Destreza is a true child of the renaissance: a practitioner must not only master weapon technology, but also have insight into philosophy, mathematics and moral issues. Spain’s golden age after the discovery and colonization of the American continent in the late 15th century was relatively short, but for those who got to share in the wealth, it was good times. Prosperity provided opportunities to pursue interests beyond those associated with mere survival. It is during this period that the special Spanish version of fencing, La Verdadera Destreza takes shape.
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Destreza can be said to be a refined martial art, where elegance and sophistication are the ideals. Not raw force or brutality. Athletes must have good footwork and keep a clear head. Each opponent moves within an imaginary circle.
The weapon most often used in destreza is the rapier, but different weapons can be used alone or in combination. Both knife and halberd are used in destreza. If you don’t know the difference between a sword and a rapier, you are hardly alone. Like swords, the rapier can have different dimensions depending on who forged them, which tradition and era they belong to, etc. In general, one can still say that rapiers are slimmer than swords and primarily intended to be used as a stabbing weapon. A sword is more of a slashing weapon, and effective at ending an opponent in battle.
Incidentally, in Renaissance Spain, the monarch issued detailed rules for the dimensions of rapiers produced by the country’s many skilled blacksmiths. The weapon was part of a “gentleman’s” daily outfit. The name “espada ropera” testifies to that. Translated, it should mean something like “suit sword”.
Admittedly, not anyone would usually wear such clothing. The poor in Spain, i.e. the vast majority of the population, naturally did not have the means to acquire either swords or rapiers. Before the Renaissance, the sword was closely associated with knights, and they mostly belonged to the nobility. But with Spain’s colonization and expansion beyond the Iberian Peninsula, a wealthy social class of merchants emerged seeking status and recognition. For this group, the rapier became a “suit weapon” that signaled social mobility: We are people who want to move up and on-wards.
“Vulgar” or “real”?
The rapier can be said to have been a civilian weapon. It signaled belonging to the upper echelons of society and could of course be used for a duel, where two “gentlemen” could settle disagreements. The outcome of such duels was only rarely fatal for the parties.
Over time, Spanish fencing became more sophisticated. Entire books were written that gave practitioners detailed training and instructions in the martial arts. The authors also made decisive contributions to further developing destreza so that it eventually became far more than just about carrying weapons.
Already at the end of the 16th century, Jerónimo Sánchez de Carranza wrote a book in which Renaissance humanism and scientific principles were applied to fencing. Carranza is the first person we know of who introduced the idea that performers should be both poets and men-at-arms.
A distinction between fencing in the “vulgar form” and the “true” or “genuine” Spanish fencing tradition arose rather quickly. To take part in the true destreza, La Verdadera Destreza, one had to be an educated gentleman with knowledge of, among other things, ancient philosophers, mathematics – especially geometry – science and morality. The good lords were to acquire principles and knowledge that were universal and could be transferred to all types of weapons. Naturally, this took both time and effort.
Knowledge of destreza nevertheless spread to a number of European countries, particularly to areas where Spain had political influence. Books were written about the Spanish fencing style and the “trained practitioner” in several countries. One of the most famous authors is the Flemish Girard Thibault, who published his book as early as 1630.
The rather young old gentlemen
Although destreza is not as widespread today as it was in Renaissance Europe, the sport is still very popular in the Iberian Peninsula. Less interest outside Spain’s borders undoubtedly has something to do with the fact that Spain lost both territories and influence relatively quickly. Moreover, the early Spanish authors’ books on destreza were never translated into other languages. If they were, the Spanish martial art would perhaps have had a larger geographical footprint.
However, Find Your Spain spoke to a prominent performer, British Rob Runacres. Rob is a well-known destreza practitioner, instructor and judge who can be said to place himself well within the tradition: He is a historian with a PhD on the art of fencing and its history. Together with Swedish Hans Jörnlind, the two run an online forum (on facebook) for athletes and others with an interest in fencing in a historical perspective. They named it: “Alte Herren“.
“It’s a joke,” explains Rob. And it’s not just about age. The old masters of German fencing were practitioners with valuable knowledge and experience, but with a tired tendency to complain about how young people nowadays do things. Hans and Rob have appointed themselves such “elderly gentlemen”. At the forum, the athletes discuss various topics that have to do with historical fencing traditions, not just destreza. Articles, interviews and more can be found here: Alte Herren. Incidentally, the two describe fencing as a conversation between two liars: two opponents who use all their insight and skills to outwit each other.
When he is not traveling the world judging fencing tournaments or performing, Rob Runacres can be found at the Renaissance Sword Club in Surrey, England. You can find more about the club here: The Renaissance Sword Club. The two most central destreza schools in Spain today are Asociación Espanola de Esgrima Antigua and Academia da Espada. According to Rob, both schools have exhibitions and tournaments where the public has the opportunity to be present.
Today, as I said, we mainly find destreza practitioners in Spain. But it happens that this uniquely Spanish fighting style appears in various contexts internationally. Perhaps you remember elements of fencing from the Zorro film from 1998 starring Anthony Hopkins and Spanish Antonio Banderas?
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