The Weapons In-depth

Rapier

Rapiers were meant for precision and thrusting attacks, but they can cut with both edges as well. Fighting with rapiers is about careful distances, timing and gaining advantage over the opponent’s blade.

There are a great many styles of rapier fencing. In the club we practice Destreza and Fabris.

Destreza, 1500-1700

The Spanish designed a system for the rapier based on blade control, circular movements and disarming the opponent.

It is a flowing, graceful kind of fencing.

The idea was to preserve one’s own life at all costs, and, as far as possible, the opponent’s as well. This is achieved by approaching at angles and in circles, working closer and closer to the opponent while having control of their blade all the while. When finally close you can either wound the opponent or use your other hand to grab the opponent’s arm or literally pull the sword out of their hand.

Thinking ahead and mapping the opponent’s responses is the key.

Destreza was developed in the 1500s and stayed largely unchanged for 200 years compared to many other styles.

Fabris, 1604

The Italians had a different and in some ways opposite approach. They deny the opponent any blade contact until they find a clear, straight path to kill.

It is very minimal and efficient.

This prevents giving away your intentions to the opponent because they can’t feel the pressure of your blade. Your attacks simultaneously displace the opponent’s blade and pierce them. A single motion contains both defense and offense.

Exact timing and distance is needed here.

The fencing master Salvatore Fabris lived in Denmark and was the teacher of the Danish king Christian IV. His gold-lettered manual is still stored in Copenhagen, Denmark at the National Library.