The Dusack of Paulus Hector Mair, play number 1

[bgcorporation]

Whew, man I think many people would love for their to be a translation of De Arte Athletica. I myself included. It's interesting Paulus wanted to make perhaps the most in-depth manual ever and he just might have, however hardly anyone knows it because of the language. What a shame Latin isn't as known.

[ArmeAntica]

@bgcorporation, yes, the Latin presents a real problem and a boon at the same time. It's a specific type of Latin used at that time, for example, not classic Latin, words are shortened often, etc.. But it gives a lot...besides the "obvious" such as different names for the classic longsword guards, which I personally prefer (Guard of the Day for the Roof, The Poplar for the Idiot, etc., I uploaded a vid on it here). There is a charm learning the Latin terms instead of German or English, too. ; )

[VladdXIII]

Amazing work! I enjoy all that you do, Thank you for the great teaching,

[ArmeAntica]

Thanks. I'm glad you're finding it useful.

[Djemps]

There is also not a lot of clear information on footwork. Some students of Mair think that you should ONLY do what he says in his text and nothing more. Others believe that there HAS to be some instances where footwork must occur, even if it is not described, or the fencers end up in wrong distance. I tend to think that you should only do what Mair says in the text, but I haven't had enough paired drilling experience to feel 100% positive about my opinion.

[ArmeAntica]

Yes, grey... He is "specific". Sometimes he says advance (obliquely or centrally or not), Very often it's "put ahead" your foot, which could be changing front while staying in place. Or "follow him", which would be relative to his movement.

Following rotely doesn't just "work". In Play 1, we end up belly-to-belly with all that advancing.We can't just advance to strike with the blade when he's already at the distance to do it to us. We have to limit ourselves, though, to find the essence of it.

[Djemps]

I like your latin translation work! I also agree with your notes about some of the grey area in the text. Usualy Mair's notes represent 3 seperate sections; a play by one of the fencers, a counter by the opposite, and then a final play by the original fencer to finish the exchange. 'Usualy' the text starts with the fencer illustrated on the Left, but not always.

[MarkHolgate]

thanks! what translation of mair are you using? is it your own?

[ArmeAntica]

My pleasure. The translation is my own. I'm collaborating with a teacher of Latin, so it's all original work.