Grip Fundamentals

The épée is held with an extended, relaxed grip rather than a closed fist, allowing the hands to transition fluidly between tension and relaxation. Historical evidence from the Getty Manuscript demonstrates that this open-hand approach enables more capable transitions than a rigid fist grip. The flat of the handle aligns with the palm during the initial grip, rotating to contact the edge of the palm as transitions occur.

Finding the Rotational Node

The sword functions as a lever, and practitioners must locate its rotational node by grasping with both hands and moving the blade from shoulder level. Initial movement originates from the shoulders rather than the elbows, allowing the sword's momentum to pull the arms forward. This creates a catapult effect that accelerates the blade's tip around its pivot point.

The Fendente Angle and Hip Engagement

The fendente is executed from the teeth on one side to the knees on the opposite side, creating a sharply angled downward cut. Hip rotation amplifies the blow's power while maintaining a low body position throughout the forward step. The follow-through extends from the shoulders with arms extended but not locked at the elbows.

Posta Longa Positioning

During training, the cut stops with the blade parallel to or slightly below the ground rather than completing the transition to porta di ferro mezzana. This modification keeps focus on arm extension through posta longa rather than premature commitment to the lower guard. Once practitioners master the extension, adding the follow-through to the low guard becomes straightforward.

Volta Stabile Mechanics

The volta stabile's hip rotation adds substantial power while synchronizing the body's timing with the weapon and hand timing. The correct sequence of movement requires the weapon to lead, followed by the body, then the feet. The follow-through maintains smooth shoulder-driven rotation with extended but unlocked arms.

Single-Sided Fendente Development

The front-view training sequence demonstrates the tight angle of the fendente as it travels from the opponent's teeth to knee. Practitioners can transition between guards through any lower guard position while maintaining defensive coverage. The cut is executed with speed and recovery occurs with each step forward.

Line Control and Guard Closure

The middle stage of the full exercise terminates in posta longa with the attacking line still open. When the follow-through to porta di ferro mezzana is added, the line closes to either side depending on the cut's direction. Deliberate half-cuts to posta longa offer alternative applications covered in advanced instruction.

Reverso Fendente Execution

The reverso fendente follows the same mechanical principles as the mantrida-side cut but requires slightly greater precision in blade control and direction. Practitioners apply the same shoulder-initiated movement, rotational mechanics, and follow-through principles. Dedicated practice ensures equal competency on both sides.

Fendente Development Lesson

Northwest Fencing Academy - Medieval Martial Arts

Standard Epee Counter-Attack

3 min read·8 key moments·PT11M59S video

Key Takeaways

•Grip Fundamentals
•Finding the Rotational Node
•The Fendente Angle and Hip Engagement
•Posta Longa Positioning

International Armizare Society Basic Curriculum Lesson One: Fundamental Body & Sword Mechanics Students will learn to execute both mandritto and riverso fendenti from Posta di Donna diritta (mandritto side) and Posta di Donna sinistra (on the riverso side) using correct body mechanics. Prerequisites: None. Goals: To properly engage arms, shoulders, hips and legs to power the blow in a true time (hand before body and feet) into a tactically sound and physically stable ending position. Notes: • This lesson teaches a full cut from Posta di Donna to Posta Porta di Ferro Mezzana. The cut can be used offensively, defensively, or counter-offensively. There is also a version of the cut that takes a shorter, tighter arc to a parrying position, but that cut is not developed in this lesson. • The accompanying video shows a breakdown of the fendente into several steps. One of these steps ends in Posta Longa: it is important to note that the centerline is not closed at that moment, but closes as the transition to Porta di Ferro Mezzana is made. A deliberate mezza colpo (half blow) would close the centerline. The mechanics of this are covered in a separate lesson. As a general rule, cuts must close the centerline, and thrusts must establish opposition. • Use of the back stance and volta stabile is usually not included in this lesson; it is briefly described here for completeness. • This lesson will be reviewed frequently, as it is the most fundamental of the fundamentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard epee counter-attack?

This video covers grip fundamentals, finding the rotational node, the fendente angle and hip engagement. It provides detailed instruction from Northwest Fencing Academy - Medieval Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn standard epee counter-attack?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.