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The Gaelic bard Alexander MacDonald once described to Bonnie Prince Charlie how “with one spring I could start to my feet with drawn sword and cocked pistol in my hand.”
In Gaelic lore, the acknowledged master of this skill was the great swordsman M’Comie Mor. It is said that M’Comie Mor learned the art of swordsmanship from a respected master, who saved the quick draw as a secret technique until he was ready to graduate from instruction. “If suddenly attacked, you might be killed before you were ready with your defence,” warned the master. He then taught M’Comie Mor how to draw his sword and put himself on guard “in one swift motion,” with a “beautiful, graceful sweep” which soon became his distinguishing mark:
“In an instant, with the peculiarly graceful sweep that always marked the drawing of his sword - a peculiarity which afterwards stood him in good stead on another occasion - his sword was out of its scabbard. The Italian immediately sprang back, and put himself in position. The Athole men now silent, in breathless suspense watched the two gigantic opponents, for there was that on the face of M'Comie Mor that showed it was to be a battle "à outrance". Nor were the spectators held long in suspense as to the result. A few careful parries, and almost before they could comprehend or believe what they saw, M'Comie Mor's blade, with lightning-like rapidity and extraordinary force, was through the Italian's guard, and his fighting career in this world was for ever ended.”
(From M’Combie Smith, William, Memoir of the Family of M’Combie A Branch of the Clan M’Intosh, William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London, 1887)
None of the historical Highland Broadsword manuals describe the art of quick draw. We have reconstructed this skill based on the hints in the oral tradition, and the abilities developed in our regular practice.
Here is the video curriculum for the skill of Quick Draw:
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