Wide Play - Verse 43
Press opponent's elbow to force rotation, strike opening
Translation
After you have beaten aside your opponent's thrust or crossed swords with them, place your left hand behind their right elbow and push strongly. This forces them to turn away and exposes their body, at which point you strike them during this forced rotation.
Fiore's Words
When I have crossed or beaten your point aside, I seize your elbow from behind and push with pride. You'll turn and open up, defenceless to my art. And in that turning moment, my blade finds your heart.
Combat Context
Close-quarters sword engagement after initial contact. You have successfully defended against or engaged your opponent's weapon, creating a momentary advantage in the bind. The opponent is in a right-foot-forward stance. This technique exploits the moment of sword contact to add a grappling element that creates a definitive opening for a finishing strike.
Training Notes
- ✦ Setup requires successful sword engagement first, either parrying their thrust or establishing a bind
- ✦ Left hand reaches across to grasp behind the opponent's right elbow (they are in right lead)
- ✦ Push forward and slightly to your right to rotate their body away from you
- ✦ Their turning exposes their back, or side, this is your striking window
- ✦ Strike immediately as they rotate; delay allows recovery
- ✦ Maintain sword control with your weapon while executing the elbow manipulation
- ✦ The push must be strong and committed to break their structure
This is card FL43 from the Fiore dei Liberi Sword In Two Hands deck.
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[27r-c] ¶ Anchora quando io, o, rebatuda la la punta o vero che sia incrosado cum uno zugadore, gli metto la mia mane dredo al suo cubito dritto, e penzolo forte per modo che io lo façzo voltare e discovrire, e poii lo fiero in quello voltare, che io gli faço fare.
Also, after I have beaten aside or crossed my opponent’s sword, I can press my left hand to his right elbow and push strongly. This will turn him and leave him unprotected, after which I can strike him.
[21b-a] Per pinçer lo tuo cubito io te'faro voltar E in quello io te feriro sença nessum tardar
I will make you turn by pinching your elbow And with that, I will strike you without any delay.