Concerning the Third Reason - Girata similar to all other fencing techniques can be immediately followed by the next footwork elements. In our fencing school, we always take a few additional steps backwards continuing the girata's movement direction in order to disengage from the opponent. We do so for the very reason you mentioned - we would never be sure if our first thrust would stop our opponent :)
@RobertChildsRapier3 жыл бұрын
And that is how I approach every attack I make. I assume it will miss and, therefore, must have the follow on action drilled in that leaves me covered from riposte/follow on attack.
@FabrisFanatic3 жыл бұрын
Thanks much for making this video! I suspected this would be your answer but but I am very glad to see it so eloquently explained. Personally I'm fascinated by the girata since it's a technique that shows up in all the major rapier sources and many of the minor ones. I'm glad to see it discussed!
@RobertChildsRapier3 жыл бұрын
And thanks for the question. I must say, you made good use of it in your match in Belarus.
@actionjoe223 жыл бұрын
He mentioned Belarus. Is there a link to that move on your KZfaq by any chance?
@FabrisFanatic3 жыл бұрын
@@actionjoe22 hey Yes I made a Playlist of all my bouts from Minsk here. I use it in my fight with Loda and again during my first elimination match. There might be more examples but those are the two I remember. I've also used it at CombatCon: kzfaq.info/sun/PLFuUZeAdWh_7lIO9NJKvPmGPGxisAXP58
@dsan94 Жыл бұрын
Girata continued in martial and sport use for hundreds of years. However, many modern HEMA fencers are not exceptionally skilled and experienced for a number of reasons: the majority being people who picked up the sword later in life and are lucky to be able to train once a week and often without access to skilled and experienced instructors. Most attempts I've seen of Girata were forced at a time where it was not appropriate or was performed too late or early in the attack.
@tanterouge4339 Жыл бұрын
Had to come back to this video after my first tournament. My opponent in one of my matches used a very well executed girata against me. I saw a chance to go in close and disarm him, and he saw that and countered not with an extended arm, but to align him arm further back - shortening his weapon reach which was very beneficial as I had closed in past the tip of his rapier. I ended up with his sword at my throat. I win the match in the end, but that was a really fun memory of being beaten squarely and learning something from it. I don't use the girata anymore. However, seeing as I'll always risk have a problem in grappling situations since I'm a woman when facing larger men, learning alternative ways to resolve grappling situations seems well worth it and I'll try to relearn the appropriate time for the technique to have it in my repertoire even if I hardly ever get to use it.
@RobertChildsRapier Жыл бұрын
Sounds like you have already grown from your experience with that fencer. As for grappling with larger opponents, I agree, situations such as that should be avoided. I mean, why play to your opponent's strength, right?
@tanterouge4339 Жыл бұрын
@@RobertChildsRapier Well, update. Managed to implement the technique offensively, using a passing step while scooping the rapier up towards my shoulder - my opponent's sword tip going past my head while I still had room to thrust. He just laughed and thought it was awesome, "by the time I realized what you were doing it was too late and I could do nothing!" As you say experimenting is a good thing, and at the very least I got a nice moment with my friend that I will remember and cherish :)
@borislavkrustev89063 жыл бұрын
Yep. Pretty much spot on. I've performed the girata in both sparring and tournament, but I mostly do it for fun and because when it lands, it looks pretty. Some techniques are specific pieces that are either fitting in someone's personal style, or low-percentage actions which inform other principles.
@RobertChildsRapier3 жыл бұрын
Indeed and well stated.
@scottmacgregor34443 жыл бұрын
I have actually successfully performed the Girata in sparring, but it's not something I would consider a high probability play (far from an expert here). I mostly dislike the foot work. It feels as though it's hard to have good structure and has limited ability to respond to your opponent if they avoid getting skewered. Admittedly it does make you look very fancy when you do land it clean.
@RobertChildsRapier3 жыл бұрын
It definitely looks pretty when everything lines up. But I feel the same way you do about what happens next--particularly if the thrust doesn't land.
@scottmacgregor34443 жыл бұрын
@@RobertChildsRapier Yeaaaaa. Pretty is nice. Martially valid is better, assuming you want to, you know, live.
@RobertChildsRapier3 жыл бұрын
@@scottmacgregor3444 Yeah, kind of how I feel about it. :)