Between the Cape and the Sword
Just how much armor protection does a wool cloak give you against a sharp rapier in a duel? I ran a little experiment (and a bunch of historical research) to find out.
6 Passata Sotto Variations for Rapier & Smallsword
The passata sotto has gone by many names of the centuries and have taken on various forms. In this blog post & video, we look at six variations of the low void.
Full Rapier Sample Lesson: Yielding Glide
Looking for an alternative action to the disengagement? Give the yielding glide a try. Full, free sample lesson.
Visual Representation of Why You Want to ‘Find the Blade’
We all know you should find the opponent's blade and we may even think we understand why, but you truly get a sense for the why once you've looked down the business end of a sharp antique.
Random Acts of Violence: Weird Plays in Rapier & Smallsword
While there are “bread and butter” players found repeatedly in the Franco-Italian-inspired fencing systems, sometimes you run into plays that are weird, different, or very unique. These are a collection of some those plays, including weird engagements, mismatch weapons forms, and two-handing the rapier.
Improving Tactical Decision Making with a Random Cues Drill
One of the keys to improving a fencer is making the drills feel closer to a real bout. This “random cues” drill is a nice step in that direction. It’s like a very unstructured option drill.
Picking an Assault with Someone Not Your Own Size
Not all tactics are created equal. This online workshop covers historical tactics for approaching opponents who are taller, shorter, strong and weaker than you -- plus a bonus faster fencer.
4 Riposte Options for Rapier [Dui Tempi Edition]
You've parried your opponent but every time you try to riposte, your shot doesn't land or they counter-parry it. Why is that? It could be you're choosing the wrong riposte action for the job. This post & video goes over four basic blade actions depending on the tactical situation required.
Get Back to Fencing Basics with This Level 2 Option Drill
Here's a super simple, level-2 option drill to improve your tactical decision making skills.
Rapier & Buckler/Targa Guards & Postures
Here's how to form guards with the rapier & buckler/targa, both with the sword-extended and the sword-withdrawn.
The Master Players: Overview of 16th & 17th Century French Fencing & Dueling Culture
This video presentation gives a general overview of French fencing & dueling culture in the 16th and 17th Centuries.
How to Hold a Buckler for Rapier & Simple Guard Transitions
Here's how to hold a buckler, plus some basic guard transition exercises to do at home.