Special Note: Use of Information

Greetings,

I have no problem with people using the information which is written in the articles of my blog, for non-profit purposes, for that is what it is intended. I only request that people attribute it properly, and do not change the information which they use. If you wish to use any of the information for commercial purposes, you need to seek permission from the author. For use of any information from published sources, which appear in the bibliographies of the articles, permission should be sought through those sources as this author only holds copyright for original content.

Thank you.

Cheers,

...Henry

Sword and Rotella – A Bluffer’s Guide

Greetings,

I have been doing some investigation into the use of the sword and rotella of late. This is really for my own purposes as I have owned a rotella for about three years and I figured I should really get around to learning how to use it. This is a "bluffer's guide" to the use of the sword and rotella meaning that it is light on the detail in most places and gives you a general idea about how to use this particular combination. The work is, however, based on research from suitable materials as will be demonstrate.

Cheers,

Henry.

Introduction

“It very often happens that one’s own weapons make war to the selfsame ones who do not know their use well. Therefore, I have judged it not to be outside of the purpose to mention some particulars of the rotella, as it is a most perilous weapon to those selfsame ones who have not done any kind of practice.” – Capo Ferro, 1610 (Kirby, 2012:142)

            The sword and rotella is a system which has a relatively long heritage, however, to date, it has only been found in Renaissance manuals. What this means is that there is quite a bit of information to cover for the understanding of the system if each master was to be examined in detail. This is not what this investigation will be aimed at.

            The discussion here is designed to reveal the essentials of the system. These essentials are what make the system what it is and are found in various manuals but it is the common elements which reveal the system for what it is. This investigation has taken four manuals from the Renaissance period and through an examination of each manual distilled and found the essential elements. Thus the system which is presented here has been developed from the examination and common and foundation elements from each of the four manuals.

            This is more of a generalised discussion of the system overall rather than an in-depth discussion of individual techniques. The discussion presented is designed to give the reader an overall understanding of the system. This understanding can form a foundation from which other systems can be examined.

            The order of presentation is to examine the background issues in the investigation and then examine the sword and rotella as a system. Individual elements of the system will be examined in some detail for completeness in order to give understanding as to how the sword and rotella work as a system. This means that while there will be practical elements presented and these can be used it is the understanding of the system which is the goal of this discussion.

Source Material

            The source material which is presented in this discussion uses as close to primary materials as possible. Issues with regard to this particular element of the discussion will be noted below in the bibliographic discussion. Further to this these primary materials will be in a distilled form, extracting the most important parts from each and using this as the framework upon which the investigation is based.

            This examination focusses on four masters works with regard to their use of the sword and rotella. Chronologically they are Marozzo’s Art dell Armi of 1536, Agrippa’s Trattato di Scientia d’Arme of 1553, Di Grassi’s His True Art of Defence of 1594, and finally Capo Ferro’s Gran Simulacro dell’arte e dell’uso della Scherma of 1610. Most of the information found in these manuals is from the point of view of matched weapons i.e. sword and rotella versus sword and rotella, but the information found within can also be applied to other situations with a little modification. What should also be noted in these manuals is that the earlier manuals contain more with regard to the use of the rotella whereas the later manuals contain less. However the information which is contained within these manuals is most useful to this investigation and development.

Bibliographic Issues

            In the study of the sword and rotella there are some bibliographical issues that need to be taken into account before any real study can be achieved. One of the first things is with regard to the weapon, the second with the device in the other hand, and lastly there is a language issue that needs to be taken into account. These need to be addressed in some fashion before a real study can take place.

            First of all is the language. Of the four manuals which have been used for this investigation only one of these is written in English, that of Di Grassi’s 1594 manual. Even that is actually a translation of the 1570 Italian manual of the same name. All of the others have been translated from Italian to English in the modern period, by some very knowledgeable people admittedly, but there is still the interference of the translation of the language to take into account.

            Further to this language issue, and directly related is the names of the devices being used, the sword and the rotella. Often “spada” in Renaissance manuals is translated as “rapier” where in actual fact it simply means “sword”. This is the reason that this investigation is being referred to as a sword and rotella manual, thus covering both of the weapons concerned.

            As for the rotella itself, it is called this in Italian. It is called a “Shield” generically, a “target” in Old English and a “rodela” in Spanish. All of the terms refer, more or less, to the same item. Due to the more Italian focus the shield will be referred to as a rotella, as it has previously and will in future be.

What is Rotella?

            The rotella is a round shield. Its size varies from approximately 20” to 30” or roughly 50-cm to 76-cm. The grip is most often a loop of leather but may be a solid handle. There is a second loop leather which sits about the elbow; this is sometimes replaced with an adjustable strap. The outside of the rotella is constructed of steel or wood.

            The rotella and its use is the only, to date, documentation of the use of a shield in combat aside from the buckler. However, as will be demonstrated, the rotella differs from the buckler in use. While this style of combat is more readily associated with military-style encounters, there is evidence, as presented in these civilian manuals of its use for civilian combats as well. 

Versus Buckler

            One of the great mistakes made with regard to the rotella is that it is often assumed that it is used the same way as the buckler. This is actually incorrect. There are some significant differences that must be noted between the rotella and buckler in order to completely understand how the rotella is used.

            Simply based on physical size the buckler is small and the rotella is large. This alone will result in differences. The simple thing is that a small defensive object will be more mobile than a larger one. The result of this is that the buckler will be more active that the rotella which will be more stationary.

            The size will affect the nature of the use of the item, but the use will still be based on the same foundation theory of such a defensive device. Thus similarities can be drawn between the use of one and the use of another. Ken Mondschein has noted that the use of the rotella as used by Agrippa is similar to the Bolognese judging from Marozzo’s assaulti; however the rotella is more to the fencer’s side whereas the buckler is placed out in front of the fencer.

What will also be noted through this investigation is that the similarities will be present amongst the masters indeed if there were no similarities it would be difficult to draw a common use of the item, and thus a universal approach to its use. It is the similarities which will be the focus but differences will also be noted.

Wards

            There are several wards available for the use of the rotella. Each of the four masters described at least one if not several wards which can be used at sword and rotella. For the purposes of this examination the ward which will be used is one which is based upon the essential principles which each of these wards is based. This is in essence designed to simplify the system in order that one ward is used.

Marozzo focuses on three wards, coda lunga stretta, coda lunga alta and porta di ferro stretta, however this being said in his description of the actions he also passes through and uses six others. The three named here, though are the three which for the most part he starts from or ends up in. It is the form of the dominant wards which is important.

Agrippa uses four guardia in his manual as his primary. These are described previously in his manual and are given simple alphabetic indications. As the wards are presented as single sword or sword and dagger, it is up to the reader to interpret where the rotella is placed. However after the examination, it will be noted that the same foundations upon which Marozzo bases his wards will also be found in the wards of Agrippa.

Further along in the chronology is Di Grassi and later is Capo Ferro, by this time the amount of wards for the combination have been reduced. Di Grassi mentions the use of three wards, but is essentially focussed on a single ward being his Low Ward. Capo Ferro uses a couple of wards in his use of the rotella but his sesta is his favourite ward. As can be seen the system has been refined to present the essential parts of the system, and in a similar fashion one ward will be indicated here. Of the holding of the rotella Capo Ferro states;

“the rotella must be held embraced with the left arm somewhat curved, in a way that looks somewhat towards your left side, but not so curved that it impedes the eye so that you cannot discern whatever part of the enemy you want to proceed to strike.” – Capo Ferro, 1610 (Kirby, 2012:142)

The essential ward for the use of the sword and rotella is formed as such. The sword foot is placed forward of the off-hand foot with the toe pointed at the opponent. The feet should be comfortably spaced, neither too close or too broad. As with any good ward, the knees should be bent slightly.

The rotella is held extended from the body rather than close to it, with the arm slightly bent in order to bring the rotella slightly across the body to cover it, at least the off-hand side. The position of the rotella should not restrict the view of the opponent, if this is the case the rotella should be moved ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

Bibliography

Agrippa, C. (2009) Fencing: A Renaissance Treatise, Translated by Ken Mondschein, Italica Press, New York, USA

Di Grassi, G. (1594) His True Art of Defence, Temple Barre at the Signe of the Hand and Starre, translated from the 1570 manual by I. G., London, UK

Kirby, J. (2012) Italian Rapier Combat: Ridolfo Capo Ferro, Frontline Books, Yorkshire, UK

Marozzo, A. (1536) Arte dell’ Armi: Books One & Two, translated by W. E. Wilson

The First Defence: Control

Greetings,

Safety is the concern of all combatants regardless of the nature of their art. This applies to those pursuing both Eastern and Western arts, and regardless of the weapons chosen by the combatants. A lack of consideration for safety aspects will result in injury and the possibility of serious injury or even death. This entry discusses concepts of safety and investigates them to find a foundation from which they are based and one which they should be based.

Safety

Standards of safety in fencing, regardless of what form, are based upon what is an acceptable level of injury for the activity which is taken part in. For some this will be to the limit of bones being broken in extreme instances and for others the idea of severe bruising is abhorrent. It is upon this basis that their ideas of safety are built. Obviously there must be some safety standards set for the activity to be encouraged and continued.

This level of injury acceptance goes directly toward the three primary aspects of the safety standard, armour, weapons and performance. With regard to these aspects one will always be emphasised over the others. For some it is performance, this will restrict what actions are acceptable and legal within the system. For others the focus will be on weapons and as such weapons are stipulated with particular characteristics, and thus restricted, to be used within that system. Others it is the armour which determines the primary aspect of safety and for these the armour will be stipulated depending on the recognised limit of injury.

However in truly intelligent systems it is always an even balance of all of the aspects. Weapons are stipulated but only in comparison to the armour. The performance is then regulated to an acceptable level for the system which will allow the weapons and armour to do their respective jobs. What is important here is that it is the performance, and thus control of the combatants which must be most important. Regardless of the armour or weapon standards, a person who is uncontrolled and who does not understand the performance requirements will still be a danger. Thus it must be control which needs to be emphasised in training and also codes of performance which need to be enforced.

Armour and Weapons

With regard to armour and weapons there is always the question of how much of each. Should the focus be upon the weapons or the armour? This has a lot to do with the perceptions of danger on the parts of the combatants.

Should the weapons be light and reasonably forgiving then the armour can be much lighter. Should the weapons be heavier and less forgiving then the armour as a result needs to be upgraded. This is a sliding scale and the direction to which the pointer slides will determine what sort of armour and weapons are chosen as suitable for the activity. The result will also demonstrate which is the focus of safety, the person doing the striking or the person being struck.

Even with armour which is the safest and weapons which are the safest, relying upon the armour and weapons as primary is an issue. This is a fallible system. First, the material in the construction of the armour or the weapon may fail, this is something which we only have a certain amount of control over. Freak accidents will happen. Secondly, the appropriate weapons have to be used in the appropriate manner and the same with the armour should either not suit the purpose for which it is being used, this will cause issues. Finally there is the simple element that a person may forget to don a particular piece of armour, or inspect their own weapon. This can also lead to issues. Once again to comes down to the individual being in control of the situation.

Finally there is the question of armour versus calibration. If the system is designed that the person being ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

True and False Arts: A Discussion of Tempo in the Use of the Feint

Greetings,

Feints are a subject which come up in discussions with regard to the tactics of fencing quite often, and quite frankly I am surprised I have not written an entry in this blog about them yet. So, in order to fill this particular hole in my explanations of fencing I present the following entry on the subject of the True and False Arts. I can tell you that this is only examining on element of the feint, but it is one that needs to be considered as it is vital to how feints work, or don't work.

Cheers,

Henry.

“I am constrayned to divide this Art into two Arts of Sciences, callinge the one the True, the other, the False art: But withall giving everie man to understand, that falsehood hath no advauntage against true Art, but rather is most hurtfull and deadlie to him that useth it.” (Di Grassi, 1594)

            The first question is what is this all about, True and False arts? Discussion of Tempo? Put simply, tempo is something, which is integral and one of the founding elements of fencing, essentially to understand this discussion the reader must understand that all actions in fencing take time. As for the True and False Arts, this is a discussion which has raged since the Renaissance, and will continue to rage amongst those who use the rapier, indeed any sword. In essence the True Art is the use of the blade using direct attacks against the opponent, and the False Art is the use of the blade using feints and misdirection. If the two concepts are combined then it will be understood as to what this discussion is about.

The feint can be used to quite good effect to deceive the opponent into opening themselves up for an attack. This is using the False Art. There were Renaissance masters who thought that the False ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

Art of Combat

Greetings,

Art, and what it is has been a question which has plagued theorists for many years and no doubt will continue to plague them as art changes and changes again. This blog addresses the idea about the art being found in a different place namely in the combat manuals of the medieval and Renaissance periods.

In the search for the art of the medieval and Renaissance period most people go to the typical sources, examining known artists of the period. Names such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo Giotto and Durer others are very well known for their various pieces of art, some of which have become famous and stayed as such even into our own period. What needs to be realised is that art can also be found in other sources. The manuscripts of the period are one good example, another is the combat manuals of the period, a source which is often overlooked in the search for art.

Examples of the art of which I speak can be found as early as the fifteenth century and indeed earlier an example of this can be found here http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=143459&handle=li. This is a page out of a manual from 1410 written by Fiore dei Liberi. Now many Western Martial Artists will know of this manual and will know of the art which can be found within it. However for them it is the application of the techniques which are present rather than the artwork which is more significant for them. The artwork which is present and the skill it took to present such art cannot be denied.

What is even more interesting is that well-known artists of the period even dabbled in the martial arts as well. It is well known that Benvenuto Cellini an Italian artist of some note was involved in at one significant duel in his history in which he killed a man. What is less known is that the renowned artist ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.

The Way Forward...

Greetings,

This will be a bit of an ad hoc post rather than anything planned. So going along with the title of the overall blog this will be a bit of my ramblings. The focus of this one as is indicated is looking at the view forward overall.

In my view I see two ways forward, following the manuals and recreating them as they are, and taking what we can from the manuals applying these techniques and developing our own ways. In some ways this is like the emergence of eastern martial arts in the 70's and 80's. What needs to be realised by all is that both approaches have their benefits and issues.

The first is an historical recreation of skills expressed by previous masters which keeps the examination of period masters alive and the history associated. In many ways this provides some of the fuel for the second approach. These investigations provide examinations of period masters and thus reproductions of techniques developed.

The second approach uses manuals but in a different manner taking core principles and techniques in order to enhance new approaches. This is more focussed towards the western martial arts approach and thus a much more practical one. The investigations are focussed toward how the techniques apply as applied to an opponent before them.

What is important in this is that both approaches need to be encouraged as each one fuels the other. The first approach finds period manuals and investigates them to see how the techniques work, the second uses the techniques and encourages further investigation. In both approaches the investigation needs to be a broad overlook, not narrowing into a singular school or approach. The only way for all to benefit is for all to share with one another and thus benefit all.

Cheers,

Henry. 

Of the Use of the Off-Hand: Part III

Greetings,

This is the third and final part of my discussion and lesson on the use of the off-hand.

Cheers,

Henry.

Advanced Actions

            There are many further actions which can be utilised in the use of the off-hand; two specific areas will be addressed along with some general ideas and discussions of these more advanced techniques. These are more the combination of simple techniques utilised together for a greater effect. These techniques will obviously be based upon the same principles as the simple techniques, merely expanded to include more techniques and possibilities.

Counters to Counters

            The first area of discussion is the concept of the counter to beat a counter. Actions have been discussed. Counters to these actions have been discussed. By applying the same principles and examining the situation counters can be made to these counters. This cycle can continue until one combatant has run out of ideas and breaks off, until a stalemate has been reached and both combatants break off, or until one of the combatants succeeds in his action.

The most important thing in this is as with all combats is to ensure your safety first. The first thought should be to counter the action of the opponent’s sword and then consider attacking. If both can be achieved simultaneously then you will have a great advantage. In the situation of breaking off remember to ensure your safety in the process of breaking off and also once completed.

Beat and Opposition Follow-Up

            The basic techniques have been described for both the beat and opposition parries in both their defensive and offensive forms. One example has been given of where to direct the force in the pushing to the off-hand side of the opponent. This is only one option of many that may be used. The direction of the parry and the control should be dependent on what the fencer has planned to follow the action.

            The parry may be followed by a simple control, contact with the weapon, or even a second parry with the hand depending on the chosen situation. This is where it is important to know how to control the direction in which the opponent’s weapon will travel and to have some idea of what to follow this action with. Some ideas about this particular concept will be discussed below in the combination and application of the sword and the hand.

Blade grasping 

“Moreover, having the use of your lefte hand, and wearing a gantlet or glove of maile, your enemy shall no sooner make a thrust, but you shal be readye to catch his swoorde fast, and to command him at your pleasure:” (Saviolo, 1595) 

            Saviolo explains the operation of the parrying gauntlet succinctly. The purpose of the gauntlet is to gain the opponent’s sword by grasping it and controlling it. However, there is a little more detail that should go into the consideration in the use of the gauntlet. Some of this has to do with the simple use of it, but a little also has to do with the safe use of it.

            First of all the gauntlet and blade grasping is designed to give the user solid control over the opponent’s weapon whether or not they are wearing the gauntlet. The same actions can be performed with a standard glove but the user needs to be aware of the threat to the hand. There is one great advantage and one major disadvantage to this controlling action. The greatest advantage is the solid control over the opponent’s weapon and thus being able to move it about, however this solid control also tells the opponent exactly what is going on and gives them a chance to react to the action of the grasp. Of course there is also the obvious potential for the hand being cut if the gauntlet is not being worn.

            In practicing blade grasping it is best to consider the advantages that you possess before you begin. The first question is whether a gauntlet is being worn and how this will change the operation of it. To begin, with it is best to practice without grasping the opponent’s blade. This prevents the embedding of the idea of the necessity of grasping and thus inability in other actions. Use the previous drills to get used to the idea of using the hand first. Once this has been achieved you can consider grasping and controlling.

Drill 13: Control of the Weapon

1.    Partners stand across from one another in their ward at combat distance.

2.    One makes an attack at the other which is parried with the off-hand.

3.    Once parried the opponent’s blade should be grasped, and then moved about to get an idea of how the opponent’s weapon is controlled in the grasp.

4.    Follow the same action with grasping about different parts of the blade. This is designed to enable the different levels of control and different positions that the opponent’s weapon can be moved to.

            The choice of grasping or not grasping is always present with the open hand regardless of whether a gauntlet is worn or not, but you need to make considerations with regard to this. First of all for recreationalists the question of permitted use within the rules structure must be answered. The other real question is as to what advantage there is in the grasping of the current opponent’s weapon. In some situations it is actually better to retain lighter control rather than grasping. Grasping is a solid control action and sometimes it is an advantage to have a more mobile ability to the control action. Choosing when is important.

Drill 14: Grasping and Release

1.    Partners stand across from one another in their ward at combat distance.

2.    One makes a thrusting attack at the other which is parried with the off-hand.

3.    Once parried the opponent’s blade should be grasped, and then moved about to get an idea of how the opponent’s weapon is controlled in the grasp.

4.    The same attack and defence should be made, except this time the blade is not grasped on the initial contact merely controlled with the hand. Slide the hand down the weapon and grasp lower on the blade.

5.    The same action can be performed up and down the blade. The important thing is to get the idea of the grasp and release of the opponent’s weapon and the advantages that both give. 

Blade grasping clearly gives some great advantages over the opponent and solid control over the opponent’s weapon, however just as with any other skill it should be combined with others and used when it is best suited to the situation. Just as with any other skill it is also one that needs practice to become effective. The use of blade grasping will often result in the actions of closes and gripes and you should consider the consequences of the use of blade grasping and apply this to the current situation.

Sword and Hand

            The following part of the lesson will discuss the use of the sword and the hand together. Most of the actions previously have used the sword and the hand together but in a passive sense. The following considerations are for actively using the sword and hand together.

            The first point of call for this discussion is what will be called a “1-2”. In this action the sword or the hand is placed on the opponent’s weapon in defence and then the contact is swapped to the other. This can be performed with initial hand contact or initial sword contact. This response is designed to enhance your response to the opponent’s attack. These actions can be extended to include three or more points of contact either using the hand or the sword twice depending on the desired result and time available.

For these actions to work you must consider the placement of your sword and also your hand to ensure that they do not get entangled in the process of the action. If your hand or your ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.