Cutting Attacks & Defenses with Rapier

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

Though the rapier functions most efficiently as a thrusting weapon, it can be effective at cutting as well when wielded with sufficient force and the proper mechanic.

Mechanics: Cutting mechanics start with blade alignment and rotation of the sword around the wrist, elbow, or shoulder. Then we add footwork to our cuts to attack targets at the right measure.

Stringere: The cut can be a powerful tool for gaining control of an opponent’s weapon. The half cut can be used to beat the sword aside and leave the opponent open to a thrust, the full cut can be used to clear the weapon completely and allow you to pass in past its threatening point and deliver a deadly cut to the opponent.

Recovery: In these lessons we use the cut as a means to escape from positions where the opponent has found or gained your sword. We will explore half cuts, full cuts, and a type of sword displacing action called a ‘beat’.

Countering the Cut: The final lessons explore how to counter the oncoming cut of an opponent in three ways: 1. As the cut is prepared (in mezzo tempo), 2. As the cut falls (contra-tempo), and 3. After the cut passes and the opponent attempts to bring their weapon back online (dui-tempi).