Thibault Tidbit 3: The Direct Line

#HEMA #sword #Swords #Fencing #Rapier #swordfighting #Thibault #History #Shorts

[@tsoliot5913]

Thibault also says in his positioning rationale that the fastest movement is from the fingers and wrist and in the shortest distance, so you will be faster than your opponent who move from the arm and shoulder. Makes for a big advantage in contratempo plays. And if your guard is invaded, simply "fall" onto your outside step, bring in your arm, continue to cover the center, and extend your arm into your opponent. Principles in action! Shortest distance, smallest movement, safest action.

[@TheRealThibault]

PRECISELY. I also love that it absolutely expounds economy of movement so that if I enter a large tournament, I don't find myself tired out or having sore muscles after 10-15 matches. I truly believe this is just a better way.

[@nedwardmumford7525]

Recently discovered this channel. Wonderful little tips, thank you so much for sharing these!

[@johnnybostonforever]

we need more!!!

[@msrlapin99]

Hmm. As a lefty, I love to feint to the outside of an opponent's sword and hand snipe. I'm not on the direct line, but if you extend to strike on the direct line my point will rip up your arm. Lefty craziness? Maybe I should try being tight on the feint and keep the hilt on the direct line? Something to fiddle with in practice.

[@TheRealThibault]

Thibault has a whole chapter on lefties for just this reason! The difference makes angles slightly different so there's little adjustments that need to be made. I'll try to do a video on it soon

[@airrionscott3501]

Can confirm! 😁

[@thomasrobinson8789]

Can Thibault be practiced with a Spanish Cup hilt?

[@TheRealThibault]

YES! but if it has a knucklebow, it will unfortunately get in the way of the Thibault grip. I usually have folks with a knucklebow just use the destreza "two fingers over the cross" grip as work-around.