The 18th century was a period of great political and cultural changes in Italy and this heavily influenced the fencing arts. While northerners adopted the smallsword synonymous with the French, the southerners remained patriotic to their rapier roots. We see the use of comparatively long yet narrow bladed weapons with cup or bell guards, and quillons, allowing for the speed and nimbleness of the smallsword without sacrificing the deadly grace and measure advantage of the rapier.
This series of classes will focus on the fencing system as described in the 1803 publication by General Rosaroll-Scorza and Captain Grisetti – a complete southern Italian martial experience of the late 18th century. We will study this late period and largely unexplored rapier system by working on a variety of basic offensive and defensive actions, contraries, blade grapples, and tactical considerations in the bout.
Required Gear: Fencing mask, jacket, gorget. A smarra or duelling rapier is preferred but a rapier, epee, or foil will work. A thin scarf or rope is optional but needed if you’d like to try tying your sword to your hand (information on how to do that will be provided prior to VISS).
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.