Swordplay from the Ground: methods of attack
Whatever your trade, having more than one trick is an advantage, and swordplay is no different. For your Blue Spur we want you to be more than a one-trick pony and so we ask that you:
Demonstrate diverse methods of attack and counter-attack.
First of all, review your eight cuts and four thrusts. The imbroccata and stoccata can come from either the left or the right, which gives you six directions from which to thrust: outside high, middle, and low; and inside high, middle, and low. Add this to your eight cutting paths and you have fourteen ways to attack your opponent (not counting grappling and pommel strikes, which are a subject for a different time). Practise delivering all fourteen of these strkes and make sure you are comfortable delivering a solid blow from each.
In addition there are three ways to cut with the sword-edge.
- Slicing: drawing the sword back towards you as your blow lands. This is the most common type of cut, and is usually delivered with the debole.
- Cleaving: a powerful cut that is not drawn and is intended to go through the target between the debole and mezza-spada. Think of cutting a watermelon with your sword and you get the idea.
- Pushing: a push-cut is one which lands and then is pushed forward in a motion similar to a thrust. It is useful in situations where there is not sufficient measure to draw, or when you are travelling to and past your opponet. It often ends between the mezza-spada and forte.
Multiply the eight cuts with the three ways of cutting, add that to your six thrusts and you have diverse ways of attacking indeed.
The assessment doesn't stop there though. We also want to see that you can deliver these attacks after parrying. Do counter-attack practice drills with a partner. Your partner delivers an attack; you defend and counter-attack; your partner parries and counter-attacks and so on for as many repetitions as you like. Other drills include multiple defences and attacks, for example, parry three times, then attack.
Try to work these exercises in all four quadrants. If you get stuck and need some new drills don't hesitate to ask one of the instructors. And in fact, our brand new class Mounted Combat Skills, coming up this weekend, is designed for just that!
NEW! Mounted Combat Skills
By popular demand we have added a monthly class to the Cavaliere Curriculum. Mounted Combat Skills takes place in the warmth and comfort of Academie Duello. Working from the ground and falsemount you will practise the techniques you need for Mounted Combat, and work on your muscle memory and fluidity without the added distraction of a horse beneath you.
If you are attending the Greg Mele workshop (and you should be!) stick around and learn how to apply all that Fiore goodness to horseback.
Mounted Combat Skills
Sunday 23 February 1 – 4pm
Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, 412 W Hastings, Vancouver
cost: $60
Instructor: Greg Reimer
prerequisites: none
Coming up in March
Mounted Combat Workshop
Sunday 2 March, 1- 4pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $60
Instructor: Devon Boorman
Swordplay from the ground, the falsemount, and from horseback.
prerequisites: Intro to Mounted Combat or permission from the instructor
Cavaliere Class
Sunday 16 March 1 – 4:30pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $60
Instructor: Jennifer Landels
Horsemanship, Riding and sword drills for all levels of riders and swordsmen
prerequisites: none, Intro to Mounted Combat recommended
Mounted Combat Skills
Sunday 23 March 1 – 4pm
Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, 412 W Hastings, Vancouver
cost: $60
Instructor: Greg Reimer
prerequisites: none
Escape the vagaries of Spring weather and practise your mounted combat techniques from the ground and from the falsemount in this special indoor mounted combat session.
Cavaliere Class
Sunday 30 March 1 – 4:30pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $60
Instructor: Jennifer Landels
Horsemanship, Riding and sword drills for all levels of riders and swordsmen
prerequisites: none, Intro to Mounted Combat recommended
Intro to Mounted Combat Workshop
Sunday 6 April, 10am – 1pm
Red Colt Equestrian Farm Co-op, 12320 No 2 Road, Richmond
cost: $149
Instructors: Jennifer Landels & Devon Boorman
A taste of everything in the program. Learn about grooming and tacking up, get some swordplay fundamentals, and ride a horse with sword in hand.
prerequisites: none
Package deals
Cavaliere 4- and 12-packs are available. These packages are valid for all classes offered in the Cavaliere program, as well as for private or semi-private lessons.
4-pack: $200 ($50 per class)
12-pack: $480 ($40 per class)
When you purchase a package you are automatically signed up for all upcoming Cavaliere program classes. If you are unable to make a class and let the front desk know in advance, you will be credited for a future class.
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.