Lesson 71 – Decatur School of Arms
We’ve had a couple of new students in class recently (who also pick things up very quickly). In their third class, I wanted to introduce them to engagements and disengagements. I also wanted our more experienced students to have a chance to work on drills in a more dynamic context. Here’s the lesson that we worked on last night:
1. From the opponent’s invitation in third, straight thrust to the inside high line (hand in fourth position)
2. From the opponent’s invitation in fourth, straight thrust to the outside high line (hand in second position)
3. From the opponent’s engagement in fourth, disengagement to the outside high line
4. From the opponent’s engagement in third, disengagement to the inside high line
5. In time, as the opponent attempts to engage in fourth, disengagement to the outside high line
6. In time, as the opponent attempt to engage in third, disengagement to the inside high line
7. In time, with mobility (opponent leading, student following), as the opponent attempts to engage in fourth while stepping forward, disengagement to the outside high line.
8. As #7, but the opponent attempts to engage in third
9. Opponent invites in third and the student places blade in line. The student steadily advances towards the opponent, who maintains distance with retreats. When the opponent attempts an engagement in fourth, the student lunges with a disengagement to the outside high line.
10. As #9, but with the opponent attempting to engage in third.
