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The Cavé in French Swordsmanship Patrick T
COLUMBIACLASSICALFENCING.COM The Cavé in French Swordsmanship Patrick T. Morgan Introduction French fencing masters wrote about the cavé (pronounced cahv-ay) as a distinct fencing action. In French, caver means to cave in or collapse. The cavé thus described how a fencer would change or position his wrist or body to create a sharp angle—“caving in” from, say, a straightened position— for a specific fencing purpose, whether offensive or defensive. Sensibly, then, the cavé is sometimes referred to as angulation today. But that term doesn’t always cover all the ways the French writers used the cavé. This is because, as explained below, you can also cavé by using no angulation. Three General Ways to Cavé For the French, there were three ways to cavé. From the on-guard position, you could cavé (1) at the hips or (2) with your rear leg. You could also (3) cavé the wrist of your sword arm, which itself was possible in three different ways. These methods were variously defensive or offensive. Importantly, these were not recommendations so much as taxonomy: as we’ll see, some of these ways of “cavé-ing” could get you killed. 1. The Cavé at the Hips Danet discussed the “cavation” of the body in the second volume of L’Art des Armes. The cavé of the hips is one of two types of esquive—that is, a movement or displacement of the fencer’s target area to evade a thrust—that Danet identified. As Danet described it, the cavé at the hips occurs by “lowering the shoulders and completely straightening the right knee” (en baissant les épaules, & dépliant tout-à- fait le genou droit). -
Fiore Dei Liberi: 14Th Century Master of Defence
ARMA Historical Study Guide: Fiore Dei Liberi: 14th century Master of Defence By John Clements Unarguably the most important Medieval Italian fighting treatise, the work of Fiore Dei Liberi forms a cornerstone of historical fencing studies. Like many other martial arts treatises from the Medieval and Renaissance eras, we must look analytically at the totality of the author’s teachings. In doing so we come to understand how, rather than consolidating information compartmentally, its manner of technical writing disperses it throughout. In circa 1409, a northern Italian knight and nobleman, Fiore dei Liberi, produced a systematic martial arts treatise that has come to be considered one of the most important works of its kind on close-combat skills. Methodically illustrated and pragmatically presented, his teachings reveal a sophisticated and deadly fighting craft. It is one of the most unique and important texts in the history of fencing and of our Western martial heritage. Master Fiore’s manuscript is today the primary source of study for reconstruction of Italian longsword fencing, combat grappling, and dagger fighting. It currently constitutes the earliest known Italian fencing manual and one of only two so far discovered from the era. Along with dagger and tapered longsword (spadone or spada longa), his work includes armored and unarmored grappling, poleax, mounted combat, and specialized weapons as well as unarmored spear, stick, and staff. His spear (or lance) fighting on foot is a matter of holding sword postures while thrusting or deflecting. His longsword fencing techniques include half- swording, pommel strikes, blade grabbing, disarms, trapping holds, throws, groin kicks, knee stomps, defense against multiple opponents, timed blows to push or leverage the adversary off balance, and even sword throwing. -
Critical Review !1/!76
Guy Windsor Critical Review !1/!76 Recreating Medieval and Renaissance European combat systems: A Critical Review of Veni Vadi Vici, Mastering the Art of Arms vol 1: The Medieval Dagger, and The Duel- list’s Companion, Submitted for examination for the degree of PhD by Publication. Guy Windsor Ipswich, July 2017 !1 Guy Windsor Critical Review !2/!76 Table of Contents Introduction 3 The Primary Sources for the Submitted Works 20 Methodology 37 Results: The Submitted Works 42 Conclusion 60 Works Cited 69 !2 Guy Windsor Critical Review !3/!76 Introduction The aims of this research on historical methods of combat are threefold: historical knowl- edge for its own sake, the reconstruction of these lost combat arts, and the development of pedagogical methods by which these arts can be taught. The objectives are to develop and present working interpretations of three particular sources, Fiore dei Liberi’s Il Fior di Battaglia (1410) Philippo Vadi’s De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi (ca 1480) and Ridolfo Capo- ferro’s Gran Simulacro (1610). By “working interpretations” I mean a clear and reasonably complete training method for acquiring the necessary skills to execute these styles of swordsmanship in practice: so a technical, tactical, and pedagogical method for each style. The methodology includes transcription and translation (where necessary), close reading, tropological analysis, practical experiment, technical practice, and presentation of findings. The results include but are not limited to the three publications submitted for examination, which are: Veni Vadi Vici, published in 2012, which is a transcription, translation and commentary on De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi: this has been extensively corrected and updated, and re- submitted for a second examination after which it will be published. -
NWFC MEMBER HANDBOOK Updated 5-1-18 Table of Contents
ASPIRE - INSPIRE - PERSPIRE NWFC MEMBER HANDBOOK Updated 5-1-18 Table of Contents ABOUT NWFC 7 OUR MISSION 7 ABOUT US 7 NONPROFIT 7 Fred Meyer Community Rewards & AmazonSmile 7 Employer matching 7 Personal donations 7 Areas of support include 8 BRIEF HISTORY 8 CLASSES 9 YOUTH: AGES 4-13 9 Youth Intro to Fencing 9 Mini Fencers (Ages 4-6) 9 Youth One (Ages 7-12) 9 Youth Two (Ages 7-12) 9 1 ASPIRE - INSPIRE - PERSPIRE Youth Two With Lessons 9 Homeschool 9 ADULT: AGES 13+ 10 Adult Intro to Fencing 10 Evening Epee 10 CORE = COmpetitive + REcreation 10 COMPETITIVE: AGES 14+ 10 TERM COMMITMENTS 10 Youth Two with Lessons & Competitive 10 ACTIVITIES BEYOND CLASSES 12 OPEN BOUTING 12 PRIVATE LESSONS 12 CAMPS 13 International Foil and Epee Winter Camp 13 Youth Camp - 5 days - summers 13 International Foil and Epee Camps - summer, 6 days plus tournament 13 Pre Nationals Camp - 5 days, the week before Summer challenge 13 Adult Camp - November, 3 days and Memorial Day weekend, 3 days 13 EVENTS 13 Fencing Soiree evenings 13 Game Nights 14 Star Wars Nights - December 14 Armory Clinics 14 MEMBERSHIP 15 BENEFITS 15 REQUIREMENTS 15 US Fencing Membership 15 RESIDENT MEMBERSHIPS 15 SPECIAL MEMBERSHIPS 16 Guest 16 2 ASPIRE - INSPIRE - PERSPIRE Associate 16 CODE OF CONDUCT 16 Sportsmanship 16 Scoring/Referees 17 No Discrimination 17 Payments 17 Physical Safety 17 COMMUNICATION AND ONLINE RESOURCES 18 NWFC COMMUNICATION 18 COACHES CORNER 18 Fencer evaluations: Twice a year, fencers schedule time with their coach to review progress, set training and competition goals, and map out future plans. -
The Most Common Mistakes Beginning Rapier Students Make - Their Consequences and How to Avoid Them
The Most Common Mistakes Beginning Rapier Students Make - Their Consequences and How to Avoid Them. by Tom Leoni ©2005 As with most demanding disciplines, fencing has its set of common beginners’ mistakes. Having practiced, taught and observed historical fencers of all levels for over a decade, I have compiled a list of the more obvious and recurring ones. Interestingly, these are mistakes that, if not cured early, crystallize into bad habits that are very hard to amend later on. These mistakes are in both understanding and performance - often in both at the same time (the former being a prerequisite for the latter). I have outlined each point so as to list the mistake, the negative consequences deriving from it and my recommendations on how to correct it. Although I have purposely confined this discussion to the rapier, please note that many of these mistakes/habits are applicable to other fencing disciplines. Also, please note that the actions and situations I describe imply a somewhat formalized training intent based on historical sources. Many who enjoy swords casually and do not have the opportunity to train more formally may not identify with these points. Mistake: Obsessing too much about ideal rapier length. Consequences: Illusion that technical or theoretical shortcomings are "the rapier’s fault," resulting in failure to address them. Correction: Get a well-balanced rapier that works for you and then give it no more thought. Masters such as Alfieri and Capoferro specify that a rapier should be proportionate to the height of the fencer - it should comfortably stand under the armpit. -
Glossary of Terms, 2016 (PDF Version)
The Society of American Fight Directors GLOSSARY OF TERMS (revised as of 3/19/16) It is important to note that the terms listed below may not correspond to the proper definitions of the actions as they are applied to historical or modern fencing, swordplay, boxing or wrestling. These terms are theatrical in nature, not tactical, describing the action as it is executed in the performance environment. General Use Terms Active Hand: The non-weapon bearing hand used to block, check, lock, parry, strike, or trap the opposing weapon or parts of a partner’s body. Attacker (also called Aggressor): The actor/combatant who initiates the offensive action or attack. Center Line: An imaginary line that bisects the body. Horizontal Center Line (also called Mid Line): The imaginary line that bisects the body horizontally at waist level delineating High Line and Low Line. Vertical Center Line: The imaginary line that bisects the body vertically through the center delineating Inside Line and Outside Line. Cue: a physical action or event that is a signal for someone to do something. Cue-Reaction-Action: A basic stage combat principle/process used to achieve a safe and dramatically effective sequence of events Distance (also called Measure, Fighting Measure, and/or Fencing Measure): The proper measure between two or more combatants to safely execute any particular technique in stage combat. En Garde: The basic physical "ready" position of a combatant. Eye Contact: A look to one’s partner to assure mutual awareness and readiness to perform the techniques. Fighting Measure/Fencing Measure): see Distance Hand Positions: Pronation: The palm is turned down. -
MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House of the Pure Martial Arts
MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House Of The Pure Martial Arts European Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts Courtesy of the Musee du Louvre, Paris. Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople on 12 April 1204 Courtesy of the Musee du Louvre, Paris. Entry Crusaders into Constantinople on 12 THE INTERNATIONAL WEB BASED MARTIAL ARTS January 2006 MAGAZINE AS A PDF DOCUMENT Special Edition no 1 House of the Pure Martial Arts WWW.MEIBUKANMAGAZINE.ORG Special Edition January 2006 MEIBUKAN MAGAZINE House of the Pure Martial Arts SPECIAL EDITION No. 1 JANUARY 2006 HISTORY 2 MISSION STATEMENT A Short Introduction to Historical European Martial Arts Meibukan Magazine is an initiative of founders Lex Opdam and Mark Hemels. Aim of this web based REVIEW 4 magazine is to spread the knowledge and spirit of Renaissance Swordsmanship by John Clements the martial arts. In a non profitable manner Meibukan Magazine draws attention to the historical, spiritual Medieval Swordsmanship by John Clements and technical background of the oriental martial arts. Medieval Combat by Hans Talhoffer Starting point are the teachings of Okinawan karate- do. As ‘House of the Pure Martial Arts’, however, Meibukan Magazine offers a home to the various au- FEATURE 5 thentic martial arts traditions. Renaissance Martial Arts Literature FORMAT FEATURE 8 Meibukan Magazine is published several times a year How to tell if your Fencing is a Martial Art or a Combat Sport in an electronical format with an attractive mix of subjects and styles. Each issue of at least twelve pages is published as pdf-file for easy printing. Published FEATURE 11 editions remain archived on-line. -
Scola Metallorum Rapier Training Manual
Scola Metallorum Rapier Training Manual Last Updated: 22 June 2007 Author: Lord Randal The Malcontent (Randal Ames) email: [email protected] Web Conversion: Lord David ap Llywelyn ap Gwyn (David H. Clements) email: [email protected] Web Editor: Lord David ap Llywelyn ap Gwyn (David H. Clements) Randal Ames © Copyright 2002, 2003. All Rights Reserved. Table of Contents ● Table of Contents ● Introduction: Drills and Information, What We Forgot to Tell You ● Mission Statement and Philosophy ● The Theory: Successful Offense and Defense o Offense ▪ Theory of Offense ▪ Strategic Principles o Defense ▪ Theory of Defense o Chaining/Training ● Summary of Fencing Basics o Footwork and Stances ▪ Introduction ▪ Basics ▪ Conclusion o Four Types of Basic Attack o Defense Against the Four Types of Attack ▪ To Defend Against a Single Thrust ▪ To Defend Against Multiple Attacks ▪ To Defend Against Attack on Riposte ▪ To Defend Against Attack on Void ● Targeting and Advanced Defense o Voiding and Blocking o From The Armpit To The Bird Blunt o Head, Trunk And Legs ▪ The Head and Techniques of Disruption ▪ Concepts of Disruption ▪ Defending the Head ▪ The Body ▪ Defending the Body ▪ The Legs ▪ Defending the Legs o Defense Conclusions ● Thrust and Point Control o Thrust o Point Control o A Different Kind of Thrust o Calibration and Blow Calling ▪ Hard Shots ▪ Hard Shots: Part Deux ▪ Skippy ▪ Mask ▪ Tip Cuts ▪ Calibration Conclusion ● Cutting Edges: Daggers, Sabres, and Rapiers o The Sabre o The Dagger ▪ The Rules ▪ Strategy and Tactics ▪ Use of -
Fencing Rules
FENCING RULES 1995 Edition United States Fencing Association, Inc. © United States Fencing Association, Inc. 1995 FOREWORD This American version of the international rules governing fencing competitions is translated and adapted from the 1994 French edition published by the FIE and incorporates changes made by the FIE Congresses through 1995. Unless otherwise noted here or in the USFA Operations Manual, these rules apply to fencing competitions in the United States. Two appendices are included with this 1995 edition: Appendix A – The Fencer’s Publicity Code is part of the FIE Rules for Competitions. Appendix B – The FIE has published a number of “Temporary Provisions” concerning competition formats and certain other rules. The complete, updated text is included in Appendix B; notes are also located in the text in appropriate locations. The USFA, Inc. (founded as the Amateur Fencers League of America in 1891) is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization primarily engaged in increasing participation in the sport of fencing. Membership in the USFA, in an appropriate category, is open to anyone who has an interest in fencing. The USFA is the official governing body for amateur fencing activities in the United States, and is so recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Fencing Federation (FIE). Accordingly, the authority to enact, amend, and repeal the rules governing amateur fencing in the United States rests solely with the Board of Directors of the USFA. As a matter of policy, the USFA normally follows the technical rules enacted for the sport by the FIE, with occasional minor exceptions that are duly announced. -
USFA, 1750 East Boulder Street, Colorado Springs, CO S0909; (719) 578-4511
GEORGE SANTELLI, INC. United States Fencing Association, 1988-90 President: Michel Mamlouk EXL'<'utive Vice-President: Grorge G. Masin Vice President: Gerrie Baumgart Vice President: Paul Soter Secretary: John Higgs-Coulthard Treasurer: Elvira Orly Counsel: Frank Nagomey Official Publication of the United States Fencing Association, Inc. Dedicated to the memory of Jose R. DeCapriles, 1912-1969 Miguel A. DeCapriles, 1906-1981 CONTENTS Volume 42, Number 2 Editor: B. C. Milligan Business Manager: Laurel Clark Skillman Editorial ..............•........................................ 4 Poetry Editor: Leith Askins To The Editor ................................................... 5 Editors Emeritus: Ralph M. Goldstein, Mary T. In The Final Analysis .............................................. 8 Huddleson, Albert Axelrod. by Charles A. Selberg AMERICAN FENCING magazine (lSSN (0)2-8436) President's Corner ............................................... 9 is published quarterly by the United States Fencing by Michel Mamlouk Association, Inc. 1750 East Boulder Street, Colorado Springs, CO S0909. Subscription for non-members Foil Tactics and Tactical Drill ....................................... 10 of the U.S.F.A. is $12.00 in the U.S. and $1S.00 by Harold C. Hayes elsewhere. Single copies $3.00. Members of the U.S.F.A subscribe through their dues. Address all News Briefs ................................................... 12 correspondence concerning membership to the The Price of Pronation ........................................... 16 U.S.F.A. office in Colorado Springs, CO. Second by Rudy ~Ikmann class postage paid at Colorado Springs, CO and additional mailing offices. Technical Talks: How Does This Thing Work? ....................•...... 17 ©1991 United States Fencing Association by Joe Byrnes Editorial and advertising offices: These are cur Circuit Events: Good or Bad? ...................................... 18 rently in flux, as the editor relocated to the Balti by William ReIth more, MD, area as this issue went to press. -
Rules for Competitions, 2006 1 Book 1
IWAS WHEELCHAIR FENCING RULES FOR COMPETITION BOOK 1 -TECHNICAL RULES Version: January 2020 IWF RULES FOR COMPETITIONS BOOK 1 – TECHNICAL RULES Article PART I. GENERAL RULES AND RULES COMMON TO THE THREE WEAPONS CHAPTER 1. APPLICATION OF THE RULES Obligatory use of the rules ................................................................ t.1 CHAPTER 2. GLOSSARY Competitions Assaults and bouts ....................................................................... t.2 Match ............................................................................................ t.3 Competition .................................................................................. t.4 Championship .............................................................................. t.5 Explanation of some technical terms Fencing time ................................................................................. t.6 Offensive and defensive actions .................................................. t.7 Offensive actions .......................................................................... t.8 Defensive actions ......................................................................... t.9 The point in line position ............................................................... t.10 CHAPTER 3. THE FIELD OF PLAY . .......................................................... t.11–14 CHAPTER 4. THE FENCERS’ EQUIPMENT Responsibility of fencers ................................................................... t.15 CHAPTER 5. FENCING Method of holding the weapon -
The Cavé in French Swordsmanship Copy
COLUMBIACLASSICALFENCING.COM French Fencing Sources on Using the Unarmed Hand to Parry or Oppose an Incoming Blade Patrick T. Morgan Introduction Early in western fencing’s history, the nonsword hand played an important role. And, as usual, Italian masters led the way. For instance, Achille Marozzo’s 1536 Opera Nova instructed readers as to how to hold a sword and a buckler. For a multitude of pictures from Marozzo’s work, click here. Camillo Agrippa also discussed extensively the rapier and dagger. His 1553 Treatise on the Science of Arms also addressed not only fighting with a shield but also hafted weapons. To see pictures from Agrippa’s treatise, click here. Increasingly, though, later writers focused on the sword and dagger. For instance, in 1606, Nicoletto Giganti wrote about using the rapier and dagger. But he also taught how to fence with a rapier alone, using the left hand to deflect or control the opponent’s sword arm. But what about the Italians’ Gallic neighbors? Following the Italian example, French authors eventually began writing their own fencing treatises. However, they started off doing things a little differently. 1 copyright 2015 Patrick T. Morgan [email protected] COLUMBIACLASSICALFENCING.COM The Early French Writers The earliest French writers tended to dispense with both shield and dagger, relying upon the “l’épée seule.” Henri Sainct-Didier (1573) set the early example for the French in using the off hand, excluding any use of weapons in the nonsword hand and instead relegating it to disarms. Sainct-Didier’s Disarm 2 copyright 2015 Patrick T.