Elemental School of Fencing Newsletter of October 15th, 2009

First allow me to welcome Russell from the Kokushiryu JuJutsu dojo, and his dad, David to our practice.  Russell is an accomplished brown-belt, and David is a classical Epee Athelete.  We hope to see them again!

 

After our standard footwork warmup, we practiced the bind releases that were described from Masters Gallo, and Osso for the first part of our session.  The move allows us to not only disengage, but significantly threaten an opponent if bound by an opponent who grips our forte with their binding hand.  It involves footwork explored by Master Orso, and the 'Triangulation', and 'Invitation in to the Void' theories from the School of Za from Master Gallo.

 

During the round-robin we witness Russell perform the move on Squire Max.  Look for the Video!

 

Another great highlight was Squire William fencing Russell, and pressing forward.  Russell was thrown backward, but was able to perform a backward roll, (from JuJutsu), and wound up in a ready stance to continue the bout!  (Also on video...look for the tape.)

 

And finally, David's extremely long reach and height provided a brand new challenge for our fencers.  A great display of classical atheletic fencing, with precision control, versus the martial fencer.  We quickly learned that we needed to close distance and compromise that deadly reach!  But David adapted extremely well, and by the end of our Round Robins was getting the feel for both multiple, and close in combat.

 

Well done all!

 

Work on our treatise progresses, stay tuned.
 

A reminder that our recruiting drive is in full swing.  Sign up a friend and save $5 a session.

 

A-Lei!

Steward Gasco

Master Orso's Review of the Bind

In short, over a  two hour discussion with our left coast bound swordbrother, Master Orso, an interesting notion developed.

After describing the endless binding and grappling that has become increasingly par for the course during our bouts/round robins an interesting notion arose.

Master Orso surggested that perhaps we should 'doom' anyone that attempts to bind our blade.

Suffice to say that he who binds will be at a disadvantage once we rehearse and explore an interesting Spadisti interpretation of Aikido's own NiKyo movement.

Look to it next week!  And Thanks Master Orso.

A-Lei!

Lou Gasco

Master Gallo's Commentary

I wanted to share with you a commentary by Master Gallo of the School of ZA, reflecting on his visit to the Sale D'Armi. 

"I thank you Sir, and your colleagues for the honor to observe your fencing which was most impressive. Much more realistic than any other European fencing I've witnessed to date, no joke.

Excellent.  My sense is your students will end up being some of the most skilled swordsmen out there today, and will actually be able to use their weapon.....if they ever really have to! LOL!"

Having shared his knowledge with us regarding triangulation, and the presence of a void for our opponents to fall into we embark on an exploration of the troubles with Binding and Grappling!  This promises to be a revealing effort.

Thanks to Master Gallo!

A-Lei!

Lou Gasco

Elemental Fencing Letter of October 4th, 2009

This week was about footwork. We attempted an exercise that is a modification of one in Blackwell that is intended to work the "Mind's Eye". Pylons were placed at 6' intervals, and we had to advance in a slolom movement, thrusting at the centerline on each Pylon.

The movements required us to incorporate both a crossover, and side-style of foreward movement that allowed us to smulate a weaving advance on an opponent. The culmination was doing it BACKWARDS! An Attack in retreat. Needless to say, we DID IT!. Not easy, and something to practice.

A highlight was a visit by Master Gallo, who observed our Round Robin activity, and lent us some knowledge on 'creating a void' for our opponents to fall into, rather than attempting a throw. (More below)

And finally an apology to Squire Kyu, I ONCE AGAIN mispelled his name. Its Nakama, not nakamura.

Work on our treatise progresses, stay tuned.

Master Osso has once gain also lent us is insight on our efforts...read below.

The NYC Medievel Faire was AMAZING. Squire Dante has a story to tell for the next session, and we may be visited by sword enthusiasts from the SCA.

A reminder that our recruiting drive is in full swing. Sign up a friend and save $5 a session.

A-Lei!
Lou Gasco