In this workshop we will study one lesson from Bruchius’s 1671 treatise in detail. Through this one lesson, we will focus on his core concepts, such as the engagement of the blade, and the main differences with earlier Italian rapier styles.
More recent fencing styles are often derided for their perceived linearity, as sidestepping is advocated for increasing a fencer’s options for attack. By changing the line over which the opponent is attacked, sideways footwork can enable a fencer to avoid the opponent’s sword. However, in a thrust based style, only minute sidestepping may be required to achieve such an effect. Furthermore, similar effects can be achieved using vertical movement. Finally, the rapier fencing styles of the later half of the 17th century show an increased focus on closing the line, rather than changing it. This closing of the line can sometimes be lost when voiding footwork is applied. In this workshop, the above difference between (modern interpretations of) earlier rapier fencing and (my interpretation of) later rapier fencing is explored through detailed technical analysis of a simple yield in secunda with a passada against an inside parry.
