Italian Rapier

(Spada da lato , 'a strisca' ) : (mid 17th Century)

The rapier reached its peak in Italy in the 17th century. It's techniques and style remained virtually unchanged up till the end of the 19th century. A fighting system that favoured the thrust over that the cut, the Italian rapier has the most complete systems in technique, and principals ever documented. A style of combat that requires great strategy, timing, precision and coordination. The rapiers we use are safe to use in a full-contact assault. They are neither too wippy as a foil nor too rigid. They are designed to 'give' on contact with the target and are all equipped with a safety tip.

The Rapier is practiced using methods researched from masters such as Francesco Alfieri (1640), Ridolfo Capo Ferro (1610) and Salvator Fabris (1606).








Together with maestri from the International Masters of Arms Federation (IMAF) and The Federazione Italiana di Scherma Antica e Storica. (FISAS)

The rapier is practiced either on its own, together with a dagger or a cloak.