Of the Use of the Off-Hand: Part I

Greetings,

This entry is the first part of the lesson on the use of the off-hand in particular in the use of the rapier. It should be noted that much of the information will relate more closely to those of the recreational bend and in particular more toward those within the SCA. However, I hope that the information presented here and in the following entries will be of interest.

Cheers,

Henry.

Introduction

“V. I will tell you, this weapon must bee used with a glove, and if a man should be without a glove, it were better to hazard a little hurt of the hand, thereby to become maister of his enemies Swoorde, than to breake with the swoord, and so give his enemy the advantage of him.” (Saviolo, 1595)

            The following lesson could be seen as an introductory to Saviolo however the parry with the off-hand is not restricted to Saviolo. Other masters described and used the off-hand to parry with. Fabris argues against the use of the off-hand to parry, but includes techniques on how it should be used in four different instances. Capo Ferro demonstrates and describes techniques using the off-hand to parry or grasp with on four different plates. Thus the use of the off-hand is actually more widespread than most would give credit.

            In the standard modes of rapier training the off-hand is often neglected or brushed over in favour of the sword parry. Indeed the techniques involved with the use of the hand parry are often simplified almost to the point of ignorance of their use. However it is a useful technique and gives the user an additional defence when used. The use of the off-hand for parrying can also be beneficial to use of off-hand equipment later on as the hand is already active.
            The use of the off-hand is even presented in most of the guards presented in rapier combat as they present the off-hand in front of the body ready for use, rather than behind the body. Even if it is static the off-hand can provide a defence if it is accidentally hit rather than the body, however it is a much more active use which will be the focus here.
            Saviolo is the most active user and advertiser of the use of the off-hand. Indeed he even prefers the use of the use of the off-hand parry to the use of the sword for the same action. His principle use is based upon the idea that it is better to use the hand and keep the sword free and point on-line and thus threatening the opponent easy for use. However even in this he does not give much instruction as to the specifics of the use of the off-hand, merely describing the particular situation and its use. This lesson is designed to introduce such specifics and present the off-hand as a useful, if often forgotten, option for the fencer to use.

Off-Hand Definition and General Use

            Before the details of the use of the off-hand can be discussed some important definitions and principles need to be addressed. The first part of this is to define exactly what is meant by the off-hand. The off-hand is that part of the body which extends from the points of the fingers to the wrist bone, in most instances. However, should a parry be missed with the hand and caught with the forearm and still successfully made, then it can also include this.
            In the use of the off-hand against the opponent’s blade, the palm of the hand is the optimum contact surface. This is due to the padding which is present on the palm of the hand and also the increased control in using the palm of the hand. Firstly, if the back of the hand is used, the knuckles can come into contact with the opponent’s weapon and this will sting. Secondly, the back of the hand gives no option to grasp the opponent’s weapon and gives less control.
            While the parry with the hand is a technique which can be used and effective in and of itself, it is even more effective when combined with another technique. In defence the off-hand parry can be enhanced by the use of a void, for example. This is a technique which needs to be added and used with other techniques; use the hand, sword and other techniques together and it will be substantially more effective.
            When the hand parry is considered one subject which always eventuates is the subject of the parrying gauntlet. This is a subject, which is best discussed and defined early in the lesson. The parrying gauntlet is not required for the off-hand to be effective, but can be used as an adjunct to enhance its use.

Parrying Gauntlet

            There are several different types of gauntlet that can be used on the off-hand in order to enhance the techniques which will be discussed here. The most common type of gauntlet ...

The rest of this article can be found in Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings by Henry Walker, which is available in paperback from:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blogged-Ramblings-Henry-Leigh-Walker/dp/098764470X
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/un-blogged-henry-leigh-walker/book/9780987644701.html
Among other places...

It is also available in electronic format (pdf) from: https://buy.stripe.com/fZecP419c7CB9VKeUV

... or direct from the author.