Italian Rapier Combat

This beautifully illustrated and detailed book presents one of the world’s most influential fencing treatises. Ridolfo Capo Ferro was a legend in his own lifetime and his intricate and exact instructions were copied and emulated throughout a Europe bewitched by his grace and style. The manual, illustrated with striking artwork, gives a very real flavour of the panache of this expert in swordsmanship and mastery of that most lethal of weapons – the rapier. Capo Ferro examines different kinds of swords, their component parts and their suitability, before going on to discuss their actual use. There he expounds his theory as to the timing and direction of thrusts, the essential distances and the need for complete control. He also looks at defensive measures, guards, parries and the importance of quick footwork. Capo Ferro’s text is a practical guide to fighting and one which builds on the theory to show exactly how a superior form of swordsmanship could be learned by Europe’s elite. His illustrations clearly show the best methods and how a rapier could be lethally effective when used with a dagger or with a cloak. This handsome volume is a vital historical record and is sure to give the modern fencer new insights in technique and a greater appreciation of the history of this exciting sport. AUTHOR: Ridolfo Capo Ferro of Cagli was a fencing master in the city of Siena, best-known for his rapier fencing manual published in 1610. 43 b/w illustrations

Author Biography

Ridolfo Capo Ferro of Cagli was a fencing master in the city of Siena, best-known for his rapier fencing treatise published in 1610.

Jared Kirby has been involved in Western Martial Arts/Historical European Martial Arts for 25 years. He teaches fencing in New York City (and the metro area) at SUNY Purchase, Sarah Lawrence College and is a Master of Arms (Maestro d’Armi) through the Martinez Academy of Arms.

Jared is the president of Combat Con in Las Vegas and teaches a variety of workshops across the US and around the world including Canada, England, Scotland, Finland, Italy and Australia. He has taught at the Paddy Crean International Art of the Sword Workshop, the International Swordfighting and Martial Arts Convention (ISMAC), Rapier Camp and the Western Washington WMA Workshop, to name a few.

In addition to this book, Jared is also the editor and wrote the introduction for The School of Fencing by Domenico Angelo and annotated by Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez as well as A Gentleman’s Guide to Duelling.