Mixed weapons – 1st Master

Folio 31 r. b

Translations

These are three players who want to kill this master, who waits with the sword in two hands. The first of these three wants to throw his sword against the master. The second wants to hurt the said master with a cut or thrust. The third one wants to throw two spears that he has ready, as shown here.

I am waiting for these three in this guard, which is Posta Dente di Zenghiaro. You can also wait in other guards, namely, Posta di Donna la Sinestra, also Posta Fenestra Sinestra, with the same way and defence that I do from Posta Dente di Zenghiaro. In such a way and with such a defence these guards will do the same. Fearlessly I wait for them one by one, and I cannot fail against either the cut or the thrust or any weapon that is thrown at me by hand. With the right foot which is in front, I advance forward off the line, and with the left foot, I step across to beat aside the weapon from the left. And this way I do my defence, make the cover, and immediately go on the offensive.

Explanation

The Mixed Weapons 1st Master uses a common theme of defence found throughout Fiore’s work. Although drawn as Posta Dente di Zenghiaro, Posta di Donna sinestra and Posta Fenestra sinestra work just as well here.

As the attack arrives, slide your right foot off the line of attack to the left . Strike up with a Roverso Sottano while stepping through with your left foot on a 45 degree angle to the left. This will beat the incoming weapon aside, leaving you in Posta di Donna. Your opponents weapon will be well clear giving you a wide opening through which you can deliver a counter attack.

This theme of defence is shared by

• Sword in One Hand Master
• Sword vs Dagger Master
• Sword in Armour Master
• All Spear vs Foot Masters
• Spear vs Cavalry Master

Mixed weapons – 3rd master

Folio 31 v. b

Translation

This master will defend himself with these sticks against the spear in this way. When the one with the spear is near enough to strike, the master uses his right hand with the stick for the head of the spear. And immediately after that one he goes with his other stick, covering the spear, and with his dagger he strikes to the chest according to what is drawn after.

Interpretation

Here, you are essentially running down the opponents spear until you are close enough to use your dagger. The sticks the 3rd master uses could be any improvised weapon held with a single hand. It would work just as well with empty hands. It is worth noting that the dagger is implied, but not actually drawn.

As your opponent delivers their attack, step offline with your front foot, turn your hips anticlockwise, and use your right hand to brush the spear point past your left shoulder. There is no need to push the spear point way off to the side. As long as it has missed, you have moved it enough. Any further will be an unneccesary expense of time and movement, which will simply slow you down.

Step through with your right foot. As you do so, use your left hand to push against the spear and define your left edge. There is no need to push it further away. You are simply creating a barrier. The greatest danger at this point is that your opponent will strike with the butt of the spear from your right side. To prevent this, be sure to step in close and crowd your opponent.

As you step, either club your opponent with the stick in your right hand, or drop it, so as to be able to draw your dagger and stab them. The lesson of this play is not so much the finish, as how to close on your opponent down the length of the spear shaft.

Mixed weapons – Scholar of the 3rd master

Folio 31 v. c

Translation

I do what was described by the master before me, but if you knew the counter, it would be very difficult for me to do this. If you had lifted your hand with the spear under my dagger, then in such a way you would spoil it. Have this for not knowing what to do.

Interpretation

Against a spear thrust from your opponent, you have climbed down the shaft as described by the 3rd master. The use of rough cut branches here implies improvisation. Any sword like weapon will work just as well, be it a hammer, a candlestick, or a length of wood.

Use the right hand to make a brushing block against the spear head, moving it to your left. Do not spend the time and energy pushing it far off to the side. If it misses by just an inch, it has still missed.

Step through with your right foot. Using your left hand, define your left boundary. There is no need to push the spear away. You are just ensuring that you know where it is and keeping it out of harms way. Another valid option would be to drop whatever is in your hand, and grab the spear shaft.

Finish by making a strike with your right hand. The description of the master and scholar suggests that you drop the stick in your right hand and draw your dagger. Although a dagger is deadlier than an improvised weapon, such a move is dangerously slow. If you had a dagger to draw, you would be better off using it from the start. Using whatever weapon you are holding in your right hand, strike appropriately with it. As both your opponents hands are occupied with holding the spear, they will be wide open. As long as you stay close, you will have the advantage.

All your efforts have involved closing your left side and removing your opponents advantage of distance. If your opponent can keep their wits, they will keep their weight low and step back with their right foot, preventing you from closing. As they do so, they will anchor their right hand against their shoulder and push forward with the left hip and hand. This will drive the spear up under your right side in a tight fast arc, effectively making the counter to the scholar of the first 3 masters of spear.

In such an event, your best option would be to step through a second time so as to remain close. Sweep your left hand across to your right to jam the counter, and continue your attack with a roverso strike. Above all, keep pressing in and stay close. It is the only safe place for you to be.