anotheranon (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
anotheranon) wrote2003-11-02 06:02 pm
anotheranon) wrote2003-11-02 06:02 pm
17th c. Italian rapier - a (very) brief introduction
I did make it out to the MASHS meet today, and was very intrigued!
Biggest eye opener - I didn't realize rapiers were so large! My modern sport foil is about 36-38" long with a square cross-section; no blade to speak of. The rapier I borrowed is 42" with a blade about 3/4" wide at the base and an elaborate basket hilt (similar to this) and is quite heavy - my shoulder tired out just doing drills! All in all, it is a damned SEXY weapon (if you're accustomed to thinking of weapons as sexy, that is :P)
And they did start me out with drills, a practice I appreciate because it indicates that this group focuses more on technique than on merely winning. The primary historic manual MASHS uses is one from 1606 by Salvatore Fabris, a master who, I am told, came up with a move for every contingency.
We went through basic footwork and blade moves. The on-guard stance and lunge are similar to modern foil except that the "back" hand is not thrown back when lunging - it can be used to protect the face so it is held near your ear (rather like you're straining to hear). Throwing my arm back will be the hardest thing to unlearn.
The emphasis in rapier is more about defense than offense - sport fencing is about scoring touches; the aim here is to learn how to survive an actual duel and maybe hit the other guy if you can :P The elaborate hilt is also used defensively; the wide crossbar ("quillions") can be used to protect your arm and hand. One of the key skills they practice is "finding the blade": getting your blade in a position to control your opponent's.
Safety is important, but it's only a worry during bouts. Even then I was surprised to see a couple of people bouting without jackets. Not much of a concern for me right now, as I won't be bouting for several months at least, but when I do I plan to wear everything - even with the large rubber stopper, rapiers can hit hard!
The coaches did address my concerns about messing up my foil game and admitted that keeping "headspaces" separate can be a problem. They suggested forgetting everything I learn with them when I go to my regular club, and that using a period weapon different enough from what I'm used to might help alleviate the problem of crossed disciplines.
The fencers themselves were an enthusiastic and open group - again, not heavily caught up in the competitive aspect. Some women too - maybe it's just that I grew up around so many "girly" girls, but I still get pleased as punch when I meet other women who aren't afraid to play hard :)
I think I will be going again next week, and I think for now I'm going to stick with rapier - the sheer size of the weapon I think will help me from confusing it with foil while in the learning stage.
Biggest eye opener - I didn't realize rapiers were so large! My modern sport foil is about 36-38" long with a square cross-section; no blade to speak of. The rapier I borrowed is 42" with a blade about 3/4" wide at the base and an elaborate basket hilt (similar to this) and is quite heavy - my shoulder tired out just doing drills! All in all, it is a damned SEXY weapon (if you're accustomed to thinking of weapons as sexy, that is :P)
And they did start me out with drills, a practice I appreciate because it indicates that this group focuses more on technique than on merely winning. The primary historic manual MASHS uses is one from 1606 by Salvatore Fabris, a master who, I am told, came up with a move for every contingency.
We went through basic footwork and blade moves. The on-guard stance and lunge are similar to modern foil except that the "back" hand is not thrown back when lunging - it can be used to protect the face so it is held near your ear (rather like you're straining to hear). Throwing my arm back will be the hardest thing to unlearn.
The emphasis in rapier is more about defense than offense - sport fencing is about scoring touches; the aim here is to learn how to survive an actual duel and maybe hit the other guy if you can :P The elaborate hilt is also used defensively; the wide crossbar ("quillions") can be used to protect your arm and hand. One of the key skills they practice is "finding the blade": getting your blade in a position to control your opponent's.
Safety is important, but it's only a worry during bouts. Even then I was surprised to see a couple of people bouting without jackets. Not much of a concern for me right now, as I won't be bouting for several months at least, but when I do I plan to wear everything - even with the large rubber stopper, rapiers can hit hard!
The coaches did address my concerns about messing up my foil game and admitted that keeping "headspaces" separate can be a problem. They suggested forgetting everything I learn with them when I go to my regular club, and that using a period weapon different enough from what I'm used to might help alleviate the problem of crossed disciplines.
The fencers themselves were an enthusiastic and open group - again, not heavily caught up in the competitive aspect. Some women too - maybe it's just that I grew up around so many "girly" girls, but I still get pleased as punch when I meet other women who aren't afraid to play hard :)
I think I will be going again next week, and I think for now I'm going to stick with rapier - the sheer size of the weapon I think will help me from confusing it with foil while in the learning stage.
no subject
no subject
You might want to look at the Association for Renaissance Martial Arts site (http://www.thearma.org/) to see if they have any practicing groups in your area, or check out the link list at the H.S. site above.
Seriously though - rapiers aren't cheap ($200 at least for a good one), so try to borrow equipment if you're just trying it out!
no subject
Oh yeah- I read that you hold your hand by your ear. Do you wear gloves on each hand? If you do I suggest holding it in front of your foil target- when the blade comes in to hit you, sweep it away with the side of your hand below the pinky- yes you will get hurt occasionally- big whoop. I stopped a small sword with my palm once- only a couple layers of leather between the tip- no plastic tip just a metal stop tip- and all that happened was a little percussive cut. These things don't really hurt as much as I think you think they do. And when I was fighting rapier I would get bruises all over. Keep in mind I was fighting full grown men and I am maybe 130-135lbs and female- (with metal breast protectors).
I got huge bruises yes but no bad injuries- a few bloody scrapes maybe.
So right about mixing up weapons- as long as you don't sweep a foil blade you'll be fine. It's damn tempting sometimes though... I mean people bring the blade right up to your hand and all you'd have to do would be to sweep and repost... so simple.
Good luck- I'd be interested in updates.
no subject
I'd love to hear more about your salle - It's unusual to hear about a club that offers both modern and historic fencing. How long have you been fighting each of your weapons?
no subject
sounds like fun...
btw...foils, epees, and sabres are all 35in long in modern fencing...less if you're under 12 (32in) or under 10 (30in)