Starting Position and Initial Cut
The practitioner begins with feet together, heels touching, and knees straight, with the sword held at the hip as if sheathed. A horizontal cut across the body initiates the sequence, performed as a tondo reversal without pause at the end point.
First Reversal and Forward Step
Upon reaching maximum comfortable reach, the practitioner turns the hand over and executes a reversal squalimbrato, stepping the front foot forward diagonally into kulunga strata. The sequence continues with two cuts from the left side, stepping only on the second cut.
False Edge Cut to Mandritto
The false edge cut begins with the hand low at the knee, cutting upward with the double edge while rotating the shoulders. This motion transitions into a mandritto squalimbrato, which rises over the head and descends into chingyale porchefera strata.
Traumatzoni and Guard Transition
From chingyale porchefera strata, the practitioner executes a traumatzoni by turning the hand over, dropping the point outside the front leg, and striking along the fendente line. This cut concludes in porchefera strata, distinct from the mandritto in its hand position and trajectory.
False Edge Sequences and Reversal Throw
The practitioner performs false edge cuts using hip motion to generate power, cutting with the debele rather than simply lifting the point. A reverse sew follows, landing in kurunga alto, with emphasis on proper throwing mechanics and shoulder rotation during the reversal.
Rising Reversal and Forward Thrust
From kurunga alto, a reversal ridopio—a rising reversal—is executed powerfully by bringing the sword around and striking upward. The practitioner passes the rear foot forward, and both feet point forward simultaneously due to upper body engagement, culminating in a full extension imbrokata soprimano thrust into porchefera stretta.
Backward Movement Sequence
The second half of the exercise reverses direction, beginning with a reversal and false edge cut back into kurunga alta. The practitioner executes a traumasone on the fendente line, passing the front foot back into porchefera stretta, then repeating with the opposite foot into cingiale porchefera stretta.
Exercise Conclusion and Progressive Training
The exercise concludes by returning to the opening guard position as Dallagoke prescribes. Practitioners should initially prioritize correct guards and footwork; only after establishing proficiency should they progress to increasing speed, power, and cutting angle precision.
Bolognese Form for Beginners: Walking in the Guards (2023)
Key Takeaways
- •Starting Position and Initial Cut
- •First Reversal and Forward Step
- •False Edge Cut to Mandritto
- •Traumatzoni and Guard Transition
Our most recent version of Giovanni dall' Agocchie's "Walking in the Guards" (1572). This form contains the essential footwork, guards and cuts to begin Bolognese fencing, and should be the first thing mastered by the new student.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard fence walk?
This video covers starting position and initial cut, first reversal and forward step, false edge cut to mandritto. It provides detailed instruction from Ken Harding - Bolognese Martial Arts.
How long does it take to learn standard fence walk?
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.
What are the key details for finishing standard fence walk?
The second half of the exercise reverses direction, beginning with a reversal and false edge cut back into kurunga alta. The practitioner executes a traumasone on the fendente line, passing the front foot back into porchefera stretta, then repeating with the opposite foot into cingiale porchefera stretta.
