Narrow Play - Verse 65

This technique completes the play begun by the previous scholar. You have bound your opponent's arms in a middle bind (ligadura mezana) using your left arm, trapping both their arms. Their sword is imprisoned and cannot help them. Your sword is free to strike them repeatedly or place it at their neck. From this position, you can immediately execute the next technique in the sequence. This play works better in armoured combat than unarmoured, and it counters attempts to take your sword.

The scholar before me began what I now complete. Your arms are locked in a middle bind, your defeat concrete. Your sword's a prisoner, useless in its cage, while mine roams free to wound you in my rage. I'll put my blade against your throat without a care, and flow into the next play waiting there. I locked your arms tight with my left hand's might. This works best in armour, armoured for the fight. I counter sword-takers with this clever art, just as Master Fiore placed me in this part.

This technique occurs after engaging in narrow play and executing the previous scholar's action. You have successfully closed the distance and achieved a dominant grappling position where you control both of the opponent's arms while your sword remains free. The opponent's sword is neutralised, and you have multiple finishing options, including strikes, neck threat, or transition to the next technique. The position is particularly advantageous in armoured combat where your protected arms can safely control the opponent while your sword threatens vital areas. It also serves as a defence against opponents attempting to seize your weapon.

• ✦ Your left arm must control both of the opponent's arms simultaneously - this requires proper positioning and pressure
• ✦ The bind (ligadura mezana) appears to be at a middle height, likely around chest or upper torso level
• ✦ Once the bind is established, your sword hand remains completely free for offense
• ✦ Practice the neck threat with control - the point is that you have absolute dominance from this position
• ✦ The transition to the next play should be immediate and smooth, suggesting this is part of a flowing sequence
• ✦ When drilling, note how armour would make this safer for you (your arms are less vulnerable) and more restrictive for your opponent
• ✦ This position counters attempts by the opponent to grab or control your sword, so maintain awareness of their hands