Press Esc to exit fullscreen

Fun action on the blade work with Anna. Our lesson started with exploring how to set up specific situations and reactions from our opponent. And to mix it up, we looked at the blade pressure. 🧵 #rapier #historicalfencing #massachusetts #historicaleuropeanmartialarts #westernmartialarts

Fun action on the blade work with Anna. Our lesson started with exploring how to set up specific situations and reactions from our opponent. And to mix it up, we looked at the blade pressure. 🧵 #rapier #historicalfencing #massachusetts #historicaleuropeanmartialarts #westernmartialarts

Justin Aucoin — Historical Swordplay

@thetavernknight.bsky.social

0 views Published on 21/09/2026 20:11 0:58

#massachusetts #rapier #historicalfencing #historicaleuropeanmartialarts #westernmartialarts

1 comment

Justin Aucoin — Historical Swordplay @thetavernknight.bsky.social · 21/09/2026 20:11

Pressures are gradual application of force to deviate it from its position in line. A cousin to the beat.

Earlier in the lesson we did sharp pressures to get the opponent to free their blade or give strong counter-pressure back. Elicit some fear, essentially, and a large reaction.

Justin Aucoin | Historical Swordsmanship & Fitness

Justin Aucoin is a Boston-area historical fencing instructor and personal trainer. Learn about historical swordsmanship (HEMA & SCA) and get fit!

Justin Aucoin — Historical Swordplay @thetavernknight.bsky.social · 21/09/2026 20:11

Then we dialed the sharpness back to not put our adversary on such high alert, so we can feint direct and disengagement (shown in the video).

So Anna’s pressures here are a little softer and more gradual to open up the space for the feint and force a bigger parry from the opponent.