A familiar face for many in the UK HEMA tournament scene, James teaches primarily from the Bolognese manuals of the 16th century and the early 17th century Italian rapier manuals of Giganti and Capoferro. More recently, his research interests have moved to the so-called ‘transitional’ period between these two eras and in particular the 1580 manuscript of Giovan Antonio Lovino.
Lovino’s manuscript occupies an interesting place in the history of fencing, being something of a bridge between the cut and thrust systems of the 16th century and the more thrust oriented systems of the 17th century. Its key features are blade bind mechanics that are similar to those that dominated the rapier play of the 17th century while also featuring a much greater number of cuts and grappling techniques than are found in the manuals of that period. It is also unusual in its presentation, with techniques not being shown in isolation as responses to individual attacks (as is the case in most other manuals of the time), but rather as part of full combat sequences with the actions of adversaries on either side described in vivid detail. As such it provides a fascinating insight into the late 16th century view of the idealised fencing bout and the practical and tactical considerations of armed combat.

This class (held at the English Sidesword Open 2020) will present an introduction to the fencing system for the single sword as presented in Lovino’s manuscript with a focus on fundamental techniques at different ranges and their practical application in live fencing.

Lovino Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/803098150083904/