He who knows most, doubts most.  — Jerónimo de Carranza

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Theory and Practice

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Hand Positions and Blade Movements

Hand Positions

Término Term Agrippa Modern Fencing
Uñas afuera Fingernails out Prima First
Uñas abajo Fingernails down Segunda Second
Uñas adentro Fingernails in Terzia Third
Uñas arriba Fingernails up Quarta Fourth


Blade Movements

Término Term Meaning
Movimiento Accidental Accidental Movement Blade moves forward
Movimiento Extraño Extra or Strange Movement Blade moves backwards
Movimiento Violento Violent Movement Blade rises
Movimiento Natural Natural Movement Blade falls
Movimiento Remiso Movement of Remission Blade moves to the side, off the centerline
Movimiento de Reducción Movement of Reduction Blade returns to the centerline
Movimiento de Aumento Movement of Augmentation When the blades are engaged, changing blade position to cede domination by making contact with the weak
Movimiento de Diminución Movement of Diminution When the blades are engaged, changing blade position to dominate with the strong
Movimiento Oblicuo Oblique Movement Making a half-circle with the blade without moving the wrist to change from one side to another
Movimiento Circular Circular Movement A circular blade movement used when executing a cut or some deflections
Movimiento Mixto Mixed Movement A combination of any movements (Up and to the left would be an example)