This week on Duello.TV it's time to do some longsword catch-up! We missed a couple weeks of longsword, so now we're going to give you a couple weeks worth of focus class content all on the topic of the window guard. We're also moving into the topics of constraint with the sword (green), constraining with the dagger (blue), and use of the rapier and cloak (red) -- an exciting mindful of content.
Longsword Focus
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In our first class we look at how movement into Finestra provides defence against various kinds of descending blows both in front (parry) and behind (deflection) the sword. In the second class we look at how finestra places the sword at the top of the body, making it so that the only openings for the opponent are below the sword. In this video we look at the simplicity of defence from this posta.
Green Cord (Level 1)
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Now that we have the mechanical tools we need to control the opponent's weapon, we will look at the strategic implications of that control. In this week's lesson we look at how "finding the sword" constrains the opponent in such a way that their next action becomes predictable and more easily exploitable.
Blue Cord (Level 2)
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This week we have two exciting topics: 1. The two additional rapier and dagger guards quinta and sesta, and 2. disarms of the rapier. Both of these topics add an exciting level of depth to your combative options.
Red Cord (Level 3)
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The cloak off your back was an important accessory for self-defence historically and is a very interesting secondary to explore now. With a thick cloak wrapped about the arm you could defend the arm from cuts and even most thrusts. The billow of the cloak also offered screening and protection for the body. In this weeks videos we look at the basic guards and covers of the rapier and cloak.
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.