Welcome to your training for this week at Academie Duello and on Duello.TV. Green cords continue their work on cutting, in this week using cuts to recover from bad positions; Blues recover from disadvantaged positions by passing back into refused; and Reds will be using two swords to cover against powerful cuts.

Green Cord (Level 1)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

This week we take a look at the usefulness of the cut as a tool for recovering control. First the half cut and beat are used to knock the opponent's sword aside while they attack and before, creating an opportunity to gain control and counter-strike. Then we look at the mechanics of the stramazzone -- a wheel shaped wrist cut. This action is then used to protect yourself in situations where the opponent has forced your sword aside and to place you back into a stronger placement.

Blue Cord (Level 2)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

One of the most advantageous applications of the refused position is to use it as a recovering movement. If your opponent gains your sword while you are presented, you can use passing back into refused as a way to regain time, change your sword position, and bring your offside to bare for your defence, regaining control with your offhand or dagger. This week's classes focus on all of these aspects.

Red Cord (Level 3)

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/this-week-in-class/

When wielding two rapiers or two sideswords, the two can be used together in a crossed position to provide a more solid cover against cuts or forceful attempts to gain the sword. In this week's class we explore these complete covers with two sideswords.

Solo Exercise of the Week

http://duello.tv/featured-videos/fundamental-exercises

The mezzano blow is a horizontal cut generally directed toward the upper body. One mezzano can be quickly followed by another on the opposite line to quickly and powerfully strike the opponent against any but the most resolute defence. This video will help you build the fundamentals of how to do these cuts effectively and with mechanical strength.

Devon Boorman is the Co-Founder and Director of Academie Duello Centre for Swordplay, which has been active in Vancouver, Canada since 2004. Devon’s expertise centres on the Italian swordplay tradition including the arts of the Renaissance Italian rapier, sidesword, and longsword, as well as knife and unarmed techniques.
Read more from Devon Boorman.