10/21/2026
We are working on grappling from the head parry. Begin with a parry of fifth while advancing. Wrap your left arm around the opponent’s wrist, applying internal rotation as you transition your sword from fifth to eighth.
Continue the rotation while securing the wrist and performing a volta stabile (pivot turn) to the right (clockwise 90°). This pivot lets your sword clear your body and brings the point into position to threaten the opponent. Without the pivot, the point hasn't cleared the target, requiring an extra movement to realign it and giving the opponent another tempo to counter.
The opponent may step in and block the thrust to the face. In the advanced variation, continue the volta stabile clockwise (180°) while maintaining wrist control. This rotation applies an arm lock and moves the opponent away, countering their attempt to close in and block the thrust.
As noted previously, we control the opponent’s wrist without grasping their hand or arm. This technique doesn't require a firm grasp. Keeping the hand open helps reduce injury risk during practice and leaves it available for an additional action.
