Allaigna’s Song
Tag Archives: swordplay
Teaching Every Body: Adapting Your Curriculum for Gender Differences
Swordplay has traditionally been a male-dominated activity in western society. The books we work from were written by and for men, and the artist models were men. Canonical positions, particularly in rapier texts, may not be the most mechanically advantageous for other body types. Find out how you can adapt your practice for every body.
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Over, Across & Around: turning the sword
Swordplay from the Ground: the three turns of the sword The last of the swordplay skills you’ll need to demonstrate for your Green Spur is an understanding of the three turns of the sword. These turns have the same … Continue reading
Meeting with Swords
Swordplay from the Ground: Crossing the Sword in Front and Behind For the Green Spur there are only two ways you need to worry about encountering your opponent’s sword: from in front, and from behind. Crossing in Front This is … Continue reading
Cutting: Fluid Mechanics
Swordplay from the Ground: Cutting Mechanics & Timing In previous posts I discussed the eight lines and the three points of origin (shoulder, elbow and wrist) of cuts. To make your cuts effective, however, you need proper body mechanics and … Continue reading
Getting the Point to your Opponent
The knight’s sword was not just a cutting weapon. A well-aimed thrust delivered with the impulsion of a moving horse was a deadly combat technique. It was also an effective attack from the ground. There are four basic types of … Continue reading
