Tempo & Provocation with Longsword

Primo Tempo: In these first topics we look at the opportunity to strike as an opponent steps into range and then how we can use the idea of stepping to range to prompt the opponent into an attack that can be exploited.

Dui Tempi: Provoking your opponent to attack you in prima tempo is not all bad, provided you’re prepared to make a proper defence. We look at how to setup opportunities to parry or deflect the opponent’s attack, and then counter-attack in a way that is challenging to defend against.

Contra Tempo: We look at how to create opportunities to strike the opponent as they attack through avoidance, angle, and attacks that simultaneously defend and counter-attack in one tempo.

Mezzo Tempo: Mezzo tempo means “half (mid-) tempo” and refers to opportunities to strike the opponent as they move their weapon non-offensively while they are in your range. The best mezzo tempo opportunity often comes as the opponent raises their weapon in preparation for a cut. In this lesson we look at how to capitalize on these opportunities.