The Two-Handed Greatsword (Spada a Due Mani) - Anonimo Bolognese (ca. 1500 - 1550) - 14th action

The sixth in our series on the use of the Two-Handed Greatsword (Spada a due Mani), this is from the Manuscripts attributed to the ‘Anonimo Bolognese’ (ca. 1500 - 1550). Performed with a synthetic blade due to public access, this is the 14th action. -———————————————————————————- As many of you are probably aware, my moniker of ‘Wandering Swordsman’ used in these videos is based on the old European concept of a non guild affiliated instructor of swordsmanship being little better than a vagabond. This is particularly apt due to my lifestyle choice of living on a boat and travelling around the south of England, putting up posters and offering classes wherever I happen to stop. -———————————————————————————- Initiating action a.) Begin the action with your left foot forwards, and your false edge in contact with that of your opponent. b.) Pass forwards obliquely to the right, feinting a Mandritto. c.) If your opponent resists by pushing your blade to their right, turn your sword and reach under both blades with your left hand to grip their blade near the cross. d.) Push it aside to your left as you strike your opponent in the face with your pommel. If they step back, cut a fendente to the head. Counter action a.) Await your opponents action with your right foot forwards. b.) When your opponent passes forwards, pass obliquely to the left cutting a riverso ridoppio to the right temple. c.) When the opponent reaches under the blades with their left hand, pass back cutting a mezzo mandritto to their hands. d.) If your opponent manages to grip your blade, immediately push your left arm under their right and turn them to your left to disarm them. If you want to support the channel, feel free to get me a coffee over at Or join my Patreon for access to our members chat at and don’t forget to like and subscribe ☕️ Merchandise, training weapons, more about us at