Bolognese swordsmanship cutting exercises

[@wiskadjak]

It's good to see how the basic foot work, cuts & guards flow together. Nice, clear video. Thanks for posting this.

[@laurenceperkins7468]

You make it look so easy... Trying it myself it definitely feels like it takes more wrist and arm muscle than the other styles I've tried. I like your demonstrations, especially the fact that you show it slowly more than just once. Are there any common drills of technique adjustments for this style when in a room with a low ceiling? Most of the demonstrations I've seen seem to assume unfettered ability to swing over the head and I'd be interested to see if there is any wisdom for what to do when that's not possible.

[@BenBen404]

Interesting, thank you for sharing !

[@taraxa287]

Thanks for that very awesome illustration, i have seen the merits in your tournaments, as well. I would like to address that these exercises pair very well with the HEMA triangle off polnish sword play! So instead of moving forward, you can also find a way to counter your opponent on his unguarded side be switching sides freely!

[@tamarawickham5744]

thank you for posting these videos they are clear and easy to follow . it is one thing to read about a technique in a book but it is much better to be able to watch some one doing them

[@ilkkaouto]

Thank you! I am happy that you find these useful.

[@HamsterPants522]

Thanks Ilkka. I perform a more basic form of these drills in my yard with a machete. I have rather soft trees to use as pells also if that suits me, but this is definitely going to help me focus on improving technique.

[@bushimotter]

With the katana, a step is often of key importance. It appears as this sword style also benefits exponentially by proper footwork ={>) Do you have a blade that you can cut with? Not only do I dry practice, but cutting offers in incredible amount of use to practice. Bottles are a good test of alignment and speed

[@bushimotter]

I forgot to say, awesome for. Your technique is very good!

[@ilkkaouto]

Thanks! We have sharp swords as well, and occasionally practice cutting -- though at the moment we haven't fpocused much on that aspect. Looking to remedy this in the future however. :)

[@tzardos]

χρησιμο βιντεο!

[@Fwibos]

Are those quick high chops parries or beats?

[@AnotherBoondockSaint]

If you are referring to the cuts followed by a change in direction and angle on the second step, those initial cuts are feints. I can recognise at least one of Marozzo's plays (from 0:57), which is a mandritto (downward cut to right side) feint followed by a molinetti (rotation of wrist to outside) on the traverse ending as a riverso (downward cut to left side). In practise, a feint should always be delivered with the intention to strike. If the reponse is provoked you can continue with the second intention; if not, finish the movement and the cut is yours!

[@ilkkaouto]

Ryeka Exactly. The context of the actions is not described in this video, but they are feints. I would add though, that in order to be safe from a thrust to the face feints should be executed slightly further back than actual strikes. This can of course be achieved with cutting the steps short, so still maintaining the possibility to deliver the actions as honest attacks instead of feints. In practice, opponent will likely parry the strike from further back as well, which is safer.

[@hvuu1628]

Sloppy workout... not doing all the moves all the way.

[@ilkkaouto]

Sure it could be better. But in case you're referring to the multiple cuts the first ones are supposed to be that way because they are feints. I'm sorry that I did not make this clear in the video. The idea is to (if it was a pair exercise) to watch your opponent's hand, and once you see it move, immediately change the line of the cut. As a solo exercise, every cut could be done fully as well - I believe they are both valid ways of practicing.