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The Destreza Translation and Research Project Wiki

This Wiki is intended as a resource for martial artists and scholars who want more information about sword arts from Spain and Portugal.

Editor's Note: This page will change as we migrate and reorganize information from the primary site.

Contents 1 Resources 1.1 Destreza Theory 1.2 Destreza Glossary 1.3 Lessons 1.4 Articles 1.4.1 Footwork 1.4.2 History & Culture

Resources

Destreza Theory

Often a new fencer wants to learn a historical style but is at a loss as to where to begin. They know that the historical system is different from modern fencing, but may not have the information required to understand how it is different. What are the basic principles of Destreza and where can a new student go to get information that will help them begin? We at the Destreza Translation and Research Project are not “Masters of the Spanish System” and won’t be making that claim anytime soon, but we do have information directly from the texts and fencing experience. Our goal is to share and present the information from the texts in a manner that is clear and easy to understand.

• Geometry
• Hand Positions
• Movements and Time
• Lines
• Simple Attacks

1. Thrust
2. Half Cut
3. Half Reverse
4. Circular Cut
5. Circular Reverse

• Footwork
• The Sword
• Distance
  • Measure of Proportion
  • Proportionate Measure
• Defense

1. The Advantage of the Right Angle
2. Atajo
3. Movement of Conclusion
4. Deflection (false)
5. Engagement (false)

• The General Techniques (Actions on the Blade)

1. The Narrowing
2. The Line in Cross
3. The Weak over the Strong
4. The Weak under the Strong

Disclaimer: With any interpretive process, there will be subjective decisions, a possible bias towards previous experience, and even errors. We strive to present the best information possible and invite other scholars to give feedback concerning the articles presented below.

Destreza Glossary

This glossary is a collection of vocabulary related to historical Spanish fencing - both the common version and the Verdadera Destreza. The definitions are currently drawn from Spanish and Spanish-English dictionaries as well as from fencing manuals.

• Destreza Glossary

Lessons

• 2011
• 2012

Articles

The articles listed below concern La Verdadera Destreza. You are free to print out and use these articles in your own study. We will continue to add articles and content. If you have a request for information, clarification, comments, or peer review that you would like to send to us please e-mail us.

Footwork

• Article 1: The Circle and the Cross (PDF)
• Article 2: The First Foundation (PDF)
• Article 3: The Rule of the Movement (PDF)

History & Culture

• La presencia del Libro de la filosofía de las armas de Carranza en el Quijote de 1615 (PDF) by Stefano de Merich (en español)