Select Plays of Fiore dei Liberi: Crossed in Wide Play

This is a demonstration of techniques found in Fiore dei Liberi’s Flower of Battle manuscript from the 1st and 2nd crossings of wide play. These are specific techniques as well as principles of how you should fence when crossed at the point or the middle of the sword depending on the pressure and direction of your opponents strike. I believe a key component of Masetro Fiore’s fencing in wide play is withholding the step from your dominant foot until you perceive how the crossing is going to resolve. The tempo, cadence and speed of actions in this video were designed to make the actions clearly visible and to show how these plays work against a cautious opponent. Some of these techniques will work differently against a committed direct attack and can also be done as the agent, or initiator, of the play. I plan to film more content related to Fiore dei Liberi when time and space is available. I’m still working on my voice over and voice projection skills so hopefully the following videos will be more instructional. Be safe out there and keep a responsible amount of social distancing, prepare your defenses well before you cross swords!