Saviolo's Rapier

One of the advanced weapons at the Stoccata School of Defence Hobart is the rapier, taught according to the system of Vincentio Saviolo, whose work, Vincentio Saviolo: His Practise was published in London in 1595. A mixture of Italian and Spanish principles, Saviolo’s system uniquely combines the best of Europe’s two dominant rapier styles. The system uses a relatively short rapier and is based around circular, Spanish footwork. Stephen has been studying this system since the early 90s and has published seven papers analysing it.

Classes in Saviolo’s rapier commence with single rapier, covering guards, movement, engagement, disengagement, attacks, defences and advanced tactics. Once sufficient progress has been made, the student may progress to rapier and dagger.