Bolognese Sidesword

Service Description

The Sidesword (spada sola or single sword) is elegant yet lethal and forms the basis of the Bolognese fencing tradition. Bridging the gap between the cruciform arming sword and the graceful, swept-hilt rapier, the sidesword excels in both cut and thrust while emphasizing the rotation of the body. Our Bolognese Sidesword program is based in Giovanni dall’Agocchie’s The Art of Defense: on Fencing, the Joust, and Battle Formation but incorporates all manner of influences from the Bolognese tradition, including (but not limited to) Manciolino, Marozzo, and Viggiani. ✅ Prerequisites To ensure you're ready for the pace of this class, students must either: - Complete the Longsword Fundamentals course - OR have previous swordplay experience approved by the instructor Required Skills: Students must demonstrate the following before joining. These can be learned during Open Floor or Clinic Hours, and typically take just a few hours of focused practice: - Parts of the sword - Positions of the feet and body - Position Segments (Mandritto, Riverso, Alta, Stretta, Larga) - Cuts (Sgualembratto, Fendente, Ridoppio, Tondo, Montante) - Guards (Coda Lunga, Porta di Ferro, Entrare, Alicorno, di Faccia) - Thrusts (Imbroccata, Punta, Stocatta) Gear: - Mask / Gorget / Gloves (Loaner gear available)