Theory and Practice
Home | Hand Positions & Blade Movements | Footwork | Italian Connection | New Science ExcerptFootwork Terminology: The compasses (or paces)
| Término | Translation | Definition | Execution |
| Accidental | Forward | A step toward your opponent along the diameter or centerline. | The right foot advances and the left follows. When you complete the movement, you are in stance again. |
| Extraño | Backward | A step away from your opponent. | The left foot moves backwards, followed by the right. When you complete the movement, you are in stance again. |
| Trepidante | To the side (of trepidation) | A step to one side or the other, away from the opponent at a 90-degree angle to the diameter or centerline. | When stepping to the left, move the left foot first, followed by the right. When stepping to the right, move the right foot first, followed by the left. Do not cross your feet. When you complete the movement, you are in stance again. |
| Mixto | Mixed | A type of footwork that combines two movements - forward and to the side for example. | |
| Transversal | Transversal | A diagonal step in two directions at once. (A type of mixed compass.) | Take a step along an angle. Your feet may sometimes cross. When you complete the movement, you are in stance again. |
| Curvo | Curved | A curved step to one side or the other away from the opponent along the circle. (A type of mixed compass.) | When stepping to the left, move the left foot first, followed by
the right. When stepping to the right, move the right foot first,
followed by the left. Do not cross your feet. When you complete the
movement, you are in stance again. |
updated 09/2006
