La Verdadera Destreza:
The True Art and Science of Spanish Swordsmanship
La Verdadera Destreza:
The True Art and Science of Spanish Swordsmanship
Ramon Martinez has devoted over 35 years to the study and teaching of classical fencing. He studied classical fencing for ten years with the late Maitre d'Armes Frederick Rohdes in New York, who conferred the rank of Fencing Master on Mr. Martinez in 1982. He has also done extensive research in historical fencing, carefully and thoroughly studying treatises of the most prominent masters of the past centuries in an effort to accurately reconstruct the varied styles. These ancient and historical forms are then taught as authentically as possible. Maestro Martinez' goal is to teach, promote, and preserve this rare martial art.
Maestro Martinez is a member of the Council of Advisors of Swordplay Symposium International and is the current president of the Association for Historical Fencing. He is one of the founders of the International Masters at Arms Federation and is associated with the Federazione Italiana Scherma Antica e Storica and British Federation for Historical Swordplay. He is also a research consultant for the American Society for Chivalric Research.
Maestro Ramon Martinez
Maestro Martinez teaches these skills in short, sequential lessons which include simple drills that illustrate the techniques of La Verdadera Destreza. Because these volumes contain instruction in true combative historical fencing, it is highly advised that you invest in the appropriate protective gear before beginning your training - including fencing mask, chest protector, jacket and gloves.
Production Crew
Front row: David Calhoun (camera assistant); Ed Douglas (director); Patt Paczynski (production assistant).
Back Row: Anthony De Longis (sword assistant)
Maestro Ramon Martinez (Instructor);
Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez (assistant instructor); Mark Petrigac (director of photography).
Not pictured: Chris Lowery (score); Mary Gallien (production designer); Phil Gibson (editor).
This 2-volume introductory video set is designed to present the Spanish School of Swordsmanship, La Verdadera Destreza, in a simple basic form so that it is comprehensible to the modern swordsman training without a master. It will provide you the most fundamental elements of the Spanish School of Swordsmanship so that as potential Diestros, you may practice basic skills, techniques, and drills so that at the end of your basic practice you may begin to engage in light assaults.
Based upon the texts of Spanish masters Don Jeronimo Sanchez de Carranza and Don Luis Pacheco de Narvaez, La Verdadera Destreza is a two-volume instructional guide to the correct combative fighting style of the Spanish School of Swordsmanship gleaned from over twenty years of research and study of the historical Spanish treatises by Maestro Ramon Martinez and his partner, Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez.
Contents of Volume 1 include instructions and drills covering:
Weapon and Blade Selection
Proper Grip
Positions of the Hand
The Stance - Afirmarse
Footwork - Compases
Blade Actions - Atajo, Cambio de Atajo, and Oppositions
Developing Sensitivity - Tacto
Building Your Own Circle
Contents of Volume 2 include:
Movemientos
Cuts - Arrebatar, Media Tajo, Mandoble
Thrusts - Estocadas
Defensive Blade Actions - Desvios
Dagger Selection and Grip
Attack and Defense with Rapier and Dagger
La Verdadera Destreza Volumes 1 and 2 are available in DVD format. They are available for US$34.95/volume. Sets are available for US$64.95.
Postage and handling: include US$6/disk or set for shipping and handling for orders to the U.S. (by Priority Mail), US$9 for Canada and Mexico (by Air Mail). Foreign orders are accepted, payment made by U.S. funds money order. Send order to:
Palpable Hit Productions
PO BOX 2445
Canyon Country, CA 91386