Italian School of Swordsmanship
The Italian School of Swordsmanship refers to a historical tradition of martial arts that developed in Italy, particularly during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It encompasses various techniques and styles for using swords, such as the longsword, rapier, and dagger. Key figures in this tradition include Fiore dei Liberi and Giovanni Battista Pirelli, who wrote influential treatises on sword fighting.
This school emphasizes principles like distance, timing, and the use of leverage. Practitioners learn to execute techniques through drills and sparring, focusing on both offensive and defensive maneuvers. The teachings have influenced modern martial arts and historical European martial arts (HEMA) practices today.