The Basic Capo Ferro Video 1 Stance and Movement

Discussion of the Basic body positioning as shown in The Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing by Ridolfo Capo Ferro.

[@aliskyerosel9138]

Looks great, Ben!

[@migmindy]

you're very bodily aware, very useful. ty

[@ericlanham6649]

That's really good stuff! Thanks Ben!

[@rapsmusic1]

Keep up these videos please! :)

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Nice footwork lesson.

[@rpc090020]

You tested pressure going in the standard direction ( against you ), very well. So, what if someone moves on you sideways? It seems like you are simply disarmed; with this stance there is a sum of, zero body weight controlling ( on top ) of the weapon, thus you have no viable edge.

[@kajaba]

Ben your speed can't be very good. I think your feet shouldn't intersect. And try to increase distance between your feet and go much lower with your torso. That makes you move much much quicker

[@benjamindoggett5794]

+Michal Kajaba Sorry for the delayed response, I am just seeing your comment now. I think it's an interesting conclusion to draw on the functionality of my speed when in this form. The line drawn between the feet actually has very little measurable effect on foot speed. For one most steps made are not passing steps, and thus unaffected by the placement of the foot. Those passing steps that are made, and at considerable speed, are easily done with consideration and movement around the passed foot without difficulty, particularly since most of your weight in these steps is on the non-passing foot which allows for less abrupt and thoughtless steps as the passing foot is free to land wherever is desired, rather than on the natural falling of a foot in step that most take due to gravity. As to the distance between the feet and the height of the torso, these are actually very related. Because one is bending the back foot as much as they can, and with most of the weight on it, and the front leg is nearly straight, geometrically this distance cannot be increased unless one bends the back leg more, which by definition they cannot. In this video my stance is at a certain height and is likely the most comfortable stance for me. While I do drop my torso lower on occasion, to reduce my target area or bring my sword into useful position based on my opponents stance, It is never in consideration of speed. I assure you I can step just as quickly fighting in my default stance as in my lowered stance. I find what makes a much bigger difference in foot speed is smoothness of motion, the reduction of vertical movement, ups and downs of the hips in steps. When one rises and drops with each step it takes much longer to move through space and is inefficient, so it is more important to be in a stable, comfortable stance that allows movement with one's hips remaining stable and at a consistent deliberate height. While dropping one's torso may seem quicker, because there is less distance for the feet to move, I find that the derivation from one's natural stance is both less efficient and more prone to energy drain, and the increase in the distance of the feet in fact makes one's passes execute later than otherwise, because of the distance the hips need to move. Of course these are my experiences and if you find making such adjustments increases your speed and functionality in combat by all means do what works for you, but I would not recommend adjustments to this stance in general for those who are studying Capo Ferro.

[@kajaba]

+Benjamin Doggett I just gave you some advice. Do as you please :) For me it is working (as I said) much much better. Not only foot speed is affected, but also whole body movement. Try it, try it really hard, best in sparring and do as you find out :)

[@benjamindoggett5794]

+Michal Kajaba I appreciate the advice, as I am sure do others that read these comments and watch the videos. As I stated, I have fought with many changes to the basic stance as the opportunity calls and is appropriate. I still recommend these guidelines to those studying Capo Ferro, for a variety of reasons. I have found that my default stance is strong and 100% capable of producing the functionality I expect, in movement, form, speed, and power. As I said, keep doing what works for you, and I will do what I find works for me. I appreciate you bringing up this alternative way of doing it for those learning from this video as I feel people should seek out what is right for them.

[@kajaba]

+Benjamin Doggett Yeah. But I dont know if it good to do what is right for me, especially when you follow some treaties (capoferro, fabris, meyer etc) - but thats for another conversation.

[@rpc090020]

If I am wrong correct me. But please, I have a few things to say. First of all your videos are very informative. Second, you are standing really far back, it is as if, the only threat is the other man's blade. I could stomp your toes before you touch me with your tip, with that stance. It simply won't work. You are also moving the momentum of the blade so far back that you can only step back to parry the motion while instead ; I think you intend to influence the direction the attacking edge. So what exactly are you doing? A proper stance is not only stability. Defend yourself properly. Correct me if I am wrong, but try again.

[@jaradtrout140]

If you try to “stomp on his toes” in that stance, you’re getting stabbed in the face.