Italian Sabre Martial Art: The Tradition and the Technique

By Giovanni Ricco

Step into the world of Italy's martial prowess with this definitive guide. "Italian Sabre Martial Art" isn't just a historical account; it's a call to arms for the modern martial artist seeking to harness the power and precision of the 19th-century sabre.

In a time when the sabre was both a weapon of war and a badge of honor, Italy carved its niche with unparalleled techniques and combat philosophies. This book resurrects that legacy, tailored for today's martial artist, blending age-old wisdom with contemporary insights.

Through detailed annotated photo sequences, experience the fluidity, agility, and strategy that made the Italian sabre a force to be reckoned with. But this journey goes beyond mere techniques. It delves into the heart of a warrior culture, where every strike tells a story, and every stance is a testament to years of discipline.

For the modern martial artist, this isn't just about learning a new weapon. It's about embracing a holistic combat philosophy, understanding the rhythm of a duel, and mastering the dance of battle. Whether you're a seasoned fighter or just starting your martial journey, this book offers a unique blend of the old and new, challenging you to elevate your skills, mindset, and understanding of the art of combat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Giovanni Ricco
• Release date: Aug 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215564714

Giovanni Ricco

Giovanni is an instructor at the Culham Historical Fencing and Mixed Martial Arts Club (CSSA) in the UK with a diverse martial arts background. He began his martial arts training in 1991 with Japanese Karate (kumite) and later moved on to Kickboxing for six years and then Muay Thai for four years, participating in amateur competitions. In 1999, he was introduced to Medieval and Renaissance fencing by his master of Italian historical fencing and started training in the manual of Fiore de Liberi and Marozzo. He also joined a group that trained in ancient Olympic boxing (Pygmachia), wrestling (Pale), the ancient mixed martial art of Pankration, and gladiatura in an experimental archaeology style (Arsdimicandi).In 2000, Giovanni received his first qualification as an Instructor of Medieval Fencing, followed by a second one in Renaissance Fencing (IRSAST). He taught his first class in southern Italy before receiving his qualification. He also received a qualification as an instructor of modern Pankration (Athlima) and taught his first class of bare-hand fighting in northern Italy (Venice). Along with his students in both northern and southern Italy, Giovanni participated in historical tournaments and battles. He later moved to South Milan and opened two classes in bare-hand fighting and fencing. In 2013, he received a qualification as a mixed martial arts instructor (FIGMMA).Giovanni further broadened his skills by joining a local club of defensive and dynamic shooting with firearms, participating in competitions. In 2018, he moved to China for work and continued to have students in all of his disciplines, including boxing. After moving to England, he joined a local historical fencing school in Wiltshire and then the Hema Fencing school in Oxford (OSS) and a Brazilian Ju Jitsu school to improve his wrestling skills. In 2022, Giovanni had his martial arts qualifications validated by the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association (BMABA).

Book preview

Italian Sabre Martial Art

The Tradition and the Tecnique

Published by Giovanni Ricco

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© Copyright 2023 Giovanni Ricco

[e-mail]

Rev 1.1

Content

Introduction

Historical Significance of the Italian Duelling Sabre

Comparative analysis: Sword vs. Sabre Fencing

Comparative Analysis of Duelling Sabre Styles - Italian versus Polish, British, German, and French Styles

Styles Competition

Type of Duels

The Sabre in Battle: A Dominant Weapon of the Mid-19th Century

The Weapon

Type of Sabre for training

Personalizing your Sabre

Protections for Sabre Training

The Position of the Unarmed Hand in Duelling Sabre Fencing

Techniques

Time, Manner, and Measure: The Three Pillars of Fencing and Combat

Salute in duelling Sabre

Sabre Grip

Hand Positions

Guards

Footwork

Parries

Attack

Moulinets

Understanding Timing in Attacks

Understanding Lethal and Significant Wounds

Types of Fighters in Duelling Sabre Fencing: Aggressive and Defensive

The Sabre's Universal Techniques: A Foundation for Multiple Weapons Training

Five Italian Sabre Duels

Bibliography

Appendix

Giovanni’s Martial Arts background

Giovanni’s Expertise and Offerings

Introduction

In the annals of martial arts, the 19th-century sabre occupies a unique place, especially within the Italian context. During this era, the sabre was not just a weapon; it was an emblem of martial prowess, used extensively in military engagements and duels. As the century progressed, the martial art of sabre fencing began its metamorphosis into a sport, marking a period when techniques and tactics reached unparalleled sophistication.

This book is designed as a bridge, connecting the intricate, revered manuals of yesteryears with the needs and aspirations of today's students. While the original manuals, penned by esteemed fencing masters, were primarily crafted for instructors, this guide endeavors to simplify and distill their essence. By highlighting core techniques and presenting them through annotated photo sequences, we aim to make these methods more digestible and accessible for the modern learner.

Our focus isn't merely on technique. A substantial portion of this book delves into the rich historical and cultural tapestry that underpins this martial art. Through this, readers gain not just technical proficiency but a holistic understanding of the art's context and evolution.

The objective is not to replace the original works but to complement them. By offering an integrated approach to the two predominant fencing methods of the 19th century, this book stands as a testament to the masters' legacy, making their wisdom more accessible and relevant for contemporary enthusiasts.

In essence, this guide is more than a technical manual; it's an invitation to journey through time, to understand the nuances, strategies, and philosophies that defined an era of fencing. As you delve deeper, you'll not only learn the techniques but also appreciate the contrasts and commonalities between the distinct combat styles of the 19th century.

Historical Significance of the Italian Duelling Sabre

The Italian Duelling Sabre, also known as the Sciabola de Duello or Sciabola di Terreno, played a crucial role in the history of civilian duelling from the mid-19th to the 20th century. The development of this weapon in Italy during the second half of the 19th century marked a significant shift in the culture of duelling, as it was crafted specifically for the purpose of civilian duelling rather than for military use (Parise, 1884), (Radaelli, 1885).

Unlike the military sabre, the Italian Duelling Sabre was a cutting and thrusting weapon specifically intended for duelling. It shared construction elements and a general shape with other sabres, but its theory and purpose were distinct. Its slightly curved