Vincent at Ensis Sub Caelo has published an English translation of an excerpt Jean-Joseph Renaud's Traité d’Escrime Moderne (1928) where Renaud discuss the secret thrust, or botte secrète. Nevers’ attack strikes the villain in the finale of Le Bossu. "A fencer smiles when he hears of secret attacks. He knows, or thinks he knows, all … Continue reading Jean-Joseph Renaud on Secret Attacks
History
Danet on the Demi-Volte
“In smallsword, the volte is a movement that is an evasive action—that is, an esquive—that sidesteps an attack while simultaneously thrusting into the opponent. When one executes this advanced move, one is simultaneously attacking and defending at the same time. Hence, the demi-volte can be considered a counter-attack. It is fraught with risk while remaining … Continue reading Danet on the Demi-Volte
Women’s Fencing Instruction, 1917
On this last day of Women's History Month, it is fitting that we examine how many women in the United States were introduced to fencing in the early Twentieth Century. In 1917, Mary C. Morgan edited a volume...
Bryn Mawr Fencers, 1927
Bryn Mawr Fencers with Foils and Masks, 1927.Bryn Mawr College Library Special Collections.Courtesy VintageSevenSisters on Tumblr. Bryn Mawr College is one of the original Seven Sisters colleges, selective colleges created to provide women with the same caliber of education found at the then men-only Ivy League colleges. All of the Seven Sisters were founded between … Continue reading Bryn Mawr Fencers, 1927
The Swords Club, 1936
Several women and few men fence at the Swords Club, 1936. Photograph by Sam Hood.Collection of State Library of New South Wales.
Women Saberists, Western High School Fencing Club, 1925.
Women saberists, dressed in a sailor-themed blouses, practice with sabres as one fencer lunges with a cut to the crown and her adversary parries. Fencing gauntlets, Indian clubs, and images are hung on the salle wall. Western High School Fencing Club, 1925. Library of Congress.
The Princess and the Eye Patch
Doña Ana de Mendoza, the Princess of Éboli, is a woman full of historic intrigue and mystery. Fascination of her is fueled not only by her legendary beauty, courtly manipulations, and murderous plot, but also the mystery surrounding...
Queen City Classical Fencing 