Cudgeling: Doublestick-Sparring

Experimenting with Doublestick Fighting. According to some sources, we know that in Faction-Fights sometimes two sticks were used. We do not know exactly how, but we follow the often repeated theory, that one stick was long, the other a shorter Cudgel. Now it is not known how the shorter stick was held, so we experimented in this sparring with two possible ways, that make sense to us: 1. Icepick-grip: Similar to the use of the Dirk/Skean in Scotland/Ireland, we hold the short Cudgel in reverse-grip along the forearm, which works like a small “shield“ for protection. 2. Stick-grip: So like a parry-dagger, we hold the Cudgel at its end and use it as a second weapon or to ward off incoming blows. In sparring we use both grips and try out different things, so this is not THE way they used it, but ONE possible way. We found out advantages and disadvantages for both grips.