Obsesseo DVD Review

[JohnF]

Obsesseo is a run through of I:33 Manuscript. It was made by David
Rawlings of London Longsword Academy. The DVD starts with showing the
main wards and then follows with a demonstration of each technique in the
I:33. Each technique is shown from different angles, fast, slow, and with
verbal commentary.

See a preview at http://www.londonlongsword.com/

You can either watch it all in one go, or you can play a technique and be
returned to the menu to choose another. This second option would be very
handy if you're practicing with a small group. The techniques start simple
with the opponent doing nothing, and then progress with the opponent
countering, then you are shown a counter to a counter, and then variations
on the the theme before moving on.

This DVD would suit someone who wants to pick up I:33 quickly. It is
simply a run through of the techniques. For someone familiar with sword &
buckler it may offer validation of their own efforts, or it may challenge their
thinking through an alternative interpretation. I found myself altering the
techniques with some of the suggestions in Agilitas.tv's Sword and Shield
DVD. It's a starting point, but not the final word in I:33 study. One notable
contrast is that Dave recommends cutting from ward to ward, whereas
Agilitas states that the I:33 explicitly states that you should not cut from
ward to ward.

In summary, I am pleased that I bought the DVD. It has helped me to
learn the techniques in the I:33.

--

If you are doing Sword and Buckler work, you must have face protection!
The techniques are martial. Some of them are not suitable for tournament
fighting.

I would suggest buying it from Albion Europe (although it's not yet
advertised) as they have cheap shipping. Albion Europe also sell Reclaiming
the Blade DVD, and Agilitas.tv Sword and Shield , which I will review next.
Soren at Albion Europe was a little slow in taking my money, but he's a
decent bloke and you will get your DVDs :).