Category Archives: Thibault

Thibault on Reach with Shoulder vs Wrist Cuts

Posted on January 11, 2019 by Grauenwolf

In this illustration from Thibault (chapter 1, figure F) you can see the difference in reach between a wrist cut and a cut from the shoulder.

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Girard Thibault – Figures G and H on Narrow Passages

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Grauenwolf

When fighting in a narrow passage it may be necessary to reduce the length of the sword. Here are two examples: Figure G Figure H

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Girard Thibault – Chapter 1, Figures A thru E: More on Selecting a Sword

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Grauenwolf

Thibault appears to come from an era where stupidly long swords were fashionable. I cannot think of any other reason why he is so determined to instruct his students to use shorter blades. Figure A This shows how a proper … Continue reading →

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Girard Thibault – Selecting a Sword

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Grauenwolf

Determining the proper length of the sword in Thibault’s system is easy: Therefore the measure of the sword is such that the length of the blade from the point to the quillons is equal to the half-diameter, that is, if … Continue reading →

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Girard Thibault – Chapter 1 Circle 4, Measure

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Grauenwolf

First Instance Our fencer is standing on the quadrangle AC.  Across from him is his opponent standing on quadrangle ZX. Thibault considers this to be the First Instance or the widest range that they may hit each other in middle … Continue reading →

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Girard Thibault – Chapter 1 Circle 3, Pacing

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Grauenwolf

This diagram is used to show how large each step should be. Path 1, along the line OO, is four ordinary steps. Path 2, going the other direction along NN is three ordinary steps. Likewise, paths 3 and 4 require … Continue reading →

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Girard Thibault – Chapter 1, Footwork Diagram

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Grauenwolf

Thibault’s footwork diagram can be found beneath the feet of nearly every fencer in his many drawings. The radius of the circle is the same length as the sword when measured from the quillons to the point. This is also … Continue reading →

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Girard Thibault, Notes on Circles

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Grauenwolf

At first glance the circles in Thibault’s Academy of the Sword appear to be nothing more than Neo-Platonism claptrap, much like the geometric figures found in Agrippa’s book, but in reality they serve an incredible important role. Most fencing systems … Continue reading →

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