Szabla
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Szabla (Polish pronunciation: [ˈʂabla]; plural: szable) is the Polish word for sabre.[1]
The sabre was in widespread use in the
Types
Hungarian-Polish szabla
The first type of szabla, the Hungarian-Polish (węgiersko-polska), was popularized among the szlachta during the reign of the Transylvanian-Hungarian King of Poland
Armenian szabla
In the late 17th century, the first notable modification of the sabre appeared. Unlike the early "Hungarian-Polish" type, it featured a protected hilt and resembled the curved sabres of the East. It was hence called the
- Czeczuga was a curved sabre with a small cross-guard with an ornamented open hilt and a hood offering partial protection to the hand.
- Ordynka was a heavier weapon used by the cavalry. It resembled a mixture of all the features of the Czeczuga with a heavier and more durable hilt and blade of the short sword.
- Armenian karabela was the first example of a ceremonial sword used by the szlachta. It had both its blade and cross-guard curved, and had a short grip. It was engraved and decorated with precious stones and ivory. Used throughout the ages, in the 18th century it evolved into a standard karabela, used both as a part of attire and in combat.
Hussar szabla
The
The Polish and Hungarian szabla's design influenced a number of other designs in other parts of Europe and led to the introduction of the sabre in Western Europe. An example that bears a considerable resemblance is the famous
Karabela szabla
The karabela entered service around 1670.
A karabela was a type of szabla popular in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 1670s.
The word "karabela" does not have a well-established etymology, and different theories have been put forward.[3] For example, Zygmunt Gloger suggests derivation from the name of the Iraqi city of Karbala, known for trade of this kind of sabre.[4]
Other types
- Kosciuszkowska, a variant popularized during the Kościuszko Uprising;
- Szabla wz.34 ("model 34 szabla"), a 20th-century variant produced from 1934 in the Second Polish Republicfor Polish cavalry; just about 40,000 were made.
Technique
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Stance
There are many stances for the Szabla, such as Back-Weighted, Toes Forward, Even-Weighted, and Forward-Weighted.
Back-Weighted is a stance in which the back leg is bent, and put the weight onto. While the front leg is free to move with little weight in the case of an attack by the opponent.[2]
Toes Forward is a stance in which weight is evenly distributed between each leg. The balls of the feet are planted on the ground while the toes are raised.[2]
Even-Weighted is a stance in between Forward-weighted and Back-weighted.[2]
Forward-Weighted is a stance in which most of the weight is on the front leg, allowing the back leg to move freely. This allows the person to lean into or away from the attacker.[2]
Footwear
Proper footwear was also very important when it comes to stance. There are two main types of footwear used in Poland at the time, Polish Hussar Boots and Turkish footwear.[2]
Polish Hussar Boots were used in the 17th century. They came in mostly yellow, gold, or maize coloring. They had a high heel and also allows for the ball of the foot to rest naturally on the ground.[2] Despite the name, Turkish footwear, was common in 17th century Poland. Like the Polish Hussar Boots, these boots had a high heel for attaching spurs, as well as allowing the ball of the foot to rest on the ground.[2]
See also
References
Further reading
- W. Kwaśniewicz, Leksykon broni białej i miotającej, Warszawa, Dom wydawniczy Bellona, 2003 ISBN 83-11-09617-1.
- W. Kwaśniewicz, Dzieje szabli w Polsce, Warszawa, ISBN 83-11-08894-2.
- Andrzej Nadolski "Polska broń. Biała broń", Warszawa 1974. OCLC 575974595
- Wojciech Zablocki, "Ciecia Prawdziwa Szabla", Wydawnictwo "Sport i Turystyka" (1989) (English abstract by Richard Orli, 2000, kismeta.com).
- Richard Marsden, The Polish Saber, Tyrant Industries (2015) ISBN 0984771654