Italian-School Saber: “Slipping the Leg”

Since we just reviewed and edited this posting and still have one more article on Italian-style sports saber in the pipeline, we’ve decided to make this “Eye-talian Saber Week” at SHotS Fencing Classics…

Tactics: Stretching the Tactical Wheel

“Never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line!”

The tactical options available to a fencer at the outset of the bout by far surpass those the criminal mastermind Vizzini has to consider in his Battle of Wits. Luckily, we have veteran fencer Joe Hoffman on our side to break the cycle by Stretching the Tactical Wheel…

The Cutting Room Floor: Early Movies of European Cut Fencing

Over at Deutsche Hiebfechtkunst, we’re compiling a repository of cinematic evidence regarding the various methods of European Cut Fencing. Check it out—and point out more to us!

Click right here!

Cavalry Saber Skills; Britain, c. 1906

Specialized Skills

No room for error…

Five Fencing Classics that deserve more views than they got

Épée fencer; France, c. 1890
Foil Fencers; Germany, c. 1920
Wrestling; Germany, c. 1550
Épée Fencer; France, c. 1900
Saber fencers; Italy, 1897

Saber Fencers; Argentina, c. 1900

 

Saber fencing in the Pampa

Rare footage from Latin America…

Basket-hilt Saber Fencing; Germany, c. 1910

Group therapy

These fencers are mugging for the camera after an hour on the Paukboden…

Ooooh-aaaahhh! World’s First Saber Video; France, c. 1880

Probably the earliest videographic source for French saber fencing…

Mounted Broadsword Match; USA, c. 1910

 

Mounted Broadsword

US Cavalry troopers competed on horseback…

Saber Fencing; Bulgaria, 1930

Leg Cut in Competitive Saber

This 1930 snapshot documents a leg cut in competitive saber fencing…