Hello everyone, better late than never I suppose. We had some technical challenges this week with our longsword video lesson because I was out of control and couldn't stop teaching for 15 minutes, so it's a bit of a monster and delayed our posting this week. And sadly we won't have it in till next week. This week I've included a longsword exercise that will help you prepare for our coming topics. In Green (level 1) we look at how to control and maintain control of the opponent's sword through the use of the four rapier guards. Blue (level 2) is looking at the first applications of voids against attachments. Red (level 3) is looking at the broad guard with the rapier. Enjoy your training!
Green Cord (Level 1)
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/
This week we look at the use of contra-postura or "counter-postures" to gain control of the enemy's position as they approach. Any offensive position has a corresponding defensive position that will constrain it, even before an opponent has reached striking range.
Blue Cord (Level 2)
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/
This week we explore how giratas and strikes beneath can be used in situations where the opponent has attached with your weapon. An attachment is a type of connection between your sword and the sword of your opponent with pressure but no victor in the crossing.
Red Cord (Level 3)
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/
This week we look at how to use and counter a broad guard. The broad guard is a position used in some schools of fence where the sword is held far from the centreline to threaten the opponent from one side, leave only the centreline open and make the sword challenging to find and control by the opponent.
Exercise of the Week
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/fundamental-exercises-longsword
This longsword exercise takes the three advantages of the sword: 1. Leverage, 2. Crossing, 3. Edge, and uses them to gain control of an incoming attack.
Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques. Read more from Devon Boorman.