A pell is a training device that has its origin in ancient times and was used to train swordsmen. The pell itself shown in manuscripts at the time of the Middle Ages appears to be a tree trunk planted firmly in the ground or a simple wooden post the height of which seems to be about six feet with the diameter of about four inches. The pell would be struck with a double weighted sword to build up endurance and refine technique. The practice swords being used on the pell were of wood rather than steel. Repeatedly striking a steel blade against a rigid wooden post would in time render the blade to be either uselessly dull or it would break the sword altogether.
The pell is used by the knighthood of the Royal Order of Chivalry to drill pages and squires on the fundamentals of swordsmanship just as our predecessors did in times past. The pell has it�s drawbacks; it�s stationary and it does not strike back, however it never complains when it is struck too hard and you can practice without a partner.
- A pell can be constructed by cementing a wooden 4X4 in the ground then wrapping it in some kind of padding (like carpet) to protect your practice sword.
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