Italian Rapier, Stocatta, Drummoyne

Giganti Curriculum – Actions on the Blade – Change of Engagement

Introduction

These are the class notes for the Italian rapier class held at Stoccata Drummoyne on 14 Oct 2015.

The change of engagement is the next action on the blade after the blade seizure. The purpose of the blade seizure is to quickly change the engagement so that when the opponent perceives the initial engagement, their reflexive response is defeated by this action on the blade.

Change of Engagement to High Inside Line

  1. Instructor presents point in line (tip high).
  2. Student, from out of distance, extends the hand to engage the presented sword in 3rd on a step forward.
  3. Student changes engagement from 3rd to 4th and lunges to hit with a thrust by glide..
  4. Instructor takes the hit, after which the student recovers back out of distance.

Change of Engagement to High Outside Line

  1. Instructor presents point in line (tip high).
  2. Student, from out of distance, extends the hand to engage the presented sword in 4th on a step forward.
  3. Student changes engagement from 4th to 3rd and lunges to hit with a thrust by glide.
  4. Instructor takes the hit, after which the student recovers back out of distance.

Change of Engagement to Low Inside Line

  1. Instructor presents point in line (tip low).
  2. Student, from out of distance, extends the hand to engage the presented sword in 2nd on a step forward.
  3. Student changes engagement from 2nd to low 4th and lunges to hit with a thrust by glide..
  4. Instructor takes the hit, after which the student recovers back out of distance.

Change of Engagement to Low Outside Line

  1. Instructor presents point in line (tip low).
  2. Student, from out of distance, extends the hand to engage the presented sword in low 4th on a step forward.
  3. Student changes engagement from low 4th to 2nd and lunges to hit with a thrust by glide..
  4. Instructor takes the hit, after which the student recovers back out of distance.

Notes

  1. The step forward as you engage the blade is not optional. The hand precedes the foot as always but the engagement and step must end at the same moment, thus the step is very quick to make this happen.
  2. The blade presentation is either with the tip just above the height of the extended hand, or just below. The threat should thus be either above or below the opponent's hand when they are in guard.
  3. The change of engagement must be subtle to prevent the opponent reacting during the change.