Two Swords, Baton with Rapier

Positions & Transitions: In these first lessons of working with two swords we will explore use of both the long rapier and the shorter arming sword. The most important part of learning to weild two weapons simultaneously is how to coordinate them so they don’t conflict with one another, and instead work to support one another. In our first lesson we look at thrusting transitions with the rapier, and in the second, cutting transitions with the arming sword.

Gaining & Stringere: We look at how we engage two swords in a manner that creates safe opportunities to strike. First we look at methods for bringing one of the opponent’s swords into the other. Then we bring these actions into context and look at how we can constrain an opponent into giving us the opportunity to control both weapons.

Crossed Covers: We look at the use of the shorter cut-and-thrust rapier and how we can use both weapons to defend against cuts, first from our closed seconda position, then from quinta with both swords lowered.

Using the Baton: We’re going to put down the second sword a pick up a different sword-like object: the cane or baton. In these lessons you’ll see how the baton can function like a rapier, a blunt sidesword, or a dagger. It has many advantages you can exploit plus a few weaknesses to secure yourself against.