This week at Academie Duello we are looking at a fundamental strategy with the rapier, known as the True Fight; we are exploring deceptive attacks with the sidesword, designed to draw the opponent out of position; and we're employing the blow or strike with the side of the staff and learning how to counter them.

Green Cord (Level 1)

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The strategy of the True Fight with rapier is to gain control of the opponent's weapon in such a way that they are forced into a predictable response. As they make this response you maintain control, gain greater control, or strike. In these two lessons we explore the potential responses and counters of our opponent both at different distances (class 7) and in different tempos (class 8).

Blue Cord (Level 2)

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In this week we explore two different deceptive attacks: 1. The feint: a false attack designed to draw a parry from the opponent that then allows you to attack on a different line. 2. The attack to miss: an attack intentionally thrown off target that causes the opponent to chase with their defence and thus leave them more open to a second intention.

Red Cord (Level 3)

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Though the long staff is generally predisposed to strikes with the point its mass gives it a powerful ability to do damage with its sides. In our first lesson we explore 4 core types of blows that can be most easily made with the long staff, and then in our second we explore the methods used to counter these and other blows.

Solo Exercise of the Week

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This week's fundamental video will get you started with use of the sidesword, a powerful single handed cut and thrust weapon often used in accompaniment with a buckler. This is an ideal place to start for those new to single handed sword work.

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.