Have you heard this controversy. No women can fight with swords?

Question

So author Andrew Klavan recently said that "no woman could beat a man in a sword fight." And it's caused a huge backlash in the sword making, fighting community because he was simply wrong. He goes on to list the weight of a sword from 5 to 10 lbs wich just shows his complete and utter lack knowledge on the subject (most combat weapons weigh in between 2 and 3 lbs). What bothers me about this is he is speaking as an authority on a subject he simply knows very little about. He then responds to the criticism by stating "name one sport where men and women compete against one another" missing that in the international fencing association most competitions are mixed gender, and the only reason why the Olympics are seperated is because the Olympic Committee demands it. And many other sports sword competitions HEMA, fight camp, etc. Are also mixed gender. So to answer his question sword fighting. And I'm wondering how mainstream this has reached. It seems that every time I hop on YouTube I see another video on this subject. But not much elsewhere. So until now, had you heard of this?

BeMuse · Accepted Answer

I never heard of your niche community controversy, but an average man compared to an average woman would have a significant advantage due to reach and leverage using the same melee weapon at comparable skill levels due to height and arm length. It’s a bio-mechanical advantage. Thus to be on a level playing field the women needs to be quicker and more skillful. This leads you to a second problem. Men typically spot movement quicker than women and have better reaction times. So the chips are really stacked against an average woman. They really have to master the skill and hope for a less skilled opponent to be able to keep up.

Astarlessnightsky · Accepted Answer

Never heard of this claim, even though in am intersted in the topic and do follow a few youtube channels.

Claiming no woman will ever be able to beat any man, in any kind of sport is bullshit.

Just put a olympia participent against any avarage joe and the woman will beat him in any discipline.

NightFlirt · Accepted Answer

Yes and it is a ridiculous statement

Agape93 · Accepted Answer

Wow he’s an idiot. I haven’t heard of this but I’m glad I did now. Thanks!!

Soteris · Answer

Yeah that is pretty fucking stupid. Swords are equalizers, not power multipliers. Someone with a sword is just as dangerous as someone else with a sword, all that differs is their skill at using it which physical ability might help but fundamentally is a question of your own hard work and talent.

JimmyQ · Answer

This sounds dumb. I'll bet some women are even better at fencing than the average male counterpart. Fencing uses intuition, agility and keen visual focus. Women excel in these categories and when physical size becomes a weakness, my money is on the trained chic.

Little side note: the number one marksman in the world is not a dude. Surprised?

bangyourhead · Answer

Hadn’t heard, and since we don’t fight with swords I don’t really care.

Kingfish3447 · Answer

Because they don't have sword with them... they have scabbard... if you know what I mean

Anonymous · Answer

I'm sure in the past there may be mo choice

Have you heard this controversy. No women can fight with swords?

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