arts: the hammer, the handshake, and the thumb grip. In this tutorial, you'll learn how to use the handshake!^{[3]
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If you're planning a thrust, say the Smiths, position the sword pommel near one of your hips with the tip up, and point it between your opponent's sternum and throat. To make an overhead cut, raise the hilt next to your dominant ear and lower the blade in front of you at a 45-degree angle. Move the sword forward, tip first, and cut toward your opponent at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees. Never cut straight down, the Smiths advise!^{[4]
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For an overhead cut, you'll switch your lead leg, so it doesn't matter which foot you put forward. For a thrust, use the leg opposite the one nearest the sword as the lead. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet, square to your opponent with your stance low and wide. Keep the majority of your weight on the balls of your feet with your heels still touching the ground.
Straighten your arms, but avoid locking your elbows, the Smiths advise. Flex your back muscles so your shoulders don't move forward. Use your dominant hand to guide the cut and your non-dominant hand to give it force.^{[5]
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Swing your sword in front of you first as you move your non-lead leg forward. When you strike, swing your sword blade away from the leg you stepped forward on. For example, say the Smiths, if your right leg is your lead leg, "[cut] a 30-60 degree angle from left to right while stepping forward with your left leg."^{[6]
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Work on your technique slowly to perfect your form. "Speed masks flaws," say the Smiths. When working with a training partner, perform strikes at full speed, but with control and less power. Avoid targeting hands. Most of us need our fingers intact for our day jobs! Instead, target your opponent's head and other armored or padded areas. You don't want to injure your friends!^{[7]
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- Don't get set in your ways too much. If you go to get taught by a true swordsman, you will have to throw away all you thought you knew about armed combat and take every bit of knowledge from the trainer.
- DON'T GIVE UP! If you want to become a competent swordsperson, practice daily. If you become rusty, you'll fall behind.

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How long will it take for me to master the art and use of real swords?

Yonaton Chanowitz

Community Answer

To master it can take a lifetime. Using real swords only requires you to buy the necessary protective equipment and blunt steel sword, and join a HEMA group.

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Is there an option to carry my two handed sword on my back? Or is it to long to draw from my back?

Jlegobot

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It depends on the sword, and your body type. If you have longer arms, and a shorter two-handed sword, then it is very possible.

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Does this also work with single-handed swords, or is there a different technique?

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Single-handed swordsmanship is a different beast. There are some similarities, but twice as many differences. Footwork is much more a key element here as well.

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Tips

Don't be overly honorable. This means your life. If you have no weapon, throw dirt in his eyes and spring on him, doing your best to disarm him. If he will still be mobile after your move, make sure to take his weapon and turn it on him. Otherwise, leave the weapon and RUN!!!

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Strikes to the glove will be the easiest first strike, as it's right below the guard. Cut the glove first, then they will flinch or drop their weapon.

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Improvise! Just about any long, hard object can be used as a weapon. When you're in a bind, you can't be picky. Your object is always to disable your opponent before he can harm you.

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