Saber Combat Academy LtdLongsword Syllabus Cheat-Sheet – Level Two

Please use this sheet as a reference and glossary of terms used in ‘Level Two: The Squire’ of Saber Combat Academy Ltd.’s Fiore Longsword syllabus. This is intended to be used in partnership with class attendance as only brief descriptions of the terms are given and this, by no means, is the full instruction of the element. The terms below are listed by importance and regularity of use.

General Terms Helm – Head/Face protection constructed from meshed steel wires, leather and padding. Conditioning – Repetitive exercises designed to improve the strength or flexibility of a specific body zone. Guards – A series of postures and poses that allow the swordsman to respond directly to a variety of situations. All have

advantages and disadvantages and work well against some and worse against other guards. There are 12 in total. Formal Duelling – A competitive fight between two combatants. Usually overseen by an adjudicator who keeps score.

Points are scored by making contact with any part of the swords, hands or feet. Generally, these combats are kept to a time limit or point limit to decide a winner. Rules and etiquette are to be maintained at all times.

Duelling Etiquette – As swordsmanship is a major part of the code of chivalry, chivalry enters into swordsmanship. Duellists will always salute their opponent, enter into a fight in a calm, controlled manner, pull the blows and offer compliments regardless of the outcome for a good bout. Never strike an exposed back and never strike a downed opponent.

Chivalry – The Code of Chivalry refers to the moral guidelines that a Knight or gentleman was to aspire to follow throughout his life. A combination of warrior codes, social manners and courtly behaviours, Chivalry is a large part of swordsmanship.

Pulled Blows – To ‘pull’ a blow, means to strike an opponent with far less force than is required to injure them. In practice or duelling, combatants will hit fast but pull their blows to avoid deliberate injury or accidental damage to kit or their opponents.

Training & Combat Terms Guards – Referring to the set position as taught by Fiore, certain guards allow for a more solid defence, a

more active offence or the ability to switch and deceive the opponent. Guards are strict and should be recreated as faithfully and correctly as possible to the original positions. The guards for Level One are:

o Posta Breve – Short Guardo Posta di Fenestra – Window Guardo Posta di Coda Longa – (Long) Tail Guard

Footwork Combination Steps – Linking steps learned in Level One to create new angles of attack and defence.

o Accrescere I di Strada, Volta ala Traversa – Advance across the (centre) line, turn into position.o Accrescere I di Strada, Passo ala Traversa – Advance across the (centre) line, step into position.o Passi con Tutta Volta – Side-Step and reposition with Whole Turn.

Lines of Weakness – Remember that bi-pods are unstable, tri-pods are stable. Examine opponent’s guard and posture, imagine where the stable ‘3rd leg’ would be and try to attack in that direction.

Four Cuts – Creating the vertical and horizontal cuts, in addition to Level One’s diagonal cuts.o Mandritto Mezano – Forehand Middle Cut, cutting from the forehand side, leading with the true-

edge in a flat or horizontal line. Aim for opponent’s neck.o Roverso Mezano – Backhand Middle Cut, cutting from the backhand side, leading with the false edge

in a flat or horizontal line. Aim for opponent’s neck. Depending on guard, leading with the true-edge is possible and encouraged.

o Mezano Fendente – Middle Descending Cut, aiming directly down the centre line, cutting opponent in half. Remember ‘pyramid’ arms above the head, pulling pommel down to strike upper-front of helm. Do Not Strike the Top!

o Mezano Sottano – Middle Rising Cut, swinging up vertically from the hip, up the centre line. Imagine a traditional Sottano cut with a far more vertical angle to achieve this strike.

Five Thrusts – Attacking with the Punta di Spada (tip of the blade).o Mandritto Punta – Forehand Point, aiming for the helm or neck from the forehand side.o Roverso Punta – Backhand Point, aiming for the helm or neck from the backhand side.o Fendente Punta – Descending Point, down the centre line to attack helm or neck.o Sottano Punta – Rising Point, up the centre line to attack helm or neck.Important: These thrusts work in combinations – Mandritto Sottano Punta, Forehand Rising Point etc.

o Mezano Centrale Punta – Middle Centre Point, a straight thrust aimed for the centre line. Sternum to helm.

Rebattere – ‘Beating Aside’ incoming attacks, usually with the mirrored attack to create a strong defence and open up attack lines.

Blade Grabs – The act of physically gripping an opponent’s blade with the aim of stalling their attack, to disarm or to counter.

o To the backhand – Make a block defence to your backhand, release lower hand and grab opponent’s blade tightly. Wrench to your backhand side to expose centre line. Position blade to counter with a stab.

o To the forehand – Make a block defence to your forehand, release lower hand and reach over/behind your blade to grab opponent’s blade. Wrench up and disengage blade to counter with a stab.

o Blade Wrap – Block defence to the backhand, reach over opponent’s blade and dip arm down. Opponent’s blade should be in your armpit as the back of your backhand side hand grips the blade or Crossguard of opponent’s sword.

o Blade Wrap Disarm – As above. Once holding Crossguard, turn away from opponent towards your backhand. This should wrench opponent’s sword out of their hands. Use the momentum to toss the sword aside. Must offer yield to opponent. Do not attack after a disarm occurs.

Defending against Descending Vertical Attacks – Relying on knowledge of sword parts to create a solid protection.

o Vertical Block Defence – Sword is raised above the head to intercept incoming attack. Held at 45 degrees to encourage impact on the Tutta Spada, sliding to the Crossguard for a safe collection. Sword leans to the backhand to create a solid support.

o Vertical Block & Crossguard Strike – As above, once collected on the Crossguard, actively punch the blade with the Crossguard towards your backhand to expose an attack line on opponent.

o Half-Sword Vertical Block – Same intention as above, but as sword raises above your head for the block, release lower hand off grip and grab your blade where the Punta Spada becomes Mezza Spada (upper third) to increase defence strength.

o Half-Sword Vertical Yield & Pommel Strike – As above, but just after impact, yield to the attack in the direction of your backhand. Keep blade contact as your tip drops and pommel rises. Step towards opponent and pommel strike helm.

o Hilt-Grab – As opponent raises arms to strike vertically downwards, step forwards rapidly and use lower hand off grip to grab their wrist or hilt between the hands to stop the attack. Counter with a thrust to the mask.

Kiai & Combat Breath Control – Learning to compose oneself in the heat of battle.o Kiai – The vocal expression of power during a sharp exhale. Used to focus energy in an explosive,

outward manner.o Breath Control – Maintaining a fluid rhythm of breathing will keep the body fuelled and increase

stamina as well as control. Emotional control is linked to breath control and focus, very important when training with potentially deadly weapons.