Here Jay Maas, head instructor at Broadsword Academy Manitoba and Paul Wagner, head of Stoccata School of Defence in Sydney face off. Jay is using Sinclair’s regimental broadsword system against Paul’s Thomas Page & later on George Silver. While the earlier fencers say to play broadsword upon the traverse, which uses circular steps to gain an advantageous angle upon the opponent, later broadsword masters say to attack mostly in a linear fashion. The broadsword master Archibald MacGregor explains that traversing attacks can give an advantage but can also be cut off by a linear fencer. The traversing swordsman must make a wide circle to gain a good angle, and the linear fencer being at the centre of the circle needs to only make small adjustments to catch up. This can nullify the traverse. Paired with slipping footwork and a good control of distance, linear footwork is equal to circular footwork and requires very little time to become proficient. It is best to practice both!