Category Archives: Filippo Vadi

Is the Mezano a Zwerch?

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Grauenwolf

As I understand it, the Riverso Mezano is commonly considered to be a cut from the left, to the opponent’s right, with the short edge that can hit anywhere from the knee to the head. My problem is, that doesn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Filippo Vadi, Fiore de Liberi, Longsword, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Filippo Vadi – Chapter 8, About Cuts and Thrusts

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Grauenwolf

Rota and Fendente and Voltante, against the thrusts are said, and so is shown, that these are not dangerous. And when they come at us, all blows make them lose the way, also losing in the process chance to strike. … Continue reading →

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The Role of Filippo Vadi in the dei Liberi Tradition, Pt. I

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Grauenwolf

Part of Vadi’s goal may have been to show his art as unique, which is certainly how he promoted his work to the court of Urbino. Another possibility is that all of these guards likely originated from older sources. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Filippo Vadi, Fiore de Liberi, Longsword | 1 Comment

Filippo Vadi – Chapter 7

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Grauenwolf

Thrusts are dangerous. They often cause the changing of stances and a touch causes harm. And that’s pretty much it; there are no real insights to be gleamed from this chapter.

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Filippo Vadi – Chapter 6

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Grauenwolf

This chapter enumerates the three types of cuts. Again, each can be performed deritto or riverso. Fendente: Downward cuts. These are useful for breaking low guards and can easily be mixed with Rota. Rota: Upward cuts. (Keep in mind that … Continue reading →

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Filippo Vadi – Chapter 5

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Grauenwolf

There are 7 strikes in Vadi’s system, 6 cuts and a thrust. The two fendente (downward cuts) and the rest of the deritto (cuts from the right) are done with the true edge. The horizontal reverso and upwards  reverso are … Continue reading →

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Filippo Vadi – Chapter 4

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Grauenwolf

There is a bit of a conflict about sword lengths in this chapter. First is says that when fighting a duel you should use matched swords, as to not give the other person an advantage in length. Almost immediately after … Continue reading →

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Filippo Vadi – Chapter 3

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Grauenwolf

The blows from the right side, known as “Colpi Dritto”, are used for defense. The blows from the left side, the “Riversi”, are used for attacking. (That sounds a lot like the dialogs of Angelo Viggiani.) Colpi Dritto should be … Continue reading →

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Filippo Vadi – Chapter 2: Weapon Design for the Longsword

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Grauenwolf

Vadi is quite explicit in his weapon design: Total length = Distance from the ground to the armpit Handle Length: The span of the hand – looks like wrist to fingertip in the drawings Cross-guard Width: Same as the handle … Continue reading →

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Filippo Vadi – Chapter 1: Is Fencing Science or Art

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Grauenwolf

Is fencing a science or an art? For Vadi there is little doubt, If someone would like to know and understand if fencing is an art or else a science I say that you should note my opinion. Consider well … Continue reading →

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