Gioco Stretto & Grapples with Longsword

We’re picking up the longsword to explore giocco stretto or the “narrow play”, a combative context where the opponent’s weapon is an immediate threat—usually when the point is near us. This situation is the norm in much swordplay and generally comes about following a crossing (or bind) of blades.

Feeling Exercise: In the first lessons we are exploring the crossing and how to safely respond to it based on the blade pressure the opponent gives us. We’ll also work on responding to the pressures presented by our opponent on the outside line. We then look at these same pressures within the context of exchanging a thrust.

True Fight: When you get close in a sword fight, it’s not a sword fight anymore. In this lesson we begin our exploration of entering in to grapple, beginning with the exchange of the thrust as our initial entering technique.

Adaptive Fight: When the dominance of the sword has been lost, one can “adapt” and continue moving forward with renewed advantage. Here we explore adaptive grappling plays and their mechanics from both sides of the body.