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Post by Dante di Pietro on Sept 14, 2020 15:34:40 GMT -5
Fabris is, quite possibly, the best manual in the entire Italian rapier tradition. No other manual in the SCA time period is as thorough, consistent, coherent, or clear. Each chapter in its theory section draws a direct connection to what comes before and after, and the culmination is a system that works. Many people get thrown off by the extreme stances, but the text reveals their context and use without proposing anything too arduous for a person of reasonable fitness. Even if a particular option proves unfeasible, there is enough variety that a student can find approaches that will do the job for them. It is also worth noting that the images below are different representations of the Fabris guard from different manuals. The bottom ones come from the translation currently available... but the top images are from the initial printing of the manual. The artwork certainly improved, but it seems that one need not be a gymnast to match images that Fabris remarked were drawn from life and met his satisfaction. When in doubt, follow the text over the image. The manual is not a short one, but it's an easy, plain language read (Fabris even apologizes at the start for a lack of flowery prose!) with every paragraph containing actionable insight into how to improve your fencing. What's more, the Vienna Anonymous manual and Mscr. Dresd. C13 (Johann Georg Pascha’s Proper Description of Thrust-Fencing with the Single Rapier) are both related works that provide substantial additional insight and clarification. Reviews forthcoming! From a theory perspective, I recommend this manual to every single fencer out there. It will make you better if you read it for understanding, whether you adopt the postures or not. If you are a fighter that sees appeal in a technical, assertive, measured, gracefully violent approach, this style may well be for you. Fabris translation on Lulu.com
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(M) Master
Tassin Navetier
MASTER OF DEFENSE
MODERATOR
SCA Name Title: (M) Master
Preferred Fighting Form: Sword and Dagger
Kingdom/Baronial Current Positions: Canton of Kappellenberg Knight Marshal
Barony of Windmasters' Hill Rapier Marshal
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Post by Tassin Navetier on Sept 15, 2020 9:49:20 GMT -5
Fabris has a lot of text detailing the theory of his system before getting into the plates and stances. It is just as, if not more important than the plates to read through that.
Also worth noting that this manual is split into 2 books. The second book is cool but not something you should tackle straight off.
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