Sword and buckler is a dynamic and effective discipline that was central to the Bolognese schools of fence in 16th century Italy. Across three focused days we’ll dig into the Bolognese tradition through the lenses of Marozzo and Manciolino—first establishing clean mechanics, then applying tactical choices, and finally building strategic control you can carry into sparring.
Day 1 — Foundations: Posture, Guards, and Buckler Integration
We build clean mechanics: stance, alignment, and footwork; forming and transitioning guards; and efficient cutting and thrusting with the sidesword. You’ll learn how to work around the buckler so it naturally covers lines without clogging your actions.
Day 2 — Tactics: Wide & Narrow Play with Sword and Buckler
We connect mechanics to decision-making: using guard as threat and invitation, coordinating sword and buckler to seize advantage, and managing entries and exits in largo and stretto. We’ll use partner drills that pressure timing, measure, and choice to create reliable tactical sequences.
Day 3 — Strategy & Application: Reading, Provoking, Deceiving
We turn tactics into sparring strategy with a focus on reading an opponent and then provoking with control, invitations, attacks, and deceptions to place the opponent into obedience. We’ll use open exercises, directed slow sparring, and a progressive approach to bridge from drill into application of good technique in a sword-and-buckler sparring environment.
Required Gear: Mask, gorget, gloves, sidesword or arming sword, 9” to 15” buckler. Limited loaner sideswords and bucklers available.
Academie Duello maintains a limited selection of loaner gear, though availability and sizing cannot be guaranteed. If you do not currently have the required equipment or are unable to obtain it, please reach out to us. We do not want gear limitations to prevent anyone from participating in the weekend.