He who knows most, doubts most.  — Jerónimo de Carranza

Dedicated to researching historical Spanish fencing and sharing the knowledge with the public.

Translations and Transcriptions

Home | Ettenhard | Italian Connection Excerpt | New Science Excerpt

Don Francisco Antonio de Ettenhard's
Compendium of the Foundations of the True Art and Philosophy of Arms

A phased roll-out of the English translation and Spanish transcription of the main technical section of this work is currently underway with the posting of the first treatise concerning geometry as a PDF. Our goal is to add content at least once a month, so please check back for updates.

First Treatise: Geometric Principles

Translation (PDF) | Transcription (PDF)

Second Treatise: Fundamental Principles

Chapter 1: Angles and the Swordsman

Translation (PDF) | Transcription (PDF)

Chapter 2: Movement

Translation (PDF) | Transcription

Chapter 3: Offensive Techniques

Translation (PDF) | Transcription

Chapter 4: Footwork

Translation (PDF) | Transcription

Chapter 5: Graduation of the Sword

Translation | Transcription

Third Treatise: Oppositions

Chapter 1: Measure of Proportion

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 2: Opposition of Angles

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 3: Opposition of Movement

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 4: Opposition of Techniques

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 5: Opposition of Footwork

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 6: Opposition of Degrees of the Sword

Translation | Transcription

Fourth Treatise:

Chapter 1: About Proportionate Measure

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 2: About Atajo

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 3: About Attacks

Translation | Transcription

Chapter 4: About the General Techniques

Translation | Transcription