In Proportion

I am not known for my sense of proportion when it comes to the Art I serve. OF COURSE everyone should train. OF COURSE it's more important than jobs or other distractions (I make an exception for children. Only for children). But the Art itself is based on proportion. For any action to work, it must be done in the correct time and measure. Both of these are not absolute dimensions, but proportional to the position and actions of the opponent.

In medieval times, up until comparatively recently, the units of measurement (yards, metres, pounds, kilos, etc.) would vary from country to country, even town to town. It was very difficult to establish absolute dimensions for anything. So all building plans and similar representations would be established proportionally, geometrically. Side x is twice the length of side y, etc.

This fits with fencing perfectly: as Vadi wrote:

La Geometria che divide e parte.

Per infiniti numeri e misure.

Che inpi di scientia le sue carte.

 

La spada e sotto posta a le sue cure.

Convien che si mesuri i colpi ei passi.

Acio che la scientia ta secure.

 

Geometry divides and separates

By infinite numbers and measures,

And fills her papers with science.

The sword is placed in her care,

So measure blows and steps together

So Science keeps you safe.