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Australian Academy of Fencing | Swashbucklers' | En-Garde! Fencing |
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Swashbucklers'
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Swashbucklers' |
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WELCOME,
here is the theme side of swords, sword fighting and fencing.
From the Historical development of swords and sword fighting to actual
accounts of famous duels, to the choreography of some of
Shakespeare's best loved duel
scenes, Reviews of Feature Films and Video's most famous Swashbuckling
flicks and even learn the fencing intricacies of sword movement
choreography for yourself! ENJOY
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Related Articles & Reviews |
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SWASHBUCKLER EDUCATION:
Written Choreography:
Coming soon:
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Famous
Duels
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Articles:
the writing studio the art of writing and making films adaptation peter pan swordplay and stunts |
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| When fencing takes flight - a part of the Peter Pan experience by Gary Worsfield | ||
| Bob Anderson - I Coached, and was, Darth Vader by Steve Newman | ||
| History of the Fencing Profession by Gary Worsfield | ||
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Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone in Robin Hood |
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| From Duelling to Fencing by Gary Worsfield | ||
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| Duels, Doctors and Death by Reginald Magee | ||
| A Blow by Blow Guide to Sword-fighting in the Renaissance Style | ||
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REVIEWS Index:
The Princess Bride video review A Knight's Tale video review Captain Alatriste book review and movie Preview
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Peter Pan, the movie, hit the big screen Christmas 2003, 100 years after the author J.M. Barrie's 1st stage production of the play. PREVIEWS: www.peterpanmovie.net |
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Historical SummaryThe construction of the weapons and the historical period attributed to the way the weapons were used. Heavy weapons were required to hack through armor. With the invention of gun-powder, armor became obsolete. Swords slowly changed from cut to more point and thrust, and rapiers emerged. Rapiers were too long to be able to both attack and defend, so daggers, cloaks, lanterns etc. were incorporated as defensive tools. The change in fashion made long cumbersome weapons appear ungentlemanly - thus the introduction of the court, or small sword. With this short sword one was able to both attack and defend with the same weapon. The practice of dueling became so popular as a means of settling disagreements that monarchies were in jeopardy of financial ruin. Dueling was outlawed. The long established practice however was hard dying. Schools were created to practice fighting concepts. Sword Masters and the sport of fencing was developed.
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Tierce (3) |
Quinte (5) |
Quarte (4) |
General
Characteristics of a Choreographed Duel
When one's life is at stake there would obviously be an atmosphere of nervousness, cautiousness, fear, suspicion, etc. Foot movement, body language, changing garde positions would likely occur. With the start of the duel, actions would not be fully committed but rather nervously jerky. Attempts would be made to observe and provoke reactions, note styles and any peculiarities. Provocative jabs and possibly half-lunges would occur. As the duel starts to develop and with a little knowledge of the adversary's style and preference of moves, a certain amount of confidence would start to build. Deceiving blade work and possibly a simple exchange may appear. As the duel develops, fear becomes anger and confidence grows. Here various renewed attacks, exchanges and deception of blade work would be seen. Complex maneuvers of blade work and footwork can be developed. This is also a good time to expose an evil character e.g.. the villain could draw his dagger, kick or knee his/her adversary, display disgust, abusive dialogue, musical intensity, sound and lighting effects, or simply a sudden surprise.
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Seconde (2)
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Prime
(1)
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Prime (1) was the first parry drawn from the scabbard. Seconde (2) & Tierce (3) protect the swordarm side and flank against cuts. Quarte (4) is used against cuts and thrusts as compared to the French fencing foil parry of Quarte (4) designed entirely for the thrust. Quinte (5) and reverse (5) are used against cuts to the head. The fencing foil parry of Quinte (5) resembles a pronated low Quarte (4) Sixte (6) Septime (7) and Octave (8) , along with the fencing Quarte (4) are the modern fencing parries used against thrusting actions of the blade. |
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Maîtres' J.E.Fethers & G.Worsfield rehearsing swordfight choreography at Melbourne's Salla Bella Vista Fencing Club in 1972 This choreographed duel was performed live at many fencing demonstrations including Melbourne's world famous Moomba Festival and Victoria's annual The Arts Ball. |
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Maureen
O'Hara was actually doubled by Alfred Cavens, Fred Cavens son. Basil Rathbone working on sword choreography with Fred Cavens. Fred Cavens did all the sword choreography for Tyrone Power |
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In the scene to the right Robin Hood looses his sword and it falls out of screen to the left, however when he jumps from the stairs the sword magically appears right at his feet? |
The
feature film EVITA staring Madonna and Antonio Banderas includes some
choreographed sabre fencing most likely the work of Bob Anderson.
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Basil
Rathbone and Tyrone Power fence it out in the 1940 black & white film
of THE MARK OF ZORRO Don Diego Vega (Zorro) is summoned home from his
elite training corps in Spain to California, where he finds his father,
the Alcalde, deposed and the people living in tyranny. Disguised as
Zorro, a swashbuckling mystery man dressed in black, he works to restore
his father to power and return tax money stolen by the villains. Zorro
even finds time to romance the ruling tyrant's beautiful niece.
Excellent swordplay - however the speeding up of the film during the duel was obviously artificial. The old slice the top off the candle trick prior to the start of the duel fits in character well. A must have for any swashbuckling collector.
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The School of Fencing by Domenico Angelo, London 1787, was the first fencing manual to emphatically insist on the value of fencing as an exercise and sport of skill to be practiced for the improvement of health, poise and grace. Domenico Angelo founded the most famous school of fencing in Europe which flourished for 150 years. It was established in the heart of London in the middle of the 18th century, during the time when the pistol was replacing the sword in duelling.
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Date Last Modified: 01 Jun 2009 |
