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
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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
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.
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...