MARTINEZ ACADEMY OF ARMS

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CLASSICAL FENCING AND HISTORICAL SWORDSMANSHIP EXPOSITION

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| Expo | Arte Dell'Abbacciare | Dusack | Sword & Buckler | Spada y Daga | La Destreza | Italian Rapier | Classical Fencing |

La Destreza

Illustration from Narvaez	Illustration from Thibault

La verdadera destreza, the Spanish school of rapier, is the subject of much myth and confusion. Its circular footwork and geometrical theory are based on Renaissance humanist ideas of the perfection and dignity of man. La destreza embodies a scientific approach to swordsmanship that makes both philosophical and practical use of angles, geometry, and proportion. By using these concepts in a calm, dignified fashion, the diestro uses skill, rather than force, to defeat his adversary. La verdadera destreza has its origins in the genius of one man, Don Jeronimo de Carranza, who published his De la Filosophia de las Armas in 1569.

Ramón Martínez earned the rank of fencing master from the late Maître Frederick Rohdes in the traditional manner, through years of apprenticeship. In addition to his expertise in the French and Italian schools, he has also spent the last two decades reconstructing the Spanish school of rapier fence. First unveiled to the public at the Aston Magna Academy at Rutgers University in 1995, the Spanish school has been demonstrated at Lincoln Center and most recently at the Jarvis Conservatory in Napa, California. Maestro Martínez is the director of the Martinez Academy of Arms and the author of various monographs on the Spanish school. Assisting in his presentation is his wife Jeannette Acosta-Martinez, senior instructor at the Martinez Academy.

Photos by Jeff Sauber

Rapier & Dagger: Maestro Martinez attacks Madame Martinez with thrust to face. Madame Martinez executes simultaneous parry with dagger and counter attack by sword thrust to chest of Maestro Martinez.	Madame Martinez intercepts Maestro Martinez' attack by counter attack to face. (Madame Martinez maintains blade contact "Atajo.")	Maestro Martinez executes parry (Desvio) and side step (passo) to his left on the circumference of the imaginary circle.

| Expo | Arte Dell'Abbacciare | Dusack | Sword & Buckler | Spada y Daga | La Destreza | Italian Rapier | Classical Fencing |