The two-handed sword—or spadone, great sword, montante, zweihänder, or claymore, depending on one’s location and time period—has inspired awe and fear on the battlefield, in duels, and when featured in modern media. Achille Marozzo crafted his assalti (or “assaults”) as solo forms meant to teach mechanics, tactics, and strategy to those attempting to wield these large weapons.
This workshop will introduce participants to the ten parts of Marozzo’s “First Assalto of the Two-Handed Sword,” interpreting and applying the pedagogy and style of his book Opera Nova dell’Arte delle Armi (“New Works in the Art of Arms”).
Participants will use the assalto as the workshop’s foundation and explore body mechanics and build tactical drills that utilize the weapon’s significant length and mass. A translation of Marozzo’s text will be available, so that the workshop’s interpretations and explorations are grounded in the words of the master himself.
Day 1 – The Ten Parts of the Assalto
A whirlwind tour through the assault as a solo and partnered form. Students will learn the sequence and flow as well as touching on how the form works in context with an opponent.
Day 2 – Effects of Measure on the Interpretation
What happens when you work the actions close and tight, or at larger distances with broader motions. Students will explore both the interpretive and tactical implications of different measures.
Day 3 – Tactical Drilling
Put the pieces of the assault into action through cooperative and antagonistic drilling. Learn how to adapt each piece to different responses and how to integrate them into your own fighting.
Required Experience: familiarity with two-handed swords. Though the workshop will cover all ten parts of the assalto, the pacing and depth of coverage will be based on participants’ prior experience and familiarity with the weapon.
Required Gear: mask, gorget, gloves, two-handed sword (a metal or synthetic montante/spadone trainer preferred; a metal feder/longsword can also be used if needed)) A limited number of synthetic loaner two-handed sword’s will be available.
Recommended Gear: rigid hand and elbow protection for day 2 and 3.
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.