Archive for April 2015

First Giganti Redux 11: Bodywork   Leave a comment

Bodywork Most ancient masters and modern instructors discuss footwork and bladework as the means of controlling access to your target area and creating access to your opponent’s target area.  “Bodywork” – the movement of your torso to achieve these same goals – is rarely addressed except in the context of the voids previously addressed (ducking […]

Posted April 23, 2015 by Wistric in Giganti, Italian Rapier

First Giganti Redux 10: Voids   Leave a comment

During a normal find or parry, the sword is moved laterally or vertically to close the line.  During a void, the body is moved laterally or vertically from the open line to a closed line.  This bodywork can also be applied without active voids, as we’ll discuss.   Voids against attacks on the inside The […]

Posted April 16, 2015 by Wistric in Giganti, Italian Rapier

First Giganti Redux 9: Passing Steps   1 comment

Moving on from theory and swordplay it’s worth taking a moment to discuss the footwork Giganti employs beyond the lunge.  He barely addresses advances as most fencers understand them (step the front foot forward, bring the back foot up to end in guard), and they may or may not exist in his system at all […]

Posted April 10, 2015 by Wistric in Giganti, Italian Rapier