The Mind-Bending Paradoxes of Defence: Unveiling George Silver's Extraordinary Tactics

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a master of defence? Do you believe in the power of paradoxes? Prepare yourself for a journey through time and space as we unveil the enigmatic strategies of George Silver, a renowned master of defence from the Elizabethan era. Brace yourself for mind-bending paradoxes, extraordinary techniques, and a glimpse into the fascinating world of swordplay.

The Paradoxical Nature of Defence

Defence, as we commonly understand it, is the act of protecting oneself from harm or danger. However, in the realm of swordsmanship, defence takes on a paradoxical nature that challenges traditional notions. George Silver, a prominent author and swordsman from the late 16th century, argued that true defence involved three fundamental principles: timing, measure, and distance.

Silver believed that any attack carries within it the seed of its own destruction. He asserted that if one can achieve perfect timing, when an opponent attempts to strike, their attack would be nullified by the swift and precise execution of the defensive action. This notion may seem counterintuitive at first, but the more we delve into Silver's teachings, the more we realize the depth of his paradoxical strategies.

Paradoxes of Defence

by George Silver(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2736 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	83 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Unveiling Silver's Techniques

George Silver developed a unique system of defence known as the "True Fight" or "True Skill." His approach aimed to expose the flaws in contemporary methods, which he deemed as ineffective and contrary to the true principles of defence. In his treatise, "Paradoxes of Defence," Silver challenged the prevailing fencing schools of the time and proposed his radical alternative.

One of Silver's most striking techniques was his reliance on the concept of "short" versus "long" weapons. To Silver, a "short" weapon had a distinct advantage over a "long" weapon due to its speed and maneuverability. He argued that long weapons were inherently flawed as they lacked the ability to swiftly defend against close-range attacks. This assertion defied conventional wisdom, as longer weapons were considered superior in terms of reach and power.

Another intriguing aspect of Silver's paradoxical strategies involved the concept of "true pace." He emphasized the importance of maintaining the proper distance or measure in a fight. According to Silver, the ideal measure was one where both opponents were close enough to strike, but not too close to be easily overwhelmed. This delicate balance, known as "true pace," required exceptional skill and awareness of one's body and surroundings.

Legacy and Modern Interpretations

Despite its controversial nature, George Silver's "Paradoxes of Defence" had a profound impact on the world of swordsmanship. His treatise sparked significant debates among fencing schools and experts of the time. While some dismissed Silver's ideas as heretical, others recognized the merit in his paradoxical approach.

Fast forward to the present day, and Silver's techniques continue to captivate and inspire modern practitioners of historical European martial arts. Scholars and enthusiasts have dedicated themselves to deciphering the depths of Silver's paradoxes and translating them into practical applications for today's combat scenarios.

By studying Silver's teachings, contemporary fencers have gained a fresh perspective on the complexities of defence. They have recognized that true mastery of defence goes beyond physical agility and strength; it requires an understanding of timing, measure, and distance, as well as the ability to think and act paradoxically.

As we dive into the world of George Silver and his Paradoxes of Defence, we encounter a realm where the conventional wisdom surrounding swordplay is turned on its head. Silver's enigmatic strategies challenge our understanding of defence, forcing us to rethink our assumptions and embrace the power of paradox.

So, for those aspiring to become masters of defence, remember that it is not always about blocking and striking. It is about embracing the paradoxes, understanding the delicate dance of timing and measure, and transcending the boundaries of traditional thought. Step into the world of George Silver, and you might just discover a new dimension to your swordplay prowess. The legacy of Silver's paradoxes lives on, waiting to be unraveled by those willing to embrace the mind-bending art of defence.

Paradoxes of Defence

by George Silver(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2736 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	83 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Paradoxes of Defence was first published in London in 1599. It was written by George Silver, an English gentleman, who was appalled at the influx of Italian rapier fencing into England, and set out his arguments in favour of the traditional English weapons: the short sword, the short staff, the forrest bill, the morris pike, and all manner of additional arms such as daggers, bucklers, and targes. He rails against the fashionable new style on the grounds that it is both dangerous to the practitioners, and of no use in warfare.

Whether he was right or wrong, history was against him and the fashionable Italian rapier took over. But his work offers a vital window into the theory and practice of martial arts in England in Tudor times, and ironically provides much of what we know about several Italian rapier masters: Rocco Bonetti, Vincentio Saviolo, and Jeronimo Saviolo.

In this edition, the text has been modernised and edited by Guy Windsor, and published as a companion volume to the audiobook version, available in both modern pronunciation narrated by Jonathan Hartman, and original pronunciation narrated by Ben Crystal. For more information please see guywindsor.net/silver