Notes were made from Christopher Holzman’s translation of Pallavicini’s Fencing Illustrated which can be purchased here
Chapter 23
| A | B |
| Guard low third Imbroccata to chest | Guard second Withdraw the right foot behind the left and stoccata to the face |
Chapter 24
- Take Counter guards.
Much of Pallavicini’s philosophy of fencing seems to be rooted in taking a counter position of your opponent. As we heard earlier, if your opponent’s feet are wide, you should be narrower, if they are taller, get shorter, etc.
- 2nd counters 4th
Pallavicini really doesn’t want you to be in anything but half 2nd, but normal 2nd isn’t bad.
- Half second is the best.
He states this is the best because your middle is ready to defend against cuts, and your strong is ready to parry thrusts. You are also able to offend with cuts or thrusts of your own. This contrary to the low guards which can only truly make the imbroccata. As you will likely see in many plays, the fencer who begins not in 2nd loses.
Chapter 25
| A | B |
| Guard fourth Disengage | Guard second Stoccata to the chest |
Chapter 26
- Do not watch the opponent’s tip nor eyes, but the right shoulder as all movement begins there.
That’s fairly sound advice, I find myself watching the chest for similar reasons.
| A | B |
| Engage in second on your outside Beat the disengage and thrust to the chest | Disengage |
From the engagement of second:
| A | B |
| Stramazzone to the wrist |
From the same:
| A | B |
Withdraw right leg behind left and stoccata to the face. | Pass forward with left foot and stoccata to the chest |
1 Comment
Pallavicini Chapters 30 to 39 of Sword Alone notes – Tommy Dragna · November 18, 2022 at 6:47 pm
[…] The counter to the previous two chapters is the same as any low thrust, to pass back with the right leg and thrust to the face a la Chapter 26. […]