Longsword, Chapter 7: Steps

[1] An admonition about steps

Chapter 7

It would appear as a marvel and peculiar to those without experience in fencing that I also report about the steps, and [those without experience in fencing] will opine that there is not much importance as to how a person steps, and if there were something there, then (as they say), ‘the market would teach it well’. However, there is so much more to this, to the extent that (as experience provides) all fencing would be for naught, regardless of how skillfully it is carried out, if the steps are not used correctly for that purpose. Therefore, the Old Fencers—who were also learned and have well considered everything—also set this in their twelve rules:

Whoever initially steps after the cut
 may find little joy in their art.

[2] Therefore, each strike must have its own step, which should occur simultaneously with the strike.

If you want to achieve anything with the sequences you use but you step too early or too late, then your sequence is ruined and you yourself bring your cuts to naught. Therefore, learn to execute the steps correctly so that your counterfencer can’t carry out their sequence the way they want without moving from position, but instead you steal the ground or space from them (as it were).

Now, take note of this in the attack and position yourself as if you wanted to execute large and broad steps, while in truth, you remain close with the feet. In contrast, when they assume that you want to approach them slowly, then you should be quick towards them with broad steps and attack them. So much depends on this that everyone who has learned to fence and to use the same must acknowledge this.

[3] The step is divided into three exemplary types.

First are backward and forward, which does not require much explanation since you merely step toward or away from your opponent.

Second are also the steps to the side, which are partitioned by the Triangle in this way: namely, stand on a straight line with your right foot in front of your opponent and step with the left behind your right toward their left. This is the single. The second is executed doubly and is carried out like this: step with the right foot toward their left (as previously), then follow with the left behind the right somewhat out to the side and toward their left, and then, thirdly, with the right back to their left.

Third, there are the broken or stealthy steps, which are completed as follows: position yourself as if you wanted to step forward with one foot first, and then before you set it down, step back with it behind you (behind the other foot). Because these actually belong to rapier fencing, I will spare you this until then.