Lessons in Sabre, Singlestick, Sabre & Bayonet, and Sword Feats / or, How to use a cut and thrust sword

by J. M. Waite

I say, “You lead off.”

Head, head, under right arm.

You then lead off at my head, which I guard and return with a longe at yours.

You recover, and guard your head, and then with a longe hit under my right arm, I guard.

We should then remain steady a few moments, you on the longe hitting under my right arm, I on guard defending my right side, to see if the positions of the sword arms, feet, and bodies are correct.

This should invariably be done at the finish of each exercise. It helps to keep you in form.

Another Example.

You say to me, “You lead off.”

Feint head, and hit under right arm. Thrust at breast. Head.

I feint at your head, and cut under your right arm, which you guard, and longeing, return with a thrust at my breast.