The main advantage of the Italian rapier (and one not mentioned in this otherwise excellent introduction) is the simple fact that it’s a one handed weapon. This fact allows your free hand to grab hold of the swinging chandelier as you leap off the balcony to escape the evil baron.
Your voice is as clean, as is the way you tell the information. I admire it very much, because many other people on youtube either would have talked about twice less things for 20 minutes, or talked for 20 minutes and also added some „epic” music, slow-mo and monologues about „the best sword in the universe®” I’m practicing to fight with a hiltless bokken, so maybe i’m not the one who can use the provided information to 100%, but it looks like „first goes the hand, then the foot” is universal among weapons. I try to learn to do that. Thanks!
These stances are surprisingly similar to Chinese jian sword techniques but without all the mindblowing poetries and riddles. This is straightforward and I like it.
It's amazing how much cross over there is between different martial arts. I have at times considered the similarities between rapier and Jian. Both swords with light, narrow, double edged blades that seems ideal for nimble point work. The Jian does seem stylistically to focus more on cutting and the Rapier on thrusting but there's certainly crossover.
Is it because of the construction of the sword? My understanding of, especially Japanese swords (I am by no means an expert, not even close) is that steel was more rare in the East and it was more costly to notch a sword. As such, they were design to be thinner and the techniques focus on deflecting and dodging.
@@lowcarbongamer6104 Honestly notching swords is a problem no matter what when it comes to sharp swords. Most people would want to avoid if it they could. As for stylistic differences I'd say it's mostly based around the proportions of the sword. Asian Martial Arts have the whole spectrum of blade types from very broad bladed cutting swords like the Dao, to narrow but stout cutters like the Katana, right down to the to nimble, almost rapier like Jian. With such a wide variety I'd guess the steel wasn't the issue but a stylistic difference. Same as in European Martial Arts, the techniques in Sabre are very different from those in Rapier and Longsword. The big changes being mostly about what that sword is good at or more importantly, what it was made for. Interestingly enough even stylistic difference appear within a single sword type. For example dueling saber is very different from Polish saber despite being similar weapons. The weight and shape of the blade will dramatically change how you use it, even without you trying to change.
@@lowcarbongamer6104The rarity of steel is mostly a myth. The Japanese had issues with steel running out in ww2, but that was during a global conflict in the industrial age, with iron clad warships, airplaines and mass production of tanks and machine guns. In pre-industrial times they actually exported swords in relatively large numbers to southeast-asia and some to china so it wasn't a big deal back in the day.
As a jian guy, loving the similarities at play here. Stocatta is interesting because it's a ci (stab) yet it has the trajectory of a dian (dipping cut). And the second move is interesting too, equivalent of zha (high arching poke), exactly as in even the most standard tai chi sword forms. Doing it with a side-step though... that's never occurred to me. I'll play around a bit with that for sure. Great stuff!
I'm not much of a rapier guy, but I see it too and find Jians interesting weapons. For one, I've seen mostly two types: 1) the one that weighs no more than a dagger and could cut you up faster than you can see, unless you're wearing armour... 2) The super heavy version, that I can only imagine to be used with a shield, similar to Viking swords... I don't know why, but it's one of the few blades where I'd feel comfortable with push and pull cuts and working it more like a spear, where the point keeps offending the opponent....
@@edi9892 I would certainly be interested in finding a Jian master with sparring experience. I would very much enjoy seeing what we can learn from each other.
Unfortunately these arts have taken such a vastly different turn, as an overall whole. Though some may be living traditions, due to a large variety of political and cultural reasons, Chinese martial arts, especially weapon play, is pretty much completely non-combative. And the modern swords most practitioners train with, aren't anything like a sword at all. Those of us interested in it's historical side are not left with much to go on, other than just trying to piece things together where we can. That isn't to say there isn't anyone left, but it's hard to find anyone. It sure isn't like HEMA, sadly. But, you may ask someone like Scott Rodell. He claims to be all about sparring, and whereas his channel doesn't feature any, he's at least still a relatively good source on the jian, it's historical use and build, and he actually does more than just forms. Best guy I know on this, anyway. If you search his name his channel should come up.
@@WhiteApeMA I had last year a kung fu instructor of like 30 years come by our school. He was a really awesome guy and was super jazzed to spar Jian with us. It was apparent that he quickly made adjustments to his style to deal with our sabers, but we had to do the same to adjust to his as well. It was a really great experience and despite the style he studied, his physical capabilities and ability to adapt made him a challenging opponent.
This passata sotto with a hand on the ground is found in which manuscript? i am looking for it for a good time and not finding any italian reference to it, the only reference i could find were a british one in Hutton.
There are many many version of the Passata Sotto, only a few indicating specifically the hand on the ground. Though many don't actively prohibit it. One specific example is Regole Della Scherma by Francesco Antonio Marcelli, 1686. Which has a very nice illustration showing the hand on the ground for the technique.
Many of these, absolutely. The offhand parry is illegal but in a real fight with sharp epees I'd highly recommend it. The cuts also would be ineffective with epees but anything involving the point can also be done with small swords and epees were designed for small swords training. The only thing that may make it more difficult is that epees don't have quillons which aid in capturing and trapping.
@@resolvedinsteel Thanks for replying and explaining. I will be trying these myself and then applying with my fencing club, just for fun. Got a new subscriber!
This list is an amalgamation of techniques I've found useful from a variety of sources. I would say the source I've studied most particularly is Vincentio Saviolos treatise of 1595. But there are certainly hints of Capoferro, Marcelli and Fabris among others.
@@resolvedinsteelAh that explains my astonishment, I have not worked with Saviolo nor know someone who does, Silver is probably to blame for that. It is great to see someone use more variety and non mainstream masters. I have 2 questions and an appeal if you don't mind. The prima shown has the point to the opponents right (almost?) out of presence, is that to represent pointing at the nearest part of the opponent like hand or right shoulder(Docciolini's punto)? Further during the stoccata the performer pulls hand and hip back before lunging, something I am familiar with from the earlier Bolognese school and Meyer but have not seen in later Italian systems, Is that an aspect that was preserved by Saviolo? Lastly a minor appeal, could you specify in educational material a bit what you are teaching from. Barely anyone does and I'd personally like to see Italian swordsmanship represented as the collection of distinct styles it is rather than a monolith. A very interesting video and I look forward to see more, Cheers.
On the position of Prima, this very well may be just my personal take on it due to how I find it most effectively employed. That of deflecting a cut to the head or thrust to the face. In both of these situations having the blade directly in presence or pointing directly to my opponent leaves me with an open line to be attacked. With a very minor adjustment I can bring the blade into presence but my first order of business is to close the line. I'll have to put a disclaimer in the comments that the video may come with a healthy dose of my own quackery XD. On the lunge. I watched the video back several times when you mentioned the hand and hip being withdrawn, I couldn't detect this movement though. Meyer does show a rather extreme withdrawal of both before a lunge. And I do study Meyer as well, perhaps the subtlety has crept into my movement without my notice?! I quite like your attention to detail, especially with the differences between Italian masters, of which there are many. They do deserve their differentiation!
@@resolvedinsteelThat is a very sound interpretation of the guard. Docciolini proposes something very close with his Imbroccata guard, hand slightly above the head and just in front of the right foot in a narrow stance, pointed at the right shoulder, like in 0:12 only bending the body a bit more. He reasons this forces the opponent to remove his sword from the straight line to gain yours, while protecting the head. I might have mistaken you getting into broad-ward for part of the thrust :D. It is just after the screen turns from black and ends when the white bar reads tta in 0:36 and start of second 0:39 there is some mention of fencers who "drill" or throw their thrusts, so I thought I'd ask. I'm glad you agree, without naming them it's a bit hard to find specific masters and confusing for newcomers. Not to mention those that proclaim their chosen style to be THE Italian fencing.
Hahaha, it's true! There is so much out there, especially for those of us that study multiple sources sometimes things get lumped together in my brains fencing "box". I have at times had to retrace my academic steps to recall precisely where I learned something and how it's different from other interpretation, even when it's something I use all the time. I suspect I'm not the only one. Thank you for the stimulating conversation my friend 😁
Ok so i know I can't be the only one that recognized the passata Soto as the move inigo Montoya used when he killed one of the guards before fighting the 6 finger man
Spelling was a funny thing back before they had dictionaries. I believe it was Mark Twain that said, "I have no respect for a man that can spell a word only one way" XD. Even in a single treatise we can see a single word spelled multiple different ways. Cheers!
@@resolvedinsteel this comment it’s quite ignorant if I can say. I’m Italian and I can guarantee that the way you spelt the words would not be pronounced as they should, even in the 14th century.
@@solilunaris779 Well perhaps I need to spend more time on my Italian spelling! Not speaking Italian, I based the spelling here on the several different spellings I've seen in English translations. I cannot vouch for their pronouncability in Italian. Thanks for bringing it to my attention though.
@@resolvedinsteel Complimenti davvero, video bellissimo e molto istruttivo. Quanta bella tecnica e quanta passione! Da spadaccino e da italiano confermo le indicazioni di solilunaris.
@@resolvedinsteel The typical error that someone who speaks English or French does when trying to spell Italian, Spanish or other phonetical languages is thinking that there can be more different possible spellings for the same word. That's not the case at all. There is only one. Always.
Well sorry to interject, since everyone around here has an opinion about everything. I feel the need to also be an asshole and put in my two cents! Marta is Spanish so I doubt she has anything to do with Italian swordsmanship. Her style is Spanish Destreza, La Bella Española! The one that does Italian is Marie!
The main advantage of the Italian rapier (and one not mentioned in this otherwise excellent introduction) is the simple fact that it’s a one handed weapon. This fact allows your free hand to grab hold of the swinging chandelier as you leap off the balcony to escape the evil baron.
RIDICULOUS everyone knows if you need to swing on a chandelier you just grip the sword between your teeth for maximum grip.
Oh come now, you need be able to defend yourself as you swing! Come on Nathan! 👈🤺
😂
I love how anything Italian is so poetic and beautiful. Even just their sword figuring style is elegant and graceful looking.
YES, RAPIERS ARE SO COOL. This would be good for exercises and cross reference for making characters! Thank you!
Rapiers are the best!
I love that clean fast informative format
More to come!
This is a really nice clean summary video; especially for non rapier folk like me. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Daniel! I've learned a thing or two from your longsword videos.
Your voice is as clean, as is the way you tell the information. I admire it very much, because many other people on youtube either would have talked about twice less things for 20 minutes, or talked for 20 minutes and also added some „epic” music, slow-mo and monologues about „the best sword in the universe®”
I’m practicing to fight with a hiltless bokken, so maybe i’m not the one who can use the provided information to 100%, but it looks like „first goes the hand, then the foot” is universal among weapons. I try to learn to do that. Thanks!
Yeah I'm starting to think people want less talking and more information in these videos haha.
These stances are surprisingly similar to Chinese jian sword techniques but without all the mindblowing poetries and riddles. This is straightforward and I like it.
It's amazing how much cross over there is between different martial arts. I have at times considered the similarities between rapier and Jian. Both swords with light, narrow, double edged blades that seems ideal for nimble point work. The Jian does seem stylistically to focus more on cutting and the Rapier on thrusting but there's certainly crossover.
@@resolvedinsteel there is also an emphasis on tapping with Jian
Is it because of the construction of the sword? My understanding of, especially Japanese swords (I am by no means an expert, not even close) is that steel was more rare in the East and it was more costly to notch a sword. As such, they were design to be thinner and the techniques focus on deflecting and dodging.
@@lowcarbongamer6104 Honestly notching swords is a problem no matter what when it comes to sharp swords. Most people would want to avoid if it they could. As for stylistic differences I'd say it's mostly based around the proportions of the sword. Asian Martial Arts have the whole spectrum of blade types from very broad bladed cutting swords like the Dao, to narrow but stout cutters like the Katana, right down to the to nimble, almost rapier like Jian. With such a wide variety I'd guess the steel wasn't the issue but a stylistic difference. Same as in European Martial Arts, the techniques in Sabre are very different from those in Rapier and Longsword. The big changes being mostly about what that sword is good at or more importantly, what it was made for. Interestingly enough even stylistic difference appear within a single sword type. For example dueling saber is very different from Polish saber despite being similar weapons. The weight and shape of the blade will dramatically change how you use it, even without you trying to change.
@@lowcarbongamer6104The rarity of steel is mostly a myth. The Japanese had issues with steel running out in ww2, but that was during a global conflict in the industrial age, with iron clad warships, airplaines and mass production of tanks and machine guns. In pre-industrial times they actually exported swords in relatively large numbers to southeast-asia and some to china so it wasn't a big deal back in the day.
As a jian guy, loving the similarities at play here. Stocatta is interesting because it's a ci (stab) yet it has the trajectory of a dian (dipping cut).
And the second move is interesting too, equivalent of zha (high arching poke), exactly as in even the most standard tai chi sword forms. Doing it with a side-step though... that's never occurred to me. I'll play around a bit with that for sure.
Great stuff!
Jian is a very interesting weapon which I've often noted as having similarities to the Rapier. I need to spend some more time with it.
I'm not much of a rapier guy, but I see it too and find Jians interesting weapons.
For one, I've seen mostly two types:
1) the one that weighs no more than a dagger and could cut you up faster than you can see, unless you're wearing armour...
2) The super heavy version, that I can only imagine to be used with a shield, similar to Viking swords...
I don't know why, but it's one of the few blades where I'd feel comfortable with push and pull cuts and working it more like a spear, where the point keeps offending the opponent....
@@edi9892 I would certainly be interested in finding a Jian master with sparring experience. I would very much enjoy seeing what we can learn from each other.
Unfortunately these arts have taken such a vastly different turn, as an overall whole. Though some may be living traditions, due to a large variety of political and cultural reasons, Chinese martial arts, especially weapon play, is pretty much completely non-combative. And the modern swords most practitioners train with, aren't anything like a sword at all.
Those of us interested in it's historical side are not left with much to go on, other than just trying to piece things together where we can.
That isn't to say there isn't anyone left, but it's hard to find anyone. It sure isn't like HEMA, sadly. But, you may ask someone like Scott Rodell. He claims to be all about sparring, and whereas his channel doesn't feature any, he's at least still a relatively good source on the jian, it's historical use and build, and he actually does more than just forms. Best guy I know on this, anyway.
If you search his name his channel should come up.
@@WhiteApeMA I had last year a kung fu instructor of like 30 years come by our school. He was a really awesome guy and was super jazzed to spar Jian with us. It was apparent that he quickly made adjustments to his style to deal with our sabers, but we had to do the same to adjust to his as well. It was a really great experience and despite the style he studied, his physical capabilities and ability to adapt made him a challenging opponent.
Exactly what I was looking for, thank you
Happy to be of service 😎
This is amazing! Would love to use this as reference for an upcoming project 😊
Excellent introduction, thanks for sharing.
My pleasure, and thanks for the sub!
Great information and technique. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I come as an epee fencer and this makes me wanna switch to hema
Thank you. Waiting g=for the second part.
This passata sotto with a hand on the ground is found in which manuscript? i am looking for it for a good time and not finding any italian reference to it, the only reference i could find were a british one in Hutton.
There are many many version of the Passata Sotto, only a few indicating specifically the hand on the ground. Though many don't actively prohibit it. One specific example is Regole Della Scherma by Francesco Antonio Marcelli, 1686. Which has a very nice illustration showing the hand on the ground for the technique.
Can you use these in normal traditional epee fencing?
Many of these, absolutely. The offhand parry is illegal but in a real fight with sharp epees I'd highly recommend it. The cuts also would be ineffective with epees but anything involving the point can also be done with small swords and epees were designed for small swords training. The only thing that may make it more difficult is that epees don't have quillons which aid in capturing and trapping.
@@resolvedinsteel Thanks for replying and explaining. I will be trying these myself and then applying with my fencing club, just for fun. Got a new subscriber!
What primary source are you working with?
This list is an amalgamation of techniques I've found useful from a variety of sources. I would say the source I've studied most particularly is Vincentio Saviolos treatise of 1595. But there are certainly hints of Capoferro, Marcelli and Fabris among others.
@@resolvedinsteelAh that explains my astonishment, I have not worked with Saviolo nor know someone who does, Silver is probably to blame for that. It is great to see someone use more variety and non mainstream masters.
I have 2 questions and an appeal if you don't mind.
The prima shown has the point to the opponents right (almost?) out of presence, is that to represent pointing at the nearest part of the opponent like hand or right shoulder(Docciolini's punto)?
Further during the stoccata the performer pulls hand and hip back before lunging, something I am familiar with from the earlier Bolognese school and Meyer but have not seen in later Italian systems, Is that an aspect that was preserved by Saviolo?
Lastly a minor appeal, could you specify in educational material a bit what you are teaching from. Barely anyone does and I'd personally like to see Italian swordsmanship represented as the collection of distinct styles it is rather than a monolith.
A very interesting video and I look forward to see more, Cheers.
On the position of Prima, this very well may be just my personal take on it due to how I find it most effectively employed. That of deflecting a cut to the head or thrust to the face. In both of these situations having the blade directly in presence or pointing directly to my opponent leaves me with an open line to be attacked. With a very minor adjustment I can bring the blade into presence but my first order of business is to close the line. I'll have to put a disclaimer in the comments that the video may come with a healthy dose of my own quackery XD. On the lunge. I watched the video back several times when you mentioned the hand and hip being withdrawn, I couldn't detect this movement though. Meyer does show a rather extreme withdrawal of both before a lunge. And I do study Meyer as well, perhaps the subtlety has crept into my movement without my notice?!
I quite like your attention to detail, especially with the differences between Italian masters, of which there are many. They do deserve their differentiation!
@@resolvedinsteelThat is a very sound interpretation of the guard. Docciolini proposes something very close with his Imbroccata guard, hand slightly above the head and just in front of the right foot in a narrow stance, pointed at the right shoulder, like in 0:12 only bending the body a bit more. He reasons this forces the opponent to remove his sword from the straight line to gain yours, while protecting the head.
I might have mistaken you getting into broad-ward for part of the thrust :D. It is just after the screen turns from black and ends when the white bar reads tta in 0:36 and start of second 0:39 there is some mention of fencers who "drill" or throw their thrusts, so I thought I'd ask.
I'm glad you agree, without naming them it's a bit hard to find specific masters and confusing for newcomers. Not to mention those that proclaim their chosen style to be THE Italian fencing.
Hahaha, it's true! There is so much out there, especially for those of us that study multiple sources sometimes things get lumped together in my brains fencing "box". I have at times had to retrace my academic steps to recall precisely where I learned something and how it's different from other interpretation, even when it's something I use all the time. I suspect I'm not the only one. Thank you for the stimulating conversation my friend 😁
Nice!!
Hey, it's Ambrose!
ooooh snap, who is that? A black tiger of some stripe I'd wager XD
讲得好
Ok so i know I can't be the only one that recognized the passata Soto as the move inigo Montoya used when he killed one of the guards before fighting the 6 finger man
Iconic 😌
A lot of the Italian spelling is wrong:
Stoccata
Passata Sotto
Inquartata
Tho really good and informative video!
Spelling was a funny thing back before they had dictionaries. I believe it was Mark Twain that said, "I have no respect for a man that can spell a word only one way" XD. Even in a single treatise we can see a single word spelled multiple different ways. Cheers!
@@resolvedinsteel this comment it’s quite ignorant if I can say. I’m Italian and I can guarantee that the way you spelt the words would not be pronounced as they should, even in the 14th century.
@@solilunaris779 Well perhaps I need to spend more time on my Italian spelling! Not speaking Italian, I based the spelling here on the several different spellings I've seen in English translations. I cannot vouch for their pronouncability in Italian. Thanks for bringing it to my attention though.
@@resolvedinsteel Complimenti davvero, video bellissimo e molto istruttivo. Quanta bella tecnica e quanta passione! Da spadaccino e da italiano confermo le indicazioni di solilunaris.
@@resolvedinsteel The typical error that someone who speaks English or French does when trying to spell Italian, Spanish or other phonetical languages is thinking that there can be more different possible spellings for the same word. That's not the case at all. There is only one. Always.
Spanish true dextrety.
Spanish fencing is great!
Dexteritinidin din dininninindi dity!
deadly effective
👉😎👉
Marta probably brought me here... (Hellish Quart)
Marta is so awesome!
Well sorry to interject, since everyone around here has an opinion about everything. I feel the need to also be an asshole and put in my two cents!
Marta is Spanish so I doubt she has anything to do with Italian swordsmanship. Her style is Spanish Destreza, La Bella Española!
The one that does Italian is Marie!
@@tatumergo3931 That's not how YT recommendations work...
@@edi9892 . Well certainly not, but hey...!
Красавцы...
Those 6 year olds wont stand a chance…
That's my wife, she's 28 and quite an accomplished fencer and martial artist XD
@@resolvedinsteel i mean i fight against 6 year olds
So i do this LARP summer camp (age 6-18) and sometimes the littler ones challenge me to a duel
Yeah, context is everything XD