Lesson 15 – The Thrust in 2nd Intention

Whilst we have briefly touched on this in the past, the thrust is also a devastating redoubled attack with the spadone. The only caveat is that this technique is really for one on one fights, not for melee. Most authors recommend the thrust be omitted from melee situations as the flow of the spadone can be broken quite easily during the thrust.

Thrust on 2nd Intention Partner Drill

This drill is taken directly from Alfieri's Lo Spadone, Chapter 10.

1. Both start in Right Guard, Point Behind.
2. Attacker throws a mandritto on a right step to the head.
3. Defender parries with Left Head Guard, turning the vita into the parry with a volta stabile.
4. Attacker rolls the hands up anti-clockwise to deliver an imbroccata to the head, lengthening the right step into a lunge.
5. Repeat 5 times then switch roles.
6. Switch to Left Guard, Point Behind, throwing riverso and rolling up clockwise to deliver an imbroccata to the head on a left step. Repeat 5 times each.

Thrust in 2nd Intention on a Pass Partner Drill

1. Both start in Right Guard, Point Behind.
2. Attacker throws a mandritto on a right pass to the head.
3. Defender parries with Left Head Guard, turning the vita into the parry with a volta stabile.
4. Attacker rolls the hands up anti-clockwise to deliver an imbroccata to the head, whilst completing the corrective step.
5. Repeat 5 times then switch roles.
6. Switch to Left Guard, Point Behind, throwing riverso and rolling up clockwise to deliver an imbroccata to the head on a left pass. Repeat 5 times each.

Thrust in Low Line on 2nd Intention Partner Drill

1. Both start in Right Guard, Point Behind.
2. Attacker throws a rising mandritto on a right step to the flank.
3. Defender parries with rising mandritto, turning the vita into the parry with a volta stabile.
4. Attacker rolls the hands up anti-clockwise to deliver a stoccata to the belly, lengthening the right step into a lunge.
5. Repeat 5 times then switch roles.
6. Switch to Left Guard, Point Behind, throwing rising riverso and rolling up clockwise to deliver a stoccata to the belly on a left step. Repeat 5 times each.

Thrust in Low Line 2nd Intention on a Pass Partner Drill

1. Both start in Right Guard, Point Behind.
2. Attacker throws a rising mandritto on a right pass to the flank.
3. Defender parries with a rising mandritto, turning the vita into the parry with a volta stabile.
4. Attacker rolls the hands up anti-clockwise to deliver a stoccata to the belly, whilst completing the corrective step.
5. Repeat 5 times then switch roles.
6. Switch to Left Guard, Point Behind, throwing riverso and rolling up clockwise to deliver an stoccata to the belly on a left pass. Repeat 5 times each.

Controlled Bouting

1. In pairs with one person designated as attacker, and one as defender.
2. Attacker attempts to hit to arms and body with redoubled attacks.
3. Defender attempts to hit with parry riposte or counterattacks to arms or head.

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