What is an Atajo? To understand the Atajo it is useful to understand the primary causes that make it work. I’m intentionally going to present this from the perspective of a Pachequista (a follower of don Luis Pacheco). Pacheco literally defined…
What is an Atajo? To understand the Atajo it is useful to understand the primary causes that make it work. I’m intentionally going to present this from the perspective of a Pachequista (a follower of don Luis Pacheco). Pacheco literally defined the fencing master’s examination in Spain so in this regard his work is “canonical”. [...]
This is a class I taught at the Western Martial Arts Workshop in 2009 based on Pacheco’s vulgar techniques from New Science. Part I: The introduction includes: Blade mechanics Stance Movements Part II: Includes: Three Universal Methods of Defens…
This is a class I taught at the Western Martial Arts Workshop in 2009 based on Pacheco’s vulgar techniques from New Science. Part I: The introduction includes: Blade mechanics Stance Movements Part II: Includes: Three Universal Methods of Defense Right Angle Atajo Conclusion Footwork Part III: Includes material from Pacheco’s New Science #17 Gaining in the [...]
(12/16/2009) With the Ettenhard translation rolling out we have been getting some requests on what material a fencing instructor should teach during a Destreza class. Rather than provide my own answer, it might be useful to look back to the living trad…
Fencers? Cocky? Never! I recently witnessed an Internet discussion on fencing that rapidly degenerated into bad blood. Using my best sarcastic voice, I hereby state, “It may surprise the world to learn that fencers are notoriously cocky and…
My lovely wife is pregnant with twins and the first trimester officially ends on Thursday, February 25, 2010. Of course, you want to see the pictures and I won’t deny you. Baby Pictures Here is the latest Ultrasound from this last Thursday: Thi…
When a classical instructor from my tradition introduces new techniques each fencing action is taught individually with a focus on form, distance, and timing. Too much emphasis on individual actions can create fencers without depth or the ability to …
Choose a blade no more than 41.1 inches from cross to tip. According to the canonical authors, the length of the weapon should be no longer than 5/4 vara. That’s an upper limit just a bit over 41 inches. Philip II’s Law on Blade Lengt…
Choose a blade no more than 41.1 inches from cross to tip.
According to the canonical authors, the length of the weapon should be no longer than 5/4 vara. That’s an upper limit just a bit over 41 inches.
Philip II’s Law on Blade Length
What hap…
