Italian Longsword - Grabbing the Blade and Close Plays

[Richard Marsden]

In this video John Patterson, myself (Richard Marsden), and Jim Barrows demonstrate the 5th and 6th play from crossed at the middle from the Fiore manual. We also run through some (not all) of the close measure binds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Rt1zp524g

[Richard Marsden]

Some sparring we did that day. John makes a few grabs on me. Most are at the bind and attempts to perform a close-measure bind play, but there is one that is non-standard but works.

If I thrust too slow, or keep my blade out too long, John will grab it and pull. He pulls to his side and is in no danger of being stabbed or cut- meanwhile my arms are getting moved in an unexpected direction.

Most of the kills are from cuts to the arm or thrusts and the body-position is a little different than what is seen in the German method.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9O0SdhoBgA