Francesco Alfieri
Francesco Ferdinando Alfieri was a master of fencing of the 17th century, representative of the Venetian school of fencing and “Maestro D’Arme” to the Accademia Delia in Padua in 1640. Alfieri originally from Padua, at that time it was considered the territory of the Venetian Republic. Most of the Venetian and Italian fencing masters in their treaties refer to the famous fencing master Francesco Alfieri as an unsurpassed master of fencing, in many other sources, treatises and other documents outside of Italy and Venice, you can also find various references. Here is what Blasco Florio says about him  in his treatise ""The Science of Fencing with the sword of Blasco Florio"" (La scienza della scherma esposta da Blasco Florio): Works. Several treatises by Alfieri are known: The ancient treatise Francesco Alfieri 1653 edition of the ""L'arte di ben maneggiare la spada"" - from the Italian language was translated by scientists and masters of fencing into Russian. The book was published under the title ""The Art of Excellent Possession of the Sword"". The translation was made by the Research Institute ""World Traditions of Martial Arts and Criminal Investigations of the Use of Weapons"" in cooperation with the School of Spanish  Fencing ""Destreza Achinech"" The Art of Excellent Swordplay. Alfieri's treatise ""The Art of Excellent Sword Ownership"" aroused great admiration among the masters of fencing and respect, as it became one of the most popular fencing books. Even in the modern world of fencing this treatise is considered to be in the field of fencing one of the best textbooks. One of the disciples described in this way the treatise of his Great teacher: The treatise ""The Art of Excellent Sword Hold"" reflects Francesco Alfieri's thought and opinion on fencing, the author described the complete basic set of ways  and methods, the advantages that a person can gain in combat and in everyday life from studying the Art of Arms. Alfieri, one of not many authors, described how the art of fencing can be made useful and how to become the best master in this matter. This treatise has come down to our days and conveyed all of its wisdom and practice of using weapons. The treatise is written - in the language of the heart, as the followers of Alfieri say, in which the causes and principles of fencing grow, respectively, in the application of which fear and insecurity  in combat disappear. Alfieri is considered an unsurpassed master of fencing, at that time he gathered all his practice and experience in science and tried to convey this all in his work, brought his new Mixed Martial position. The mixed combat position is a proportional position and is suitable for moving into the Counterboy position against the First, Second, Third, Fourth combat positions. Also here you can use a high position form, for example, to reject a blow in the Third position - outward or in the inner part, then you need to take the fourth battle position. Thus, the enemy  will not be able to free himself, which is very important for striking. In this situation, it is harmful to perform direct movements, they can be fatal. If you do not want to be stabbed, you can find your way, how to change the shape, and then continue fencing. In this case, it is better to do everything in order to maintain a favorable position without any restrictions, also find other convenient moments, strike with the attack in any closer open part of the opponent's body. This Mixed martial position allowed Alfieri to end all fights with a victory , so he preferred to use it more often than most others, used for protection and for striking the opponent. In addition, the author examined the main types of weapons that were most used at that time, considered separately the features of their use, principles and true purpose, their observations and conclusions from practice. The weapons in question are: a sword, a dagger, a dropon, a kapa, a targa, a broker, namely in a treatise such topics as: First part: The second and third parts of the treatise Francesco Alfieri are devoted to a detailed consideration of such topics as: The  treatise contains illustrations with detailed explanations and demonstrations of combat positions and how attacks are struck, attack and defense are carried out. Features and distinctive features in Italian fencing. Treatise Francesco Alfieri "The art of excellent possession of the sword" laid the foundation of Italian fencing, which appeared at that time. In his work, he draws attention to such features and distinctive features in Italian fencing: Approach and reputation. Alfieri was the first Italian swordsmanship author to amply quote, reference and comment on earlier masters. For instance, we know he was an ardent admirer of earlier Paduan sword master Salvator  Fabris, whom he calls "a man of the greatest name in our profession." On the other hand, he sharply criticises Achille Marozzo and Ridolfo Capoferro and strongly disagrees with some of their positions. In turn, Alfieri was amply quoted and praised by the late 17th-century Italian swordsmanship master Francesco Antonio Marcelli, giving us an indication that his teaching enjoyed some popularity in the 17th century.