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Rapier Beginners Workbook Reader Resources

Welcome rapier beginners!

If you would like to download the video clips for the book, you can find them all in this Dropbox folder. 

If you have any problems, please let me know.

My answers to the quiz at the end of the workbook:

Q1: what is the debole?

A1: the weak, the pointy half of the blade.

Q2: when did Capoferro publish his book?

A1: 1610.

Q3: name the four guards that you know so far

A1: prima, seconda, terza, and quarta. First, second, third, and fourth.

Q4: what is a ‘stringering’?

A4: Constraining your opponent's sword by putting the true edge of your forte in the way of their debole, closing the line.

Q5: what is a cavazione, and how is it done?

A5: It is a disengage, taking your sword from one side of your opponent's blade to the other. Ideally, done in the smallest possible circle, and immediately gaining control of their debole.

Q6: what is a tempo?

A6: a motion done in measure and an opportunity to strike.

Q7: what is the difference between a parry-riposte in a single tempo, and a parry riposte done in two tempi?

A7: the former is done in one motion, the latter in two. A parry-riposte in a single tempo is often described as a counterattack.

Q8: what is a feint?

A8: giving the appearance of an attack, to induce your adversary to move, creating a tempo in which you can strike.

Q9: what is a beat?

A9: striking your opponent's blade with your own to get it out of the way, creating a tempo in which you can strike.

Q10: what is a falso manco? Can you parry with one?

A10: a backhand rising cut with the false edge, and yes, Capoferro only describes it being used as a parry, for example in the final play of plate 7.

How did you do?

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