Introduction to the cuts

The cuts use the following names for their angles of attack. You can see the angles in the diagram to the right.
  • Fendente is a sharply angled downward blow, almost vertical
  • Sgualembrato is a cut about 35 degrees off vertical
  • Tondo is a horizontal cut usually at the face 
  • Riddopio is a rising true edge cut
  • Falso Dritto is a rising false edge cut, usually a parry
  • Falso Manco is a rising false edge cut , usually a parry
  • Montante is a vertically rising false edge cut, usually aimed at the arms
When throwing any cut we keep the arms extended. Your sword should make a beautiful smooth arc as you cut. 
The following cuts are demonstrated form Guardia Alta (High guard) and Sopra Il Barachio (Over the arm Guard). They are demoed and practiced from these positions because it is easy to demonstrate and build the gross motor skills necessary to throw a powerful cut from these positions. 

Mandritto:

The word Mandritto describes cuts from the right to left (Dominant to non-dominant side) as seen in the cutting diagram. 
When performing a mandritto cut of any angle, power is generated by turning the body in the direction of the cut. Notice the pivot on the back foot, as the body turns. 

Riverso:

The word Riverso describes cuts from the left to Right (Dominant to non-dominant side) as seen in the cutting diagram. 
When performing a riverso cut of any angle power is generated by turning the body in the direction of the cut. Notice the pivot on the back foot as the body turns. 
Riversos are superb defensive cuts, and the core to many of the bolognese master's single sword systems. 

The X Cut Drill

This is a basic warm up drill chaining descending Mandrittos and Riversos. The focus is smooth transitions and power generation. Pay close attention to the turning of the body as you perform this drill, notice that the front leg is almost immobile while the back leg pivots. 
Go SLOW at first. Moving the body smoothly and properly is more important than hitting hard at this stage. Proper body mechanics will develop power. 
​When you are comfortable with descending cuts, try the same with rising cuts.