The Narrow Plays (zogo stretto)
Narrow Play - Verse 48
Introduction to close-quarter longsword techniques
Translation
This introduces the Narrow Play of the two-handed sword, which occurs when you and your opponent are at the bind or in close measure, where you can grapple. In this section, you will learn all types of covering actions, strikes, binds and locks, joint dislocations, grappling techniques, sword disarms, and various methods of throwing your opponent to the ground. For each technique, both the remedy (counter-technique) and the counter-to-the-counter will be shown, covering everything needed for both offence and defence in close combat with the longsword.
Fiore's Words
Here begins the Narrow Play, where swords cross tight and close, where every manner of cover, strike, and binding goes. You'll learn the locks that twist the joint, dislocations, sure, the grapples, disarms, and throws to ground, each with its cure. For every action, I will show the remedy that's right, and counters to those remedies, to win the closest fight. Whether you attack or must defend against the blade, all that's needed here is shown in Narrow Play, your trade.
Combat Context
This section applies when you have closed to binding distance with your opponent, either through a crossing of swords or by advancing into close measure. At this range, pure sword technique blends with wrestling, and you must be prepared to transition between striking, binding, grappling, and throwing. The goal is to dominate the close-quarters exchange through superior technique and understanding of remedies and counters.
Training Notes
- ✦ This is a section introduction, not a specific drill; it defines what follows in subsequent verses
- ✦ Students should understand that Narrow Play begins when swords cross or when you enter close measure, where grappling is possible
- ✦ The emphasis on remedies and counters means every technique in this section should be practised with its counter-technique
- ✦ Prepare for an integrated study combining sword techniques with wrestling and joint manipulation
- ✦ Safety is paramount when training for dislocations. Use controlled pressure and clear tap-out signals
- ✦ The diversity of 'various ways' to throw suggests multiple entries and setups will be shown
Related Techniques
This is card FL48 from the Fiore dei Liberi Sword In Two Hands deck.
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[27v-d] ΒΆ Qui cominza zogho de spada a doii man zogo stretto, in lo quale sara d'ogni rasone coverte, e feride e'ligadure. e dislogadure e prese, e tore de spade, e sbatter in terra per diversi modi. E sarano gli rimedii e gli contrarii de zaschuna rasone che bisogna a offender e a defender.
Here we begin the Narrow Play of the two handed sword, in which you will see all manner of covers, strikes, locks, dislocations, sword disarms and throws to the ground. There will also be the remedies and the counters needed for each situation, whether you are attacking or defending.
[16r-t] E qui comenza zogo de spada a doi mane, zogo stretto. E'l modo de rompe tute punte e tagli. In lo quale serano d'ogni rasone, coverte, feride, e ligadure, e dislogadure, e prese, e tore de spada, e sbatere in terra, per diversi modi. E serano gli remedii, e gli contrarii de zaschuna rasone che bisogna a offendere e difendere.
Here begins the play of the sword in two hands, the narrow play, the method of breaking all thrusts and cuts, in the which will be every method of covering, striking, and binding, and dislocations, and grapples, and takings of the sword, and beating to the ground in diverse ways. And there will be remedies and counters of every category that should offend or defend.