Capoferro: Plate 5
Capoferro's Plate 5 is one of the most famous images in all of fencing history. It depicts the lunge, with 12 reference points, listed from A to L (J is ommitted, probably for typographical reasons). Figures A to G show the position of the various parts of the body when in guard; H to M show the positions when in the lunge.
Figure Explained by Way of the Alphabet
Figure that demonstrates resting in guard, as is shown in our art, and the incredible increase of the long blow, in regard of the members that are all moved to strike.
- A The left shoulder in guard;
- B The leg of the left knee in guard;
- C The planting of the left foot in guard;
- D The ordinary pace in guard;
- E The placement of the right foot in guard;
- F The thigh and the calf at a slope in guard;
- G The hand of the right arm in guard;
- H The increase of the right arm, of the same length;
- I The increase of the right knee, almost a pace;
- K The increase of the pace, a little more than a foot;
- L The increase of the left foot with its turn;
- M The increase of the left knee of a half pace;
Commentary
It's worth noting that following these mechanics precisely is quite difficult, as there are some contradictions. However, it is possible to lunge to the very limit of your skeletal reach using these instructions, as demonstrated in the 2007 article File:Max-Your-Lunge 2007.pdf. The lunge is discussed in great detail in The Duellist's Companion.
Video of the Lunge
This video is borrowed from the Complete Rapier Workbook, and shows the extension of the sword arm, the strike of the fixed foot (aka. the lean), and the lunge.
Related Resources:
Books: The Duellist's Companion.
Workbooks: The Complete Rapier Workbook
Online courses: The Complete Rapier Course.
