Common Iberian Fencing: A Glossary of

A Glossary of
Common Iberian Fencing

Compiled by
Tim Rivera
Note: This covers the terminology of the old style of swordplay in Spain and Portugal from the 15th to
the 18th century.
Copyright 2013 by Tim Rivera. Subject to Fair Use in the Copyright Act of the United States of
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Abrirse [Being open] (see Llamar)
Acometimiento al rostro [Attack to the face]

A thrust to the face.
Source:
Contradiction 9 in Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco).
Acometimiento para cuchillada [Attack by cut]

A loud and furious cut.
Source:
Described in Libro de las Grandezas (Pacheco 100r).
Arcada [Curved] (see Enarcada)
Arrebatar y tajo [Carry away and cut]

Beat the sword from underneath on the inside, and follow with a tajo.
Sources:
Eighth vulgar treta in Carranza, though not described, only named (117v).
Godinho mentions arebater (57v), but does not describe it.
Figueiredo mentions arrebatados (33v).
Pacheco says that the tajo is sometimes to the legs (Nueva Ciencia 646).
Vulgar treta 19 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 630) and Cruzado (86).
Listed as vulgar treta 9 in Principios, but described as vulgar treta 10, where he
says that they use it when they are going to be wounded with the right angle
(Mendoza 79, 88).
Origin: None given, though Pacheco says that they have a old fondness for it, and it is
a long custom (Libro de las Grandezas 109v).
Related: Godinho's description of romper de tajo is very similar to arrebatar y tajo, but is
used defensively cf. Romper
Arrojarsela sobre la espada [Throw it on the sword]

Throw the cloak on the sword, from inside or outside.
Sources:
Pacheco says that Jaime Pons mentions it (Nueva Ciencia 666).
Described in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 666) and Cruzado (134).
Aspa [Cross or Reel]

(No description.)
Source:
Manuscrito da Espada (186v-187r, 192r-v, 194v-195v, 197v, 198v, 202r-v).
Atravesando mi espada por mis pechos [My sword crossing my chest] (see Cruzar la espada
delante del pecho)
Balanzada
Against the opponent's attack, incline to the left and thrust while moving past the
opponent.
Source:
Godinho describes it (49r) and refers to it extensively.
Related: Pacheco describes the same done offensively cf. Zambullida
Bolver la mano [Turning the hand] (see Enarcada)
Botonazo [Strike with the button]

(Note: the rebated tip of a practice sword is called the button in Spanish.)
After a ganancia, a thrust to the face without separating from the sword. If it is parried,
reves to the arm.
Sources:
Contradiction 24 in the Historia version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco).
Vulgar treta 3 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 586), Principios (Mendoza 83), and
Cruzado (5).
Origin: Pacheco says it is the sister of cornada (Nueva Ciencia 586) cf. Cornada
Related: Although not named in Godinho, he advises to follow a ganancia with a thrust
to the eyes if the opponent consents. Just as often, he advises it after the opponent
will free from the ganancia cf. Ganar
Brazal [Armband]
(Also: brazalete, meter el brazo [putting in the arm])
Detaining the opponent's sword with the left arm. Pacheco gives three different
methods in Libro de las Grandezas:
1. Tentar, gather the sword with the arm, and estocada de puo
2. In cross on the outside, gather the sword with the arm, and estocada de puo
3. Tentar, and when the opponent will give a mandoble, parry with the arm
Sources:
Mentioned in Carranza as parrying with the arm (119v).
Godinho says that brazal is not safe and has no place in sword alone (19r). In his
book on the cloak, he advises giving the cloak in the manner of brazal after a
parry (127r).
Third famous vulgar treta in Libro de las Grandezas (Pacheco 122v).
It is also done with dagger, buckler, shield, and cloak (Pacheco, Modo Facil 46).
Figueiredo says that it's commonly done with practice swords in Castile (45r).
Listed as vulgar treta 15 in Principios, but described as vulgar treta 16 as taking
the sword on the outside (Mendoza 80, 91).
Mentioned by Texedo (19).
Origin: Presumed ancient, exact origin lost to time (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 638).
Related: Figueiredo equates it with manotada (45r) cf. Manotada
Brazalete (see Brazal)
Campuzana (see Zambullida)
Canillazo [Blow to the Shin]

(Also: cuchillada a las piernas [cut to the legs], espinillazo [blow to the shin], desjarretadera
[hamstringer], corvazo [blow to the hamstring])
A cut to the leg. Described three ways by Pacheco in Nueva Ciencia:
1. Ganancia and thrust, then step and tajo to the leg
2. Arrebatar on the inside and tajo to the leg
3. Arrebatar on the outside and reves to the leg.
Sources:
Pacheco cites Jaime Pons as saying that all cuts are thrown to the legs when
armed with a buckler (Nueva Ciencia 670).
In the first form described, Godinho advises giving a tajo to the shins after a
thrust is gained on the inside, that isn't clear about stepping in or not (136v).
The second is mentioned in the book on shield as romper de tajo to the legs (69v,
73v), and the third form is advised as romper de reves to the legs to counter a
thrust (30r).
Godinho generally advises a cut to the legs while retreating, but in the section
against lefties, advises attacking directly with a tajo the legs (64v, 66r). He says
that with double arms, the cuts are better low (80r), and advises low cuts
frequently, some explicitly to the shins (73r, 77v, 105).
Contradiction 15 in Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is the cuchillada a las piernas.
Mentioned in Modo Facil (Pacheco 66).
Vulgar treta 22 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 640) and Cruzado (95). The last two
are called espinillazo in the sword and dagger section of vulgar tretas in Nueva
Ciencia (Pacheco 660) and Cruzado (128). Espinillazo is also the name used in
the bucker or shield section of the same works (Pacheco 670; Cruzado 137).
Pacheco says that Spaniards do it (Nueva Ciencia 192).
Arias de Porres calls a reves to the back of the leg corvazo (116, 141).
Done by Viedma with a buckler (53v), or in single sword gives a reves a las
piernas (47v).
Listed as vulgar treta 16 in Principios, but described as vulgar treta 17 (Mendoza
80, 92).
Mentioned as a reves to the leg by Texedo (33).
Cintas [Bands]
Passing the sword from one side to the other.
Sources:
Contradiction 24 in the Nacional version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is
culebrear [snaking], along with medias cintas [half bands].
Mendoza describes cintas as passing the sword from one side to the other
(Principios 77; Resumen 18v).
Related: Similar in description, possibly alternate name cf. Citaciones, Culebrear,
Librar
Citaciones [Citations]
(Also: citaes [citations], sombras [shadows], tortuosa [winding], linha tortuosa [winding
line])
Passing the point of the sword from one side to the other under the opponent's hilt in
continuous motion.
Sources:
Mentioned in Engao without description as tortuosa (Pacheco 137).
Described by Viedma as citaciones (7v, 16v).
Manuscrito da Espada uses citaes along with sombras (198v-199r), and says that
sombras is the same as linha tortuosa (199v).
Related: Mentioned along with puntas Andaluzes by Viedma (16v, 60v), and similar in
description to others cf. Cintas, Culebrear, Librar, Puntas Andaluzes
Cobertera [Covered] (see Empanada)
Codazo [Blow to the Elbow]

(Also: tajo y reves al brazo [cut and reverse cut to the arm], cortacodo [cut to the elbow])
A tajo or reves to the elbow, forearm, or wrist.
Sources:
Godinho frequently advises countering an attack with a tajo or reves to the elbow
or arm, calling it codazo once (42v).
Pacheco mentions the vulgar fencers giving a blow to the elbow(Libro de las
Grandezas 48r).
Contradiction 14 in Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is the tajo y reves al brazo.
Vulgar treta 20 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 635) and Cruzado (91), which
specifies that it is sometimes done with arrebatar.
Mentioned by Viedma with a training apparatus (60v).
80, 90).
Origin: Unknown, according to Pacheco (Nueva Ciencia 635).
Colear [Snaking] (see Culebrear)
Contra infieles [Against infidels] (see Zambullida)
Convidar [Inviting] (see Llamar)
Cornada [Gore]
Ascending thrust by withdrawing the arm, which sometimes sets up a reves to the arm.
Sources:
Contradiction 19 in the Nacional version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco).
Vulgar treta 4 in Principios (Mendoza 84).
Mentioned by Rada with a buckler (498).
Origin: Modern reformation of estocada de puo (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 585).
Cortacodo [Cut to the elbow] (see Codazo)

Corvazo [Blow to the hamstring] (see Canillazo)
Crespa [Curled] (see Puerta de hierro)
Cruzar la espada delante del pecho [Crossing the sword in front of the chest]
(Also: atravesando mi espada por mis pechos [my sword crossing my chest])
Sword in front of the body, the point close to the left arm.
Sources:
Mentioned by Viedma (31v).
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada as atravesando a minha espada por meos peitos
(192v).
Related: Viedma calls it the position after a tajo used for llamar cf. Llamar
Cuchillada a las piernas [Cut to the legs] (see Canillazo)
Culebrear [Snaking]
(Also: colear [snaking])
(No description.)
Sources:
Contradiction 24 in the Nacional version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is
culebrear, along with medias cintas [half bands].
Figueiredo mentions colear along with librar (28, 28v, 89v).
Related: Possible alternate name cf. Cintas, Librar
Curiosa [Curious]
Atajo on the inside, dagger on the inside, blow to the right vertical or collateral.
Source:
Mentioned as an Aasquino technique with sword and dagger by Tamariz (190).
Related: Possible alternate name cf. Encomendada
Dar la ocasion [Giving occasion] (see Llamar)
Defendida [Defended]
Thrust to the face on the inside, withdraw the arm, enter, and thrust again.
Sources:
Related: Equated with zambullida by Pacheco in the Nacional version of Cien
Conclusiones cf. Zambullida
Derribarse [Falling] (see Quiebro)
Desfallecer la espada [Weakening the sword] (see Remeson)
Desjarretadera [Hamstringer] (see Canillazo)
Desplante [Uproot] (see Quiebro)
Diciplina [Discipline]
(Also: reducida [reduced])
Getting close and giving reveses and tajos with the wrist.
Sources:
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada (188r).
Embeber [Drawing in]

(Also: embebida)
Taking the sword in both hands, with the right arm bent, and thrusting.
Sources:
Figueiredo mentions embeber (23r).
Cruzado describes a technique called embebida (34, 85, 107).
Related: Godinho describes a thrust with both hands on the sword (29v), Manuscrito
da Espada describes a thrust with both hands on the sword as a vulgar way to
wound (201v), and Cruzado mentions it in the context of torneada (34) cf.
Encrucijada, Torneada
Empanada [Enclosed]
(Also: cobertera [covered])
Thrust nails-down on the inside, with the dagger, cloak, buckler, or shield pressing on
the outside. Can also be done against a deflection, or against a ganancia.
Sources:
Vulgar treta 2 with sword and dagger in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 658) and
Cruzado (124).
Rada mentions it (484, 486).
Related: Cruzado says that this is the same as encadenada (114) cf. Encadenada
Enarcada [Curved]
(Also: bolver la mano [turning the hand], arcada [curved])
Turning the hand to nails-down and curving the arm to thrust, in order to get past a
deflection on the inside, ganancia, or atajo.
Sources:
Described extensively by Godinho as bolver la mano.
Contradiction 20 in the Historia version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is the
sword-and-dagger version, while contradiction 21 is the sword-alone version.
Cruzado (23), although described in Principios as vulgar treta 9 (Mendoza 87).
Done by Viedma, capturing the quillons with the hand, dagger, or buckler (51r,
54v).
Mentioned as an Aasquino technique with sword and dagger by Tamariz,
placing the dagger between the two swords (187).
Described in Manuscrito da Espada (187r) as the same as arcada and as a counter
to an atajo not formed with all three requisites (190r).
Origin: Very ancient, according to Pacheco (Nueva Ciencia 594).
Encadenada [Enchained]
Nails-up thrust on the outside, dagger on the inside. Cruzado describes a second
version with the thrust on the inside after a ganancia, with the dagger low and outside;
he also describes a third version called encadenada superior that is on the outside, with
the dagger low and inside. When done with single sword, the thrust is on the outside,
using the upper crossguard in place of the dagger. It can also be done over the top of
the opponent's sword, using the lower crossguard.
Sources:
Godinho uses the first version extensively.
Contradiction 20 in the Nacional version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco)
mentions that it is always done with the sword and dagger.
The sword-alone version is vulgar treta 7 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 593),
Principios (Mendoza 86), and Cruzado (15).
Vulgar sword-and-dagger treta 1 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 656) and Cruzado
(112).
Mentioned as an Aasquino technique with sword and dagger by Tamariz,
calling the first version encadenada inferior (186), and Cruzado's third version
encadenada superior (189).
Origin: None given for the sword-and-dagger version, modern origin for the single
sword version (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 593).
Related: Cruzado equates this with empanada (114), and Mendoza equates the swordalone version with engavilanada (Principios 86) cf. Empanada, Engavilanada
Encapar al enemigo [Encloak the enemy]

Throw the cloak to the eyes, and wound before he is untangled.
Sources:
Pacheco says that Jaime Pons mentions it (Nueva Ciencia 666).
Described in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 666) and Cruzado (134).
Encaracolada [Spiraled]
(No description.)
Source:
Encomendada [Entrusted]
Detaining the opposing sword with the dagger, cloak, buckler, or shield on the inside
after a ganancia or parry, to wound with the sword.
Sources:
Godinho does this movement, but never refers to it as encomendada.
Figueiredo mentions it (22v).
Vulgar sword-and-dagger treta 5 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 663) and Cruzado
(131).
Origin: New name to an old technique (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 663).
Encrucijada [Crossed]
Taking the sword in both hands on the outside to wound with a thrust in the chest
over the opponent's sword.
Source:
Related: Godinho describes a thrust with both hands on the sword (29v), and
Manuscrito da Espada describes a thrust with both hands on the sword as a vulgar
way to wound (201v) cf. Embeber, Torneada
Engaar [Deceiving] (see Llamar)
Engavilanada [Crossguarded]
From nails-up, put the quillons above the point of the opponent's sword, and turn
nails-down to use the inferior crossguard to move the opponent's point to the outside,
then thrust.
Sources:
Listed as vulgar treta 23 in Principios, but described as part of vulgar treta 7
(Mendoza 81, 86).
Origin: Modern origin, although it is claimed otherwise; not found among any author
(Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 596).
Related: Mendoza equates it with encadenada done with the sword alone (Principios 86)
cf. Encadenada
Escampavita [Escaping]
(Also: pie de roda [wheeling step], librar el cuerpo [freeing the body], escapar el cuerpo
[escaping the body], passo de roda [wheeling step])
Step the left foot behind the right and to the right, turning to the left, often with a
thrust.
Sources:
Godinho calls it pie de roda (37v, 42r).
Figueiredo mentions passo de roda (20v-1v, 81v).
Pacheco says that Italians and French love them (Advertencias 88).
Origin: Native to Italy (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 648).
Escapar el cuerpo [Escape the body] (see Escampavita)
Espinillazo [Blow to the shin] (see Canillazo)
Espiral [Spiral]
(No description.)
Source:
Mentioned in Engao (Pacheco 136v).
Estocada a la mano [Thrust to the hand]

Thrust to the sword hand.
Sources:
Pacheco says that among the authors, only Pedro de la Torre made mention of it
and approved of it (Nueva Ciencia 592).
Godinho mentions it both as a counter to tajo and reves (22r, 46r), and against an
established opponent (32v).
Figueiredo says that against it, you can wound without parrying (64v).
Pacheco says it can easily be done in the medio de proporcion and is an established
technique in common fencing (Nueva Ciencia 246).
Cruzado (14).
Mendoza says that the diestro is safe in the medio de proporcion, because the
points come to the pommels, and so a backward motion must be made first
(Principios 86).
Origin: Pacheco says that this is an immemorial tradition (Nueva Ciencia 592).
Related: Pacheco says that this is a type of estocada de puo (Nueva Ciencia 591) cf.
Estocada de puo
Estocada de puo [Punching thrust]

(Also: punta de punho [punching thrust], punta de aremeso [throwing thrust])
Thrusting by straightening the arm, with or without withdrawing the arm first.
Sources:
Pacheco says that Pedro de la Torre said that movement isn't made toward the
rear because time is lost (Nueva Ciencia 583).
Mentioned by Carranza as the sixth vulgar lesson in conjunction with the shield,
fingernails-down (81v).
Mentioned by Carranza as the seventh vulgar sect in conjunction with the
dagger (86r).
Carranza describes the fourth vulgar treta as tentar and a blow given del puo
(116v), which Pacheco cites as estocada de puo (Libro de las Grandezas 105v).
Godino mentions it with a cloak (126v), and calls it punta de punho with two
swords, where he equates it with punta de aremeso (83v), which is a term he uses
once in the book on sword alone (47v).
Pacheco says it is done in all thrusts in the ordinary destreza (Libro de las
Grandezas 105r).
Figueiredo says its always the intent of people with longer swords (35r), and
that they are advantageous in succession with the buckler (45r).
First vulgar treta in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 583) and Cruzado (1).
Vulgar treta 2 in Principios, which says it is done with the nails down (Mendoza
82-3).
Done many times in Manuscrito da Espada (186r-v, 190r, 192r-v, 193v, 194v195v, 198v, 203r, 204r-v), once as estocada de punho de repiacabello (192r).
Mentioned by Rada with a buckler (496, 498).
Final [Final]
Counter-clockwise circling around the opponent's sword to thrust on the inside, under
the opponent's sword.
Sources:
Ganar [Gaining]
(Also: ganancia [gaining], reganancia [regaining])
Placing the sword above the opponent's on the inside. Pacheco and Cruzado
differentiate between ganancia with no blade contact and reganancia with contact, but
other authors always describe gaining as having contact.
Sources:
Godinho advises it frequently, defining ganar as taking control of the middle of
the opponent's sword (18r).
Mentioned in Libro de las Grandezas that the Turks don't use ganancia (Pacheco
233r).
Contradiction 2 in Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is ganancia and reganancia.
Figueiredo equates gaining with atajo, or at least that gaining is a component of
atajo (18v, 32v, 83v).
Vulgar treta 17 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 621) and Cruzado (55) is ganancia and
reganancia.
Ganancia is listed as vulgar treta 13 in Principios, but described as vulgar treta 14
(Mendoza 80, 90).
Origin: Known and done by everyone, for so long it's almost natural (Pacheco, Nueva
Ciencia 621).
Garatusa [Scrawl]
Circling blade action done inside, it is a counter-clockwise circling around the
opponent's sword to press it right, then leaving it to thrust high. Done outside, it is
clockwise to press it left.
Sources:
Mentioned by Carranza as a part of the most esteemed vulgar sect (101v).
Godinho calls the inside version garatuja (17v, 33r), and the outside version
transeando [braiding] (34r), and says that the masters don't have to consent to the
motion, just teach the counter.
80, 89).
Origin: Pacheco says it originated in 'our regions,' though its invention is claimed by
many (Nueva Ciencia 616).
Related: Godinho says that it is also known by the name parafusando (33r). Mendoza
describes it as done like remeson, except that the goal is to move the point to one
side (Principios 89) cf. Parafusada, Remeson
Golpe a la espada [Blow to the sword]

Technique of hitting the sword with a tajo or reves to knock it out of the opponent's
hand.
Sources:
Pachecho says that Jaime Pons was the first (Nueva Ciencia 599).
Carranza describes part of the third vulgar treta as giving a blow to knock the
sword down (115v).
Related: Pachecho says that remeson is a modern version (Nueva Ciencia 599) cf.
Remeson
Herir en el pie derecho [Wound in the right foot]

A blow to the foot.
Sources:
Godinho mentions a tajo to the foot (50r).
First famous vulgar treta in Libro de las Grandezas (Pacheco 121r).
Imaginada [Imagined] (see Puerta de hierro)
Incitar [Inciting] (see Llamar)
Invitar [Inviting] (see Llamar)
Infernal [Infernal] (see Zambullida)
Irremediable [Unstoppable]
Pacheco describes a ganancia, then thrust to the face, leaving the opponent's sword free
in Nueva Ciencia. Mendoza describes attacking the face to draw the parry, then
grabbing the middle of your own sword with the left hand to wound in Principios.
Sources:
81, 99).
Librar [Freeing]
Escaping the opponent's weapon when he attempts to ganar or undo your blow.
Sources:
Godinho advises it frequently, defining it multiple times (17v, 36).
Figueiredo mentions it (28, 28v, 89v).
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada (197r).
Related: Figueiredo always mentions colear with it cf. Culebrear
Librar el cuerpo [Freeing the body] (see Escampavita)
Llamar [Inviting]
(Also: incitar [inciting], dar la ocasion [giving occasion], provocar [provoking], engaar
[deceiving], abrirse [being open], convidar [inviting], invitar [inviting])
Presenting an opening to the opponent, or throwing a tajo or reves with the intent to
present an opening rather than to wound.
Sources:
Pacheco says that Francisco Romn called it incitar or llamar, but Jaime Pons was
the first to write about it (Nueva Ciencia 605).
Godinho describes throwing false or lost tajos (50v, 65v). He also frequently
describes positions in which the sword is held that leaves you open for a thrust,
giving the counters.
Described in Libro de las Grandezas, described only from a tajo (Pacheco 97r).
Mentioned by Viedma as a tajo that ends with the sword across the chest (31v).
80, 89).
Mendoza describes it as putting the sword low in one of the two extremes
(Principios 89).
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada as invitar or convidar (186r, 187r, 192v).
Rada mentions it as the strategy of the tenth sword and dagger position (493).
Related: Mendoza pairs llamar with quiebro (Principios 89). Godinho also speaks of
tretas as presenting an opening (53v) cf. Quiebro, Treta
Manoplado [Slap] (see Manotada)
Manotada [Slap]
(Also: manoplado [slap], manotear [slapping])
Deflection of the sword with the hand.
Sources:
Vulgar treta 12 in Carranza (119).
Godinho calls it manoplado, giving it as a defense against a thrust (54r).
Second famous vulgar treta in Libro de las Grandezas (Pacheco 121v).
Contradiction 17 in Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) speaks of four methods: up,
down, and either side.
Pacheco gives two methods: rodeo [encircling] done inside to outside, and
bofeton [slap] done outside to inside. He also cites Carranza fol. 119, saying that
he doesn't distinguish between the two types (Nueva Ciencia 590).
Given as manotear when done with sword and dagger, as vulgar treta 4 in Nueva
Ciencia (Pacheco 662) and Cruzado (131).
Origin: Pacheco says that it is one of the first products of vulgar ignorance (Nueva
Ciencia 590).
Related: Figueiredo equates it with brazal (45r) cf. Brazal
Manotear [Slapping] (see Manotada)
Margullida (see Zambullida)
Medias cintas [Half bands] (see Cintas)
Meter el brazo [Putting in the arm] (see Brazal)
Parafusada [Drilled or Augered]

(No description.)
Sources:
Godinho calls it the same as garatuja (33r).
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada along with torcida (187r, 202r), and that
these are new names (202r).
Related: cf. Garatusa, Torcida
Pasada [Passed]
(Also: passar [passing])
(No description.)
Sources:
Mentioned in Advertencias that the Italians and French love it (Pacheco 88).
Passar mentioned by Figueiredo (23r).
Passo de roda [Wheeling step] (see Escampavita)
Pie de roda [Wheeling step] (see Escampavita)
Por los filos [By the edges]

(Also: por los mismos ilos [by the same edges], estocada pello mesmo fio [thrust by the same
edge], ferir por os mesmos fios [wounding by the same edges], ferir pellos propios fios
[wound by the same edges])
Countering a thrust with the same thrust.
Sources:
Godinho makes extensive use of countering por los mismos ilos.
Mentioned as a vulgar lesson in Libro de las Grandezas (Pacheco 211).
Figueiredo calls it estocada pello mesmo fio and ferir por os mesmos fios (16v, 32v).
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada as ferir pellos propios fios (192r, 198v-199r,
201v, 203v-204r), pellos mesmos fios (193r, 200r), and pellos fios (197r).
Postura alta y baxa [High and low posture] (see Puerta de hierro)
Presa [Hold]
(Also: presa de pie [bar with the foot])
A grapple, trip, or throw.
Sources:
Pacheco cites Jaime Pons as dealing with them, having one called ala de perdiz
[quail's wing] (Nueva Ciencia 387).
Pacheco cites Pedro de la Torre as having many of them, especially against knife
(Nueva Ciencia 388).
Pacheco cites Francisco Romn as using presa de pie, similar to trips and throws
in Achille Marozzo's Opera Nova (Nueva Ciencia 388).
Pacheco calls it a vulgar emulation of the movement of conclusion (Nueva
Ciencia 387).
Provocar [Provoking] (see Llamar)
Puerta de hierro [Iron gate]

(Also: crespa [curl], reservada [reserved], ultimada [finalized])
Common posture of vulgar fencers, quillons close to the right thigh, point high, feet
apart, weight on the left.
Sources:
Contradiction 11 in Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is postura alta y baxa [high and
low posture].
Pacheco says that Italians call the position puerta de hierro (Nueva Ciencia 338).
Called crespa by Figueiredo (18v, 24v).
Viedma calls the point-high posture puerta de hierro and the point-low posture
imaginada [imagined] (8r, 55r).
Texedo describes it with the sword and dagger (33).
Rada calls it puerta de yerro, crespa, or ultimada with the sword and dagger (480).
Punta de Arremesso [Thrust with a Throw] (see Estocada de puo)
Punta de Puo [Thrust from the Hilt] (see Estocada de puo)
Puntas Andaluzes [Andalusian thrusts]

Nails-up thrusts with the arm straight, to one side and the other, point passing below
the opponent's hilt.
Source:
Viedma describes them (7r-v, 16r, 21r, 60v).
Related: Mentioned along with citaciones by Viedma (16v, 60v) cf. Citaciones
Quebrarse [Bending] (see Quiebro)
Quiebro [Bend]
(Also: requebrarse [leaning], derribarse [falling], quebrarse [bending], displante [uproot])
Putting the weight back over the left leg, sword low.
Sources:
Pacheco says that Jaime Pons was the first, saying that the sword sometimes has
to be placed across the legs, point at the left foot, in a low guard (Nueva Ciencia
612).
Carranza describes the seventh vulgar treta as having the weight over the left
leg, and wounding below the arm with a thrust (117v), which Pacheco cites as
quiebro (Nueva Ciencia 612).
Godinho describes lowering the sword and loading the weight on the left (49r-v,
136v). He also calls it requebrandote (51r).
Contradiction 16 in Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) says it is a type of llamar, and
that the sword can be low or high, left or right.
Pacheco says that foreign authors are fond of it (Nueva Ciencia 612).
Listed as vulgar treta 11 in Principios, but described as vulgar treta 12 and
equated with llamar, described with the sword low and in one of the two
extremes (Mendoza 80, 89).
Mentioned as desplante in Manuscrito da Espada (202v).
Cruzado says that it is commonly called desplante, and there are nine of them
(43).
Rada mentions it with sword and dagger, in a general rule to deal with it (487).
Origin: Pacheco gives it a non-Castilian origin, because it is not in the Castilian books
(Nueva Ciencia 612).
Related: Called a type of llamar cf. Llamar
Rasgar [Ripping] (see Romper)
Recalcada [Stressed]
(Also: sopetona [sudden blow])
Lift the sword on the outside, then give a thrust.
Sources:
Reducida [Reduced] (see Diciplina)
Refregon [Rub] (see Remeson)
Reganancia [Regaining] (see Ganar)
Remesso [Remission] (see Remeson)
Remesarla [Remitting it] (see Remeson)
Remeson [Remission]
(Also: refregon [rub], desfallecer la espada [weakening the sword], remesarla [remitting it],
remesso [remission])
A beat with less force than a tajo or reves, often following with a thrust.
Sources:
79, 88).
Mentioned many times in Manuscrito da Espada (187r, 190r, 193v, 197v, 200v201r, 202v).
Related: Pachecho says that remeson is a type of garatusa (Nueva Ciencia 217) and that
it is a modern version of golpe a la espada (Nueva Ciencia 599) cf. Garatusa, Golpe
a la espada
Reparo redondo [Rounded parry]

Parry with the sword rising above the head.
Sources:
Described in Libro de las Grandezas (Pacheco 92v).
Described in Arias de Porres (140).
Requebrarse [Leaning] (see Quiebro)
Reservada [Reserved] (see Puerta de hierro)
Reves a las piernas [Reverse cut to the legs] (see Canillazo)
Romper [Breaking]
(Also: rasgar [ripping])
Lifting the sword to meet the opponent's sword, usually to defend a thrust and
followed with a tajo.
Sources:
Godinho equates romper with rasgar (15r), and advises romper de tajo, romper de
reves, tajo rasgado, and reves rasgado frequently.
Figueiredo says that romper is an upward motion against the right angle or a
thrust done with the false edge, sometimes followed by a tajo (20r, 27r, 63v, 84r).
Figueiredo gives the term rasgos for the blows in destreza (75r).
Rompiendo de tajo, romper un tajo, and tajo rompido are mentioned by Viedma (21r,
26v, 31v, 33r, 54v, 58v).
Related: Pacheco's description of arrebatar y tajo is very similar to romper de tajo, but is
used offensively cf. Arrebatar y tajo, Tajo y reves rompido
Sambulhida (see Zambullida)
Sopetona [Sudden blow] (see Recalcada)
Tajo y reves al brazo [Cut and reverse cut to the arm] (see Codazo)
Tajo y reves ascendientes [Ascending cut and reverse cut]

Tajo or reves that goes from low to high.
Sources:
Godinho twice mentions a tajo that cuts from knee to head (55v, 62v).
Advertencias says that Italians and French love them (Pacheco 88).
Nueva Ciencia says that Italians love them (Pacheco 132).
Vulgar tretas 26 and 27 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 647) and Cruzado (100).
Tajo y reves orizontal [Horizontal cut and reverse cut]

A tajo or reves at belt-level, leaning forward.
Sources:
Godinho gives a tajo to the waist once with a shield, without advising leaning
forward (79r).
Vulgar tretas 24 and 25 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 645) and Cruzado (99).
Pacheco says that it's taught in Spain with sword and shield and buckler (Nueva
Ciencia 193).
Pacheco says that the tajo is sometimes to the legs (Nueva Ciencia 646).
Origin: Ancient origins (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 645).
Related: Pacheco equates them with tajo y reves rompido (Engao 23; Modo Facil 66;
Nueva Ciencia 162, 228) cf. Tajo y reves rompido
Tajo y reves rompido [Ripped cut and reverse cut]

A downward cut to the foot, bending forward, then a reves that returns to the original
position.
Sources:
Described in Libro de las Grandezas (Pacheco 116).
Related: Pacheco equates them with tajo y reves orizontal (Engao 23; Modo Facil 66;
Nueva Ciencia 162, 228) cf. Romper, Tajo y reves orizontal
Tajo y reves vertical [Vertical cut and reverse cut]

A cut from high to low, straight down.
Sources:
Temeraria [Reckless] (see Zambullida)
Temida [Feared] (see Zambullida)
Tentar [Testing]
(Also: tentada [tested])
Using the weak of the sword to put pressure on the opponent's sword, often followed
with a thrust.
Sources:
Carranza refers to tentar many times, including the first vulgar treta (115r),
which Pacheco cites in Libro de las Grandezas (103r).
Godinho advises it frequently throughout his work. He defines it as the point of
the sword reaching the point of the opponent's sword (18r).
Described in Libro de las Grandezas as bringing the point to the middle
(Pacheco 101r).
Figueiredo says that it's one of the two purposes of the weak of the sword (39r,
84r), and says that it's the fourth mode of using the dagger (41v), but also that
it's not convenient (28r).
Vulgar treta 18 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 624) and Cruzado (78), as a ganancia
with contact, then leaving with a thrust when the opponent resists it.
Described by Viedma as a posture with the points of the swords touching (29r).
Vulgar treta 1 in Principios, also vulgar treta 22 in the descriptions, done in the
manner of atajo, but moving away from the sword and with lesser degrees of
strength on greater (Mendoza 81, 98).
Origin: Spanish, little received elsewhere (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 624).
Tomar la espada por defuera [Take the sword on the outside]

(No description.)
Source:
Torcida [Twisted]
(No description.)
Source:
Manuscrito da Espada (187r, 189r, 195r, 202r).
Related: Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada along with torcida, and that these are
new names cf. Parafusada
Torneada [Turned]
Make a ganancia on the inside, spin around and thrust with both hands on the sword.
Sources:
79, 87).
Origin: Flemish-Spanish (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 597).
Related: Manuscrito da Espada describes a thrust with both hands on the sword as a
vulgar way to wound (201v) cf. Embeber, Encrucijada
Tortuosa [Winding] (see Citaciones)
Treta
Although authors of the verdadera destreza use the term for a technique or planned
action, and use the term vulgar tretas for the actions of common fencing, Godinho
defines it as committing a blow falsely or opening yourself to the opponent.
Source:
Godinho defines it and gives examples (53v).
Related: Pacheco says that Francisco Romn called the strategy incitar or llamar (Nueva
Ciencia 605) cf. Llamar
Treta doble [Double technique]

A technique with two blows.
Sources:
Carranza declares it as a treta with two blows (decl. 3r).
Pacheco describes it in Libro de las Grandezas as a tajo to the sword and one to
the head (306v).
Vulgar treta 23 in Nueva Ciencia (Pacheco 643) and Cruzado (96) describe it as a
tajo to the legs, followed by another to the head.
It is also done with the buckler or shield (Pacheco, Nueva Ciencia 670).
Vulgar treta 18 in Principios describes it as a reves to the legs and a tajo to the
head (Mendoza 93).
Treta fuerte [Strong technique]

Atajo on the inside, dagger under the sword, when the opposing sword leaves and
returns, give the inferior encadenada.
Source:
Related: Contains the encadenada cf. Encadenada
Ultimada [Finalized] (see Puerta de hierro)
Valentona [Braggart]
(No description.)
Source:
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada (202v, 215r).
Origin: Modern (Manuscrito da Espada 202v)
Zambullida [Dive]
(Also: margullida, contra infieles [against infidels], campuzana, infernal [infernal],
temeraria [reckless], temida [feared], sambulhida [dive])
Beat the sword on the outside, incline forward and run past the opponent to thrust in
the chest.
Sources:
Contradiction 23 in the Nacional version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco),
equated with the defendida.
Contradiction 30 in the Historia version of Cien Conclusiones (Pacheco) is the
temida, or temeraria. Later in Nueva Ciencia, Pacheco equates the temeraria to the
zambullida (587).
Done by Viedma, capturing the quillons with the hand or dagger (29v, 55r).
Mendoza says in Resumen that it can't be found in old writings or practice
(65v).
Texedo mentions it (33).
Mentioned in Manuscrito da Espada with a movement of conclusion as
sambulhida (196r).
Related: Godinho describes the same done defensively cf. Balanzada, Defendida
Works Cited
Arias de Porres, Gmez. Resvmen de la verdadera destreza en el maneio de la espada. Salamanca:
Melchor Esteuez, 1667.
Carranza, Jernimo de. Libro de Hieronimo de Carana, natvral de Sevilla, que trata de la
philosophia de las armas y de su destreza y de la aggression y defension christiana. Sanlucar
de Barrameda: en casa del mismo autor, 1582.
Cruzado y Peralta, Manuel. Las tretas de la vulgar y comun esgrima de espada sola y con armas
dobles, que reprobo Don Luis Pacheco de Narvaez, y las oposiciones que dispuso en verdadera
destreza contra ellas. Zaragoza, 1702.
Figueiredo, Diogo Gomes de. Oplosophia e Verdadeira Destreza das Armas. MS, Academia das
Cincias de Lisboa [1628].
Godinho, Domingo Luis. Arte de Esgrima. MS, Bibliotheca Nacional de Lisboa [1599].
Manuscrito da Espada. MS, Biblioteca da Ajuda 49-III-6 (2).
[Mendoza] Prez de Mendoza y Quijada, Miguel. Principios de los cinco sujetos principales de
que se compone la filosofia y matemtica de las armas, prtica y especulativa. Pamplona:
Martn Gregorio de Zabala, 1672.
---. Resvmen de la verdadera destreza de las armas en treinta y ocho asserciones. Madrid: Francisco
Sanz, 1675.
Pacheco de Narvez, Luis. Advertencias para la enseanza de la Filosofia y destreza de las armas
ass a pie como a cavallo. Pamplona, 1625.
---. Las Cien conclvsiones, o formas de saber de la verdadera Destreza, fundada en Sciencia y deziocho
contradiciones a las tretas de la Destreza comun. Madrid: Luis Sanchez, 1608.
---. Engao y Desengao de los errores q han qrido introducir en la destreza de las armas. Madrid:
Emprenta del Reyno, 1635.
---. [Historia] Principios geomtricos, demostraciones matemticas, conclusiones, mximas y
aforismos, de la Destreza de las armas fundada en ciencia. MS, Biblioteca Real Academia de
la Historia.
---. Libro de las grandezas de la espada, en que se declaran muchos secretos del que compuso el
Comendador Geronimo de Carranca. Madrid: Herederos de J. Iiguez de Lequerica, 1600.
---. Modo facil y nuevo para examinar los maestros en la Destreza de las armas, y entender mis cien
conclusiones o forma de saber. Madrid: Luis Snchez, 1625.
---. [Nacional] Principales geomtricos, conclusiones y formas de saber de la verdadera destreza de las
armas. MS, Biblioteca Nacional de Espaa.
---. Nveva ciencia, y filosofa de la destreza de las armas, su teorica y practica. Madrid: Melchor
Snchez, 1672.
[Rada] Lorenz de Rada, Francisco. Nobleza de la espada, cuyo esplendor se expressa en tres libros,
segun ciencia, arte y esperiencia, libro III. Madrid: Imprenta Real; Diego Martinez Abad,
1705.
Tamariz, Nicols. Cartilla y luz en la verdadera destreza, nacida de los escritos de Don Luis Pacheco
de Narvaez y de los autores que refiere. Sevilla: Herederos de Thoms Lopez de Haro,
1696.
Texedo Sicilia de Teruel, Pedro. Escuela de principiantes y promptuario de cuestiones en la filosofa
de la verdadera Destreza de las Armas. Napoles: Iuan Franisco Paz, 1678.
[Viedma] Daz de Viedma, Luis. Metodo de enseanza de maestros en la ciencia filosofica de la
verdadera destreza matematica de la armas. Barcelona: en casa de Sebastian y Iame
Matevad, 1639.

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A Glossary of

Common Iberian Fencing

Abrirse [Being open] (see Llamar)

Acometimiento al rostro [Attack to the face]

Acometimiento para cuchillada [Attack by cut]

Arcada [Curved] (see Enarcada)

Arrebatar y tajo [Carry away and cut]

Arrojarsela sobre la espada [Throw it on the sword]

Aspa [Cross or Reel]

Bolver la mano [Turning the hand] (see Enarcada)

Botonazo [Strike with the button]

Brazalete (see Brazal)

Campuzana (see Zambullida)

Canillazo [Blow to the Shin]

Cobertera [Covered] (see Empanada)

Codazo [Blow to the Elbow]

Colear [Snaking] (see Culebrear)

Contra infieles [Against infidels] (see Zambullida)

Convidar [Inviting] (see Llamar)

Cortacodo [Cut to the elbow] (see Codazo)

Crespa [Curled] (see Puerta de hierro)

Cuchillada a las piernas [Cut to the legs] (see Canillazo)

Dar la ocasion [Giving occasion] (see Llamar)

Derribarse [Falling] (see Quiebro)

Desfallecer la espada [Weakening the sword] (see Remeson)

Desjarretadera [Hamstringer] (see Canillazo)

Desplante [Uproot] (see Quiebro)

Embeber [Drawing in]

Encapar al enemigo [Encloak the enemy]

Engaar [Deceiving] (see Llamar)

Escapar el cuerpo [Escape the body] (see Escampavita)

Espinillazo [Blow to the shin] (see Canillazo)

Estocada a la mano [Thrust to the hand]

Estocada de puo [Punching thrust]

Golpe a la espada [Blow to the sword]

Herir en el pie derecho [Wound in the right foot]

Imaginada [Imagined] (see Puerta de hierro)

Incitar [Inciting] (see Llamar)

Invitar [Inviting] (see Llamar)

Infernal [Infernal] (see Zambullida)

Librar el cuerpo [Freeing the body] (see Escampavita)

Manoplado [Slap] (see Manotada)

Manotear [Slapping] (see Manotada)

Margullida (see Zambullida)

Medias cintas [Half bands] (see Cintas)

Meter el brazo [Putting in the arm] (see Brazal)

Parafusada [Drilled or Augered]

Passo de roda [Wheeling step] (see Escampavita)

Pie de roda [Wheeling step] (see Escampavita)

Por los filos [By the edges]

Provocar [Provoking] (see Llamar)

Puerta de hierro [Iron gate]

Punta de Arremesso [Thrust with a Throw] (see Estocada de puo)

Punta de Puo [Thrust from the Hilt] (see Estocada de puo)

Puntas Andaluzes [Andalusian thrusts]

Quebrarse [Bending] (see Quiebro)

Rasgar [Ripping] (see Romper)

Reducida [Reduced] (see Diciplina)