FIORE’S DAGGER AND SWORD

THE CORE CONCEPTS FOR WEAPONS USE IN THE FIOR DI BATAGLIA FOR WEAPONS USE IN THE FIOR DI BATAGLIA

This weekend’s workshop will focus on the two largest sections of Fiore’s treatise in an effort to bring into crisp relief the fundamental principles guiding the use of weapons in this system. With over seventy illustrated actions against the dagger, and over fifty using the sword, the sections for these weapons comprise the greatest part of Fiore’s art. It should also be remembered that Fiore’s system uses particular weapons to best illustrate particular concepts. Therefore concepts taught with any weapon may be extrapolated (with consideration of advantages and disadvantages) to other weapons.

Day one will focus on actions with and against the dagger and include:
The Universal Footwork Paradigm
Absolute Blocking Directives
Nine Methods for Getting on Top of the Opponent’s Weapon
How to Work Inside the Lead Foot
Maintaining Continuous Contact with the Opponent
Sensitivity and Following the Opponent’s Actions
Disrupting or Maintaining Skeletal Structure and Balance
Striking, Breaking, Locking, Disarming and Throwing
Flowing Through All Five of These Technique Sets
Using the Dagger Against the Sword

Day two will focus on the use of the sword and will include:
Using the Sword in One Hand (weak leverage)
Actions Using the Sword in One Hand
Using the Sword in Two Hands (very strong leverage)
The Seven Leverages of the Sword
Guards/Attacks (yes, they’re the same thing)
Fighting From the Guards/Attacks
Creating Crossings and Maintaining Contact
Entry and Actions of Zogho Largo
Entry and Actions of Zogho Stretto

The pace will be one that allows significant discussion of the details and principles of the actions being taught (please refrain from “what if’s” and digressions). Please bring materials for taking notes and be prepared to ask questions at the end of each section of instruction.

Please dress in comfortable clothing and shoes you can stand and move in all day. Please bring a wooden or plastic knife simulator (no metal knives please) and a wooden or metal sword trainer (either a single piece that can be used in both one or two hands, or two distinct weapons). No other equipment is necessary. Please do not wear heavy gloves.

NOTE: Absolute cooperation with your training partner is expected and strict structure will be followed during the classes. Safety and proper technique will be the focus, and speeding up, countering, or going outside the instructed action will not be tolerated.

The Cost is:
$25 for Saturday & $25 for Sunday (i.e. $50 for both days)

Schedule
Saturday - October 4th (Dagger: with and against)
9:00 am - 10:00 am Warm-ups
10:00 am - 11:30 am Session #1
11:45 am - 1:00 pm Session #2
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch (Bring your lunch or buy it at the small cafe in the park)
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Session #3
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Break & Questions
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Session #4
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Questions & Answers
6:00 pm on... Pints at the Irish Inn (within walking distance)

Sunday - October 5th (Sword)
9:00 am - 10:00 am Warm-ups
10:00 am - 11:30 am Session #1
11:45 am - 1:00 pm Session #2
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Lunch (Bring your lunch or buy it at the small cafe in the park)
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Break & Questions
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Session #4
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm Questions & Answers
6:00 pm on... Pints at the Irish Inn (within walking distance)