Double Cuts – Practice

Immediate Practice

• 5 minutes – Double Mandritto
  • Practice cutting the double mandritto with the gather step.
    • 3 sets of 10 reps with the right and left hand.
  • When making double cuts ensure that:
    • Your weapon is extending ahead of your step.
    • You are bringing back your sword-side shoulder when preparing to cut.
    • You are powering your cut with the rotation of your body.
    • You are cutting with a full arm (a shoulder cut).
    • You keep your knees bent and your hips on the same level throughout the preparation and attack.
• 5 Minutes – Double Roverso
  • Practice cutting the double roverso with the gather step.
    • 3 sets of 10 reps with the right and left hand.
  • Follow the same advice as above, being aware that you are now stepping forward with your offside foot during each cut.
• 5 Minutes – Alternating Between Double Mandritto and Roverso
  • Practice alternating between a double mandritto and a double roverso, moving both forward and back.
    • 3 sets of 10 reps where you cut a double mandritto and roverso each time.
    • Practice with both the right and left hand.
  • When alternating between mandritto and roverso the footwork will be as follows:
    • With the sword in your right hand, start with your left foot leading.
    • Cut a mandritto with a passing step.
    • Gather in your left foot.
    • Cut a second mandritto, stepping forward again with your right foot.
    • Cut a roverso, passing forward with your left foot.
    • Gather in your right foot.
    • Cut a second roverso, stepping forward again with your left foot.
    • You’re now back at the beginning. Repeat the pattern.

Optional: Partner or Pell Practice

• 10 Minutes – Practicing Clearing and Striking with Mandritti and Roversi
  • First clear your partner’s sword, then strike to the target or partner.
  • Practice with a double mandritto and roverso.
  • 3 sets of 10 reps per hand.
  • To finish your time practice alternating between the double mandritto and double roverso.
  • All of this can be accomplished using fixed targets as well as an obliging partner.

Ongoing Practice

• Practice alternating between double cuts and alternating X cuts.
• Attune yourself to how the torso’s rotation is what gives the cut power and how your footwork can support that rotation.
• Practice double cuts on rising cutting lines as well as descending lines.
• Make time to practice both solo and with a partner or a pell.