Managing Measure in Fiore dei Liberi’s System

Meio de mi lovo cervino non vede creatura, e aquello meto sempre a sesto, e mesura” – Pisani Dossi MS
17A
“No creature sees better than I, the Lynx, and that sight I keep forever true to compass and to
measure.“
Measure is one of the fundamental elements of fencing, and one of the four virtues every fencer
must possess according to Fiore dei Liberi. To manage, control, and alter measure means
determining when an action can be executed, and therefore shaping the outcome of the assault.
This workshop will explore the principles of distance management through the study of passeggio
(footwork), analysing how to narrow and widen measure to provoke the opponent into committing
mistakes, thus creating favourable opportunities for action.
Starting from Fiore’s core distances – Gioco Largo and Gioco Stretto – we will introduce the
concepts of control measure, action measure, and the critical point, providing practical tools to
understand the dynamic relationship between distance, timing, and intention.
Participants will work through selected techniques from the Fior di Battaglia, prepared and
executed at different measures, following the method of the Friulian master.