Tag Archives: 19th Century

Crawley’s Five A’s of French Fencing

Posted on September 23, 2017 by S

Phil Crawley, Provost with the Black Boar Swordsmanship School and administrator with the Smallsword Symposium, has gleaned these 5 themes of French fencing from a number of 18th and 19th Century texts.  They are presented here with his permission, and … Continue reading →

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Angelo on Tempo

Posted on March 31, 2017 by S

In all attacks, whether Cut or Thrusts, the motion ought to increase in velocity, the greatest force being given at the last: the same rule should be observed in stepping out to the Second and Third Positions; but in recovering, … Continue reading →

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Escrime Motion Studies, 1890

Posted on March 26, 2017 by S

Étienne-Jules Marey was a French scientist and pioneer in several fields. His early work was in medicine, studying blood flow, but his studies ventured into locomotion where he engaged photographic analysis. His achievements include development of early motion photographic techniques … Continue reading →

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French Sailors Practice Sabre Salute

Posted on November 14, 2015 by S

The Lumiere brothers captured vignettes of daily life between 1889 and 1900 on motion picture film. In this montage, French sailors are seen practicing a sabre salute on deck. The salute starts at  29:15. Our thanks goes out to Rodney … Continue reading →

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The Art of Never Being Killed or Wounded in a Duel

Posted on February 18, 2015 by S

The estimable Phil Crawley recently posted this excerpt to the Smallsword Symposium group. Given the gravity of a legitimate duel, this is refreshing approach from an entirely different direction. This is reblogged here with Mr. Crawley’s permission. By the care … Continue reading →

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