====== Exercises on the Rond ======

===== What is the Rond? =====

The //rond// is known in other traditions as a //stramazzone// or //molinetto//. Even in the French flavour (de Heredia) it is called a //cortelade// or //renvers//, depending on the direction. Cavalcabo, in addition, speaks of the //rond// when he advocates "turning a //main droit//" or "turning a //renvers//."

Always bear in mind that the //rond// seems to be more of a horizontal cut turned around the wrist that the more vertical strike of the Bolognese tradition. This is interpretation but is based on the function of the //rond// in striking the opponent's weapon offline.


===== In a Multi-tempi Provocation =====

This exercise may also be used as a follow-up technique when parried.

Partner drill. In pairs, from the //en garde// stance:

  - From //quarte//, the agent makes a feint (ie: thrust on the firm foot) in //tierce// to the patient's right shoulder on the outside of the patient's sword.
  - The patient parries the thrust to the patient's outside.
  - The agent turns a //main droite ronde//, cutting into the patient's blade to push it off the line, disrupt any counter-attack in progress and bring the agent's point online again.
  - The agent, sensing the line is now clear, thrusts on the lunge to the patient's right shoulder.

Note that de Heredia is explicit that one should take a small step backwards, starting with the rear foot and the front following, when turning a //rond//. In practice, the effect of this seems to be to ensure that you can cut into the opponent's blade rather than the opponent in order to set up the final thrust. 


===== In Response to Being Subjected =====

De Heredia, not Cavalcabo, also calls out turning a //rond// in response to being gained. While this feels too slow to be effective, I think this means we do not fully understand the circumstances in which this technique is effective.

Partner drill. In pairs from the //en garde// stance:

  - The patient subjects the agent's blade on the inside (ie: to the agent's outside line).
  - The agent turns a //renvers rond//, cutting into the patient's blade to push it off the line, disrupt any counter-action in preparation and bring the agent's point online again.
  - The agent, sensing that the line is now clear, thrusts on the lunge at the patient's right shoulder.