Circular Cuts

Instead of talking about the rage-inducing discussions about the Confederate Flag on the internet in which there are already enough people participating and I'd just be lost as extra noise, I'm going to talk about fencing.

I really need to work on my circular cuts. For those who don't know, a circular cut is a type of cut centered on the wrist, which involves your blade moving in a full circular disc around your hand. It's really easy to generate a lot of force quickly with a properly-executed circular cut. In the Italian tradition, they are sometimes referred to as a "moulinet". In the Spanish tradition, the "tajo" and "reves" are types of circular cut.

In the type of fencing I do, a circular cut can be a super effective way to escape really bad positions. Unfortunately, it's hard to turn that circular cut into a thrust or cut that isn't too hard. So I need to work on my circular cuts, and my positioning with them such that I have the extra time needed to slow them down at the end of the motion.

Maybe striking specifically at the blade would be a good use for a circular cut, as well. Hmm.

Things to work on for next practice:

• Positioning with moulinets
• Engaging and disengaging from "I will only act in ways which assure me victory" mode

Anyone have any suggestions for executing moulinets properly in SCA rapier?