Edited by IPC Prešov | Košice and Žilina Regions
Fencing art
Country: Slovakia
Region: Košice Region
Type of inspiration: Visual arts
Inspiracja
Since ancient times it has been known that man has earned his position by fighting. Wars between settlements, later nations for territory and prestige. Among the martial arts is fencing. Today it is a sport in the Olympics, but in the past, in the world and also in Slovakia, this martial art was intended for close combat and mainly for killing the enemy. That is, for survival.
Spectators and tourists can also watch the fencing group perform directly at Spiš Castle during the summer. In addition to swords and combat, there will be no shortage of period costumes. The historical fencing group from Spišská Nová Ves called Jago is made up of enthusiasts who are basically all related in some way. They have even succumbed to fencing so much that they have organised original fencing weddings. Their strong relationship to Spiš Castle is most evident in the stage demonstrations from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Their performances consist of dramatic scenes of men fighting for the sake of their honour and pride, but also for the sake of heartbreak for the women. This group is known for their love of breaking various records. The record-breaking four-hour performance at Spiš Castle is related to fencing. The fencers performed their art for four hours straight, while a classic performance lasts around 5 minutes.
Around the Middle Ages, it became an entertainment for the nobility to pass the long time between wars. Gradually it passed into the plain, where it was the art of winning without the knight killing his opponent. Swordsmen's swords varied according to what they were intended for. Fighting swords used by soldiers or knights when fighting on horseback. A different sword was used to fight an opponent on the ground. There the rule of equal terms, weapon and armor, applied.
Among the categorizations of swords we can rank the sword of combat, for representation (gift), ceremonial sword, or sword of kata. Each of them has its specific features. The same applies to swords for swordsmen. The length of the sword was 75-85% of the swordsman's height, so roughly 130 to 150 cm long. The length of the blade is about 100 to 110 cm and the hilt is the rest 30-40 cm. The length of the crossbar is the same as the length of the hilt, 25-35 cm. The shape of the crossbar is in most cases identical to the one in the pictures of the old books. Another common feature is the flared root of the blade.
In recent years, in addition to stage fencing, original and martial fencing is also beginning to appear in our country. Therefore, it is necessary to think in advance about the purpose of the sword before it goes into production.
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