Course introductionCourse codes: SSW-150

Approaching Gioco Largo with Sidesword

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6 chapters25 lessonsLevel 1 · Apprentice

Prerequisite: This course assumes the knowledge of the three Sidesword Fundamentals courses.

Gioco Largo ("wide play") refers to situations where the opponent's weapon is withdrawn and presents the capacity to strike with a larger movement, often a cut.

Attacking the Guards: We will examine the guards our opponent stands in and approach them with a plan of attack. Using proper blade mechanics we are able to strike our blow while defending ourselves against their simple attack to us.

Bind Pressures: It is imperative that when the blades bind together we sense the intent of the opponent and respond correctly and immediately. This gives us the opportunity to continue our offensive no matter their response.

Stringere: We will apply stringere (strategic pressure) to the opponent in order to lead them away from attacking and toward defending. When they move to defend, we will preempt their defenses and continue our own offensive.

Course outline

01Attacking the Guards6 lessons
  1. Covering the Opponent's Direct AttackLesson
  2. Against Guardia AltaLesson
  3. Exercise: Attacking Each QuadrantLesson
  4. Against the Low QuadrantsLesson
  5. Exercise: Three Choices when AttackingLesson
  6. Against Sopra BraccioLesson
02Attacking the Guards, with Buckler2 lessons
  1. Covering the Indirect AttackLesson
  2. Covering the Late/Counter AttackLesson
03Bind Pressures5 lessons
  1. The Opponent's ParryLesson
  2. Pressures on the Low OutsideLesson
  3. Weak Parry and Strong BreakingLesson
  4. Pressures on the Low InsideLesson
  5. Three Pressures on the Outside LineLesson
04Bind Pressures, with Buckler3 lessons
  1. Yielding to the Counter AttackLesson
  2. Responding to Attack or DefenseLesson
  3. Adding Footwork and Counter AttackLesson
05Stringere via the Thrust7 lessons
  1. Exercise: Stringere Against Changing GuardsLesson
  2. Constraining Guardia Alta (Upper Right)Lesson
  3. Constraining Sopra Braccio (Upper Left)Lesson
  4. Constraining Coda Lunga e Larga (Lower Right)Lesson
  5. Constraining Cinghiara Larga (Lower Left)Lesson
  6. Constraint, Invitation & ProportionLesson
  7. Constraining the Direct AttackLesson
06Stringere via the Cut2 lessons
  1. Constraining Guardia Alta (Upper Right)Lesson
  2. Constraining Sopra Braccio (Upper Left)Lesson