What is all that? Wells is rather simple diagrams to a system of spanish swordplay known as "mysterious circle". It was developed in response to other similar styles made by the Italian, German ect.
Unlike other styles of the time which focused on "lunges" and deep stanced thrusts and cuts, The spanish swordsman stood upright and mantainted a centered balance. The duels where fought inside a 9 foor circle (hence mysterious circle). The combatants would move around the outside of the circle until they where ready to attack and would work with "cross stepping" and side stepping to gain the superior attacking point. Also in addition to the rapier, a dagger was also employed to block with. Interestingly enough many of the cuts came from the dagger and not the rapier itself. Rarely , if ever, was the sword use to block. Its primary function was to cut and thrust. |
