Of running and standing safe in rapier fight, the runner has the advantage.
When two courageous individuals, both adept at evasive maneuvers, engage in combat, employing the same tactic simultaneously, their paths become duplicated. Consequently, both claim the advantageous position, resulting in a scenario where one or both participants frequently suffer injury or fatality. Alternatively, if one opts to evade while the other remains steadfast in the Imbrocata or Stocata guard, or any other stance for that matter, the position is rapidly seized by one side, while the other side attains it in equal haste. This often results in injury or death for one or both participants.
If both fighters press aggressively upon their guards, the one who swiftly executes a well-placed thrust secures an advantage by injuring the opponent. In cases where both thrust simultaneously, they both sustain injury. Nevertheless, the runner enjoys some advantage due to being an unpredictable target in motion. On the other hand, the other fighter presents a predictable target in static position. This discrepancy frequently leads to an inexperienced combatant inadvertently exploiting an advantage, despite lacking awareness of how to capitalize upon it, against an opponent who is vigilant in their guard or Stocata stance.[1]
______________________
[1] George Silver isn't necessarily making a case for defensive fencing verses offensive fencing. He is simply pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of two fencers who both take the initiative and the consequences of that form of fencing, he is also pointing out the potential problems with lying static in a guard, and the potential of taking the initiative. This summary is basic and probably in line with the correct interpretation of the KDF master's concept of "vor, nach, and indes."
Comments