09-29-2013, 06:08 PM
I don't know how many Anglophone reenactors are aware that Georges Dubois worked to recreate gladiatorial combat in France just before the First World War. Dubois marvelously published some articles on his work, so it did not die with him and his students. Phil Crawley has recently posted an English summary of Dubois' articles on combat between Retiarius and at Murmillo http://www.hroarr.com/contenders-ready-t...ue-france/
To understand Crawley's article, you will need a background in French classical fencing jargon (numbered cuts and parries etc.; a Dr. William Gaugler's book has a good reputation). Like many later experimenters in prehistoric martial arts, Dubois relied on sparring and on the principles of a living martial arts as sources, and balanced scholarly curiosity with fun and the desire to put on a good show.
To understand Crawley's article, you will need a background in French classical fencing jargon (numbered cuts and parries etc.; a Dr. William Gaugler's book has a good reputation). Like many later experimenters in prehistoric martial arts, Dubois relied on sparring and on the principles of a living martial arts as sources, and balanced scholarly curiosity with fun and the desire to put on a good show.
Nullis in verba
I have not checked this forum frequently since 2013, but I hope that these old posts have some value. I now have a blog on books, swords, and the curious things humans do with them.
I have not checked this forum frequently since 2013, but I hope that these old posts have some value. I now have a blog on books, swords, and the curious things humans do with them.
