An Overview of the Manual

MANCIOLINO'S OPERA NOVA

Manciolino’s manual begins with an introductory section that outlines the general principles and terminology of the system he teaches. The introduction also elucidates the 10 guardias he teaches, followed by the typical offences and defences from these guardias. This material is the cornerstone for understanding the material to follow. This is the material in Libro 1 (Book 1).

Libro 2 is a series of progressions called assaults that teach the correct form, while also elaborating on and reinforcing the earlier material. The beauty of the Assaults is the description of correct form that they provide, allowing us to understand the correct line for attacks, and how it marries foot movements.

Libro 3 follows with the "half-sword" techniques. These are techniques made from a crossed sword position, i.e. intermediary techniques for once the fight has begun. This material details the techniques to be used from a close distance, unlike the previous books where the techniques all start at a wide distance.

Libro 4 begins with the plays to be used for sword and targa / brocchiero larga, followed by two swords and single sword. The plays here show a subtle difference in style, and indicate the use of the weapons when the blades are sharp. They are a distillation of the earlier techniques, reduced to the critical elements for survival with a sharp weapon. It is interesting to note that the single sword section is the only one to specifically state that the techniques are intended/designed for use with a sharp sword.

Libro 5 continues the material for use with a sharp sword, this time outlining the plays used for sword and cape, sword and dagger, and sword and rotella. Libro 5 is also the final book dealing with material for the use of a sword.

Libro 6 details the use of pole arms, specifically partisan with rotella, partisan, spetum, Italian bill and spear / lance.