Imbroccata
Imbroccata
Imbroccata is a descending thrust of Italian rapier fencing led from above, the opposite of the rising stoccata.
Quick Facts
About
Imbroccata is a thrust of Italian rapier fencing led from above. A glossary of Italian fencing terms describes it as an overhand descending thrust: the point aims at the opponent from above downward. The term belongs to the common repertoire of Italian rapier masters of the 16th and 17th centuries and is documented among others in Ridolfo Capo Ferro. Today it is also used in HEMA reconstructions. Imbroccata is best defined by comparison with stoccata: stoccata is led upward, from below, imbroccata is led downward, from above. We have not been able to document the literal meaning of the name or who introduced the term into fencing terminology.
Historical sources
- Gran Simulacro dell'Arte e dell'Uso della Scherma (Ridolfo Capoferro, 1610) — Ridolfo Capo Ferro, 1610