Hi David, my name is Alexandre Botelho and I am finishing a transcription of Godinho's book. As an bilingual in Portuguese and Spanish I am finishing transcribing the entire book for publishing. Godinho's book is specially difficult to read because of the big amount of false friends and confusion derived from the fact that it is written in a mixture of old Spanish and Portuguese that can make a big part of the book useless. As a plus I made also a translation for English. If you are interested I can send you the manuals, Very best regards! Alexandre
It's possible that Godinho thought of the inner positioning of the sword as a way to bring momentum for an upward/midway cut the same way Filipinos did with their two bladed form in sinawali. That being said, it's just an idea, plus western swords tend to be on the longer side. I'm just bringing this up because I can see why he could think of that as a good idea. Thanks for sharing this video it's very interesting.
That's really interesting. I think personally I would still prefer the sword and shield, but i'm not as quick as I used to be (lol). This would be great for the more graceful among us.
The original positions remind me greatly of Filipino martial arts. Specifically Kali/Arnes. Which also pockets the second blade or stick under the arm. Because its meant to be a slashing attack from that position, or to be close to the body to protect if another attack comes in, using the sword as a shield from below, as the other sword attacks from above. It makes me wonder if there were not some influences from the spanish in this, as there was within Kali/Arnes, from the Spanish who passed on some of these movements to the islands when they invaded. Though granted, probably not intentionally. There are a lot of Spanish influences in Kaki/Arnes. And the Filipino martial arts in general from that time of occupation. Very interesting. I hadn't ever heard of this particular fencing master. Granted my skills in swordsmanship are mostly Filipino based. With a few Japanese influences. If you go back far enough, there always seems to be roots that span multiple martial arts. Interesting to see that some of the moments seem to intersect even with certain western based styles. Granted with Kali/Arnes, its not a detriment to keep that weapon pocketed if its a single edged sword, or stick. As the range is closer, and your not risking cutting yourself with a duel edge, if you have an edge at all. As there are all sorts of other techniques that can come from that position if its a kali/eskrima stick being used. Very interesting stuff all around. Unfortunately here in Portland Oregon where I live, I don't know of any hema clubs. Or Id love to check out more. Guess the internet will have to satiate my curiosity for now. 😅
I'd argue that timespan makes it impossible for destreza to have influenced kali. Eskrima yes, the old forms, but nothing modern. That seems more chinese/indian influenced (and only barely) than anything else.
Don't know much, if anything, about the original treatise but this looks, to me, very simple, direct, martial and purposeful. It also looks, and sounds, very cool - Imho, job done! ;-)
While your suggestion makes logical sense, It's still very obvious how the original move flows much smoother and naturally. Making 2 simultaneous hits from one side then repeating them from other side is a sound tactic in my opinion, especially if you change up the tempo.
"Now is the time to get serious about living your ideals. How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer. Put your principles into practice-now. Stop the excuses and the procrastination. This is your life! [...] Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do-now." -Epictetus
Great video, and totally in line with my own interpretations. I use the same position with both points forward. For comparision, I have some videos put together from some workshops and seminars I hold some years ago. The techique of itnerest is shown in lections 1, 2 and 7: Godinho Doppelschwert - RU-vid
Do we know much about the context for wielding two swords? It doesn't seem likely to me that someone would choose to carry two swords around for self-defense, simply because of the inconvenience, so was it a duel format that some people used, where both combatants would be equipped with dual swords?
Palladini just has you have your page/footman/friend hold the second one. Godinho doesn't specify how you carry the two swords. Godinho doesn't really mention dueling in his treatise and as Mr. Rawlings said this rule is for fighting in a street that is not too narrow. Other rules include guarding a woman, fighting against shieldmen, and other contexts not consistent with dueling.
Guys, can someone please explain to me what's the definition of taio and ravés? I'm starting to get into Godinho treaty and I want to understand the basics. Thanks in advance.
In the London longsword academy it is written that "it is also known that several masters of these arts were Jewish." Can you please give me names? And perhaps explain more?
I just know the names of the fencing master Jude Lew from germany and Wrestling Master Ott from Austria. Both of them from the 15th century. If this answers your question?
Excuse me DAVE the purpose is to look real fancy thanks :P In all seriousness I do agree, also that first position i always feel as though i'm gonna shave my armpit by accident XD
