Introduction to Figueiredo's Greatsword System
Oskar introduces Figueiredo's fight book, a Portuguese fencing manual consisting of 32 sequences divided into simple and composite rules. This video focuses exclusively on the 16 simple rules, which serve as foundational movement patterns essential to greatsword combat.
Rules 1-2: Fundamental Cutting Patterns
Rule 1 establishes basic upward cuts using long edge from the right and short edge from the left to avoid unnecessary arm crossing. Rule 2 introduces overhead cuts flowing into point-forward guard, minimizing hand crossing while enabling smooth transitions between guards.
Rule 3: Double Cuts Through Single Line
Rule 3 introduces two cuts per step, emphasizing cuts through the same line to build repetitive muscle memory. Practitioners should complete the first cut with the edge before transitioning to the second, utilizing full body mechanics for proper execution.
Rules 4-5: Introduction to Thrusts
Rule 4 combines cuts with thrusts, stabilizing the guard briefly before each thrust and rotating the sword flat to optimize reach and hand relaxation. Rule 5 establishes alternating stationary thrusts and stepping cuts, providing extensive repetition of thrust mechanics.
Rule 6: Engaging Greatsword Opponents
Rule 6 provides tactical guidance for dueling another greatsword wielder through parrying ripostes directed at vulnerable targets such as hands and legs. This rule emphasizes precision targeting over broad defensive measures.
Rule 7: Area Denial Through Continuous Cuts
Rule 7 teaches practitioners to control wide spaces by performing mutiny-like cuts from above while traversing side to side, then reversing direction. This pattern effectively denies positional advantage to multiple opponents in confined spaces.
Rule 8: Defense Against Shield Bearers
Rule 8 addresses combat against shielded opponents, requiring strict sequential stepping and angled cuts that force constant shield repositioning. Practitioners should rotate their head during secondary cuts to generate circular angles that exhaust shield-bearing opponents.
Rule 9: Narrow Space Combat
Rule 9 develops tactics for fighting opponents in both directions within confined spaces, requiring reduced movement and sacrificed reach. Training with physical obstacles enhances spatial awareness and practical application in narrow environments.
Rule 10: Close-Quarters Protection
Rule 10 teaches protective positioning for a protected person by incorporating thumb-grip cuts from above, adapted from 16th-century German sources. Counter-directional stepping maintains defensive coverage while allowing protected personnel to remain in close proximity.
Learn to fight with the Greatsword! A tutorial on Figueyredo's simple rules 1-16
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Figueiredo's Greatsword System
- •Rules 1-2: Fundamental Cutting Patterns
- •Rule 3: Double Cuts Through Single Line
- •Rules 4-5: Introduction to Thrusts
A year ago, I went out to Teylingen castle in 32 degrees of heat, to record all of Figueyredo's simple rules for the montante. My reasoning? I absolutely love greatsword, and even though I'm more into the German varietals, Figueyredo's fight book was a huge help when getting started. There's already a few (better) interpretations up on YT, but I often hear people would like to see multiple angles and slow motion, so I hope this video is somewhat useful. Finally, this is still a work in progress, so if you'd like me to dive a bit deeper into a particular sequence, let me know! If you'd be interested in supporting the channel or are looking for extra content in general, have a look at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualfechtschule?fan_landing=true 0:00 Intro 1:53 Rule 1 Cuts from below 2:52 Rule 2 Cuts from above 3:47 Rule 3 Double cuts from above 4:46 Rule 4 Double cuts and thrust 5:40 Rule 5 Cuts and thrusts 6:39 Rule 6 Fighting against another greatsword 7:22 Rule 7 Fighting in a wide street 7:54 Rule 8 Fighting against shieldmen 8:50 Rule 9 Fighting in a narrow alley 9:48 Rule 10 Guarding a VIP 10:37 Rule 11 Fighting on a galley gangplank 11:38 Rule 12 Fighting enemies in front and behind 12:23 Rule 13 Guarding a cloak 12:52 Rule 14 Fighting against javelins or two-handed hafted weapons 13:22 Rule 15 Separating people who are fighting 14:13 Rule 16 Fighting 14:45 Closing remarks Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com #HEMA #Greatsword #Montante #zweihander #spadone #bidenhander #battlesword #Spear #Sword #Historical #European #Martial #Arts #Historical #Fencing #Middleages #medieval #Martial #Arts #Martialartist #Instructor #Athlete #Fightingfit #Fighter #warriors #knights #Swordplay #technique #Training #research #swordfighting #moustache
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about terza guard?
This video covers introduction to figueiredo's greatsword system, rules 1-2: fundamental cutting patterns, rule 3: double cuts through single line. It provides detailed instruction from Virtual Fechtschule.
How long does it take to learn terza guard?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing terza guard?
Rule 9 develops tactics for fighting opponents in both directions within confined spaces, requiring reduced movement and sacrificed reach. Training with physical obstacles enhances spatial awareness and practical application in narrow environments.
