The core theme of this week across all class is strategic constraint. In Green cord (level 1) we explore the constraining capacity of the cut with the rapier, in Blue (level 2) how to create dominant positions when the sword begins from a withdrawn position, and in Red Cord (level 3) we explore how to combine the defensive and offensive qualities of two swords to control and constrain a fight. We then round things out with a solid fundamentals video on thrusting with the longsword.
Green Cord (Level 1)
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/Stringere (en. to constrain) is the strategic concept of putting your opponent in a position where their attack options are limited and the time it requires for them to become a threat is greater than the time it takes for you to defend yourself and respond with your own counter-attack. In this week's classes we explore how a cut to the opponent's weapon can be used to displace their weapon and thus constrain them leaving them open for a follow on cut or thrust.
Blue Cord (Level 2)
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/Using the refused position we will explore how we can use smooth forward movement to gain control of the opponent's weapon and respond dynamically to their choices while capitalizing on the extra reach and circular nature of the left leading position.
Red Cord (Level 3)
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/In this week's class we explore how to play both an active and inviting role with case (two swords). In this lesson you will learn how to seek control as well as how to invite the opponent to attack into a position of weakness that can be closed either with the upper or lower sword.
Solo Exercise of the Week
http://duello.tv/featured-videos/fundamental-exercisesThere are 5 key directions of the thrust with the longsword, this video will give you a simple way to practice and remember them.
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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.