Approaching Gioco Stretto with Longsword

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

Intention Thrusting/Cutting: First you'll refine and expand your mechanics for taking control of a presented weapon with thrusts from all four quadrants, then you'll learn how to bring that together with proper timing and context. Then we explore how we can use a controlling cut to dominate the centreline and enter the fight in a whole different way.

Recovering: In this lesson you'll build the tools for getting back into control when you have lost it. Both as defenses against attacks as well as defenses against position and blade control.

Stringere: Here you'll learn how to maintain control and defeat your opponent's to recover or attack. With this knowledge you'll learn how to strategically and tactically control a fight as part of the concept of "stringere".

The True Fight & Combat Application: These lessons focus on the tactical flow chart of all the possible actions and responses in gioco stretto, that we call the True Fight. You'll learn how to use this powerful tool to first understand combat and then to build your tactical responsiveness in combat and analyze why you win and lose.