Translation
This is another defence that can be done against a thrust. Namely, when attacked with a thrust as I told you in the Exchange of Thrusts which is two plays before me, step forward and pass off the line. Do the same thing in this play except that in the Exchange of Thrusts you thrust with the arms low and with point of the sword high, as I said before. But this is called ‘Breaking the Thrust,’ in that the scholar goes with the arms high and gives a downward blow while stepping forward off the line, crossing the thrust in the middle of the sword and beating it to the ground. And immediately comes to the close.
Interpretation
Breaking the thrust is a fundamental concept to have to understand in Fiores work. Although the name suggests it is only practiced against thrusts, it can be equally applied against a strike or even an extended guard. You are using this to clear a path for yourself so as to enter from wide to narrow play.
In the master play, you have moved to posta frontale so as to cross your opponents sword in the middle. Continue this movement in a diagonal cut. Do this assertively, so as to live up to the name of the play. You are there to break the attack, throwing your opponents weapon down and to your left.
With the space cleared, step through with your right foot. This will add weight and strength to your delivery, as well as moving you to the range of narrow play. You should land in a slightly extended variant of posta dente di zenghiaro as shown in the picture.
Other examples of breaking the thrust, as well as clear examples of potential ways to follow on can be seen in the following plays.
- Sword in one hand – 8th scholar
- Sword in one hand – 10th scholar
- Sword in two hands – 11th scholar of the 2nd master
- Sword in two hands – 12th scholar of the 2nd master
- Sword in two hands – 13th scholar of the 2nd master
- Pollax – Master play
- Pollax – 2nd scholar