Close the Gap!

While fighting with rapier and dagger on Tuesday, I was reminded (repeatedly) how a secondary weapon can create more openings in my defenses, than without.

(Stab) "you have a gap!"

(Stab) "you still have a gap!"

(Stab) "OK, let's go over a few things" :)

This has been gone over in the past, but as I've been figuring out techniques and a fighting system, it has set some things back as I adapt.

Fortunately, I fence with some really great people, both in skill and attitude, and I got some great help. The gap got smaller and even closed at times.

After our bouts, I got some lessons in guards from Fabris and Cappo Ferra and to illustrate them better. Th help illustrate the points to me, I was asked to take an unarmed fighting stance  (referencing my Asian Martial Arts training) and, lo and behold! No gap!

Thank you, Bruce and Juliean!

I do love this path that I'm on and the new bonds that are forming.