Refused Posture with Rapier

Guards and Attacks: In this first pair of lessons on the subject we will explore the mechanics of attacking from offside leading postures.

Gaining and Stringere: We look at how to gain the opponent’s sword when beginning from a refused position. We then look at how to adapt to an opponent’s responses in order to maintain control and strike.

Recovering Control: If your opponent gains your sword strongly and attacks with a bold forward attack, the refused postures can be an excellent way to move back strongly and regain control with the sword or with your offhand. These lessons look at both of these options.

Countering Refused: We look at how to counter the refused position by first exploiting the withdrawn distance of the opponent’s sword, then by drawing the refused fighter into parrying with their offhand and then deceiving it.