Lessons from Ontario: From Obedience to Assault
Devon Boorman ·
This past week I had the pleasure of teaching a two-day workshop at Signum Corvus in Mississauga, Ontario. Led by the passionate and principled Nick Bauer, this school blends reverence for tradition with a living, evolving martial spirit. It was a joy to teach such an engaged and capable group of students both from Signum Corvus and half a dozen visiting schools.
On day one of the workshop, we focused on Italian longsword. In the morning, we explored how control of the centreline in narrow play (what the Bolognese masters would call gioco stretto) can be used to create obedience in an opponent. By shaping the fight through structure and pressure, we examined how to draw actions from our opponent and respond with timing and precision.
In the afternoon, we transitioned into wide play (gioco largo), drawing inspiration from Achille Marozzo’s first assault of the sword in two hands. Here we studied how to clear the centre rather than dominate it directly, and how to attack with intention and shape from around the opponent’s line.
Day two continued this theme through sidesword and sword and buckler. We began by cutting into wide play—looking at mechanics, guards, and the defensive options they provide. Then in the second half, we brought it all back to obedience: narrowing the play again and exploring stretto tactics with the joined actions of sword and buckler.
Throughout, the students showed great depth in foundational mechanics and a strong feel for Italian principles. They were curious, dedicated, and a delight to teach. Thank you to Nick for being such a generous host and to Andriy for your support throughout (including waiting at the airport through a couple hours of delay!)
A special note of regard goes to Vlad Adamec, the school’s founder, who first invited me to Signum Corvus late last year. Vlad passed away recently, but his spirit and dedication to the art live on through the community he helped build. It was an honour to be there and witness that legacy being carried forward.
