Exercises on 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.

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

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

1. 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.
2. The patient parries the thrust to the patient's outside.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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:

1. The patient subjects the agent's blade on the inside (ie: to the agent's outside line).
2. 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.
3. The agent, sensing that the line is now clear, thrusts on the lunge at the patient's right shoulder.