The word ”Sfarziglia” may have its origins in “sferzare”-the whipping- which refers to the motion, when the weapon is opened with flick a of the wrist, immediately followed by a thrust. Or maybe from “sferragliare”-to rattle- because of the rickety construction.
Often referend as being “the” Camorra “knife” of the 19th century, this weapon in fact was slowly disappearing and almost fully replaced (especially in the “honor duels” – “Zumpata”) by shorter knifes, simply called “Coltello Napoletano” or the “Zumbafosso”(about 28-34 cm) in the second half of the 19th century. Also technically, it fills the gap between historical Rapier fencing and the popular/folk Italian knife fighting methods.
Due to the construction, cuts where not used and also kicks or wider blade movements would not make many sense. Parries or blocks could only be done with the handle and blade to blade contact was avoided. The footwork was generally more grounded and the circling less frantic. Mostly used in combination with a coat, the focus was to parry with the free hand and strike with a thrust, simultaneously. Generally, this could happen over or under the enemy’s guard. (the fitting classical Italian fencing terms would be ”Imbroccata” and “Stoccata”).
Of course, voids, feints, invitations, and “secret strikes” existed, very similar to the other, more “noble” fencing traditions of Italy. The techniques and bodypostures are very close to what we find in the Historic Neapolitan fencing school or even Ridolfo Capo Ferro´s 17th century Rapier fencing book. This method´s special position as a link between classical Italian sword fencing and some of the preserved folk tradition, “real” knife fighting methods, can clearly be seen.
This method consists of 4 lessons:
1. La tirata (puntate e parata): thrusts and parry
2. La molla (finta e zumpata): feint and jump
3. Il giro (chiamata e passata): invitation and avoiding passing step
4. I segreti: the secret moves/positions/tactics
- Demo and Instructional video coming soon