Measure:
Wide measure- Lunge distance
Narrow measure- Lean distance
Narrowest measure- counter attack
Tempo:
Unit of action- the time it takes to complete a move.
Wide measure is 1.5 tempo
Narrow measure is 1 tempo
Narrowest measure is .5 tempo
Capoferro
Guards: (all with point towards opponent's head)
Prime (first): Arm high.
Seconde (second): Outside guard
Terza (third): Sword along centre line
(fourth): Inside guard.
Changing guard should always go through the numbers:
1-2-3-4 or 4-3-2-1.
Any other way leaves you exposed.
3rd is the best guard permitting offence and attack over his sword.
Capoferro
Against circles
Circles aim to gain the inside. Disengage to outside and step diagonally right and towards opponent, aiming at his shoulder. If he tries again, disengage and thrust from 4th
Parrying
Parrying should be with the true edge of the sword where possible. Thrusts should also have a parry as part of a single-time defence/attack.
Capoferro
Striking: The Thrust
Stoccatta: From 3rd to his right shoulder.
Imbrocatta: From 1st through shoulder to his knee, turning to 2nd at the last moment.
Punta Riversa: From 4th to his chest. Switching to a low 3rd as you strike
If you have the inside line, strike from 4th
If you have the outside line, strike from 2nd.
Capoferro
Striking: The Cut
Cuts are only to be used in wide measure. Otherwise you are opening yourself up to a thrust. Cuts must be slicing.
They can be made with either the elbow or the wrist (stramazonne). Ordinary cuts are usually called Mandritto or Riverso, the other cuts are proceded by these to indicate direction.
Capoferro
Striking: The Cuts
Mandritto- cuts from the right.
Riverso- cuts from the left
Ordinary- descending diagonally
Fendente- Descending vertically
Tondo- Horizontally
Falso manco- Rising diagonally, L-R (false edge)
Falso Dritto- Rising diagonally, R-L (false edge)
Montante- Rising diagonally, L-R (True edge)
Capoferro
Stringer
This is how to gain the measure and/or tempo- forcing opponent to make an extra move to strike you, or enable you to close safely.
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Oppose his blade a palm's width from the point.
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Bring your blade up so the forte is opposing his debole with the next step.
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Ensure your blade is pointing over his sword and at his shoulder (4th aim at his right shoulder. 2nd/3rd at his left)