Tabula VII

Working against the Straight Line Once Zachary has seen Alexander’s manner of making approaches against the straight line, subjecting the opposing sword at the Second Instance, with all that depends on it, he begins to put himself once again in the same posture, with the intention of putting Alexander’s approaches to the test, and working … Read More

Tabula VI

With the proofs of the straight line that are given in the preceding tabula, that so advantageously forestalled and dominated all his enterprises, Zachary holds himself so well content that he is now ready to try to imitate them, making sure that he avails himself of them as well as Alexander has done, in conformity … Read More

Glossary

Acute angle: An angle of less than 90 between the arm and the body, used by Thibault to indicate that the sword arm is sloping downward. Attack of First Intention: An attack launched the moment the attacker comes into the First Instance, with no preliminary subjection of the sword. Closing the straight line: Positioning the sword so that … Read More

Tabula V

Four levels of Feints

1st Kind

Is without any noticeable forward movement, (point does not pass defenders guard). The counter to this is to despise or ignore it, make no movement to guard against it.

2nd Kind

Is by leaning the body the adversary is able to reach the opponents wrist with their point. The counter is to quicken the arm and hand, straighten the body, raise the toes of the left foot while covering the adversary blade from above with superiority, on the side of the feint.

3rd Kind

Is by advancing the body (without forward foot movement) the adversary is able to reach the opponent’s forearm. The counter is same as to the 2nd with extending the body raising the right foot, turning the outside wrist out higher, raising the point at an obtuse angle as required to cover with a little advantage and superiority.

4th Kind

Is by advancing the body so far forward that the point is able to reach the defenders elbow, which as far as the opponent can reach without moving the feet. This would be recognized by the extreme forward movement, and must not be allowed to be completed. It should be turned aside by the defender taking a short step along the diameter, with the straight line sword extended.

0500

“The lover of this art, who will render themselves capable of it, will borrow courage and assurance of arms, even if they lack the certitude and dexterity of their usage by the feebleness of their forces.”

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Academy of the Sword

For the love of this art I (Dubhglas of Annandale) have compiled this review of Girard Thibault d’Anvers Academy of the Sword (as Translated by John Michael Greer) upon the World Wide Web. My Intent is to make available my personal study of this system, Illustrating key points while quoting brief passages, and providing additional … Read More