Overview
The Bolognese school, also known as the Dardi school, is a historical martial arts system originating from Bologna, Italy, during the late 15th to early 16th centuries. It represents a transitional phase between the chivalric knightly combat of the Middle Ages and the more codified fencing styles of the Renaissance. Known for its sophistication, adaptability, and systematic approach to weapons and technique, the Bolognese system was one of the most influential martial traditions in early modern Italy.
Origins and Historical Context
The system is named after Lippo Bartolomeo Dardi, a professor of both mathematics and fencing at the University of Bologna in the early 15th century. While Dardi himself left little surviving material, his name became associated with a broader martial tradition that was later recorded by several fencing masters in Bologna.
Notable masters include:
- Antonio Manciolino (publ. Opera Nova in 1531)
- Achille Marozzo (publ. Opera Nova in 1536)
- Giovanni dall’Agocchie (publ. Dell’Arte di Scrima Libri Tre in 1572)
These treatises form the core documentation of the Bolognese system.
Weapons and Techniques
The Bolognese system is diverse, covering a wide range of weapons and techniques. It emphasizes both single combat and battlefield application, as well as the dueling practices of the time. Key weapons include:
- Sidesword (spada da lato)
- Sword and buckler
- Sword and cloak
- Sword and dagger
- Two-handed sword (spadone or montante)
- Polearms (partisan, halberd, spear)
- Unarmed combat (abbrazare)
Techniques are built around guardie (guard positions), precise footwork, cutting and thrusting combinations, and a strong understanding of tempo (timing), misura (distance), and gioco stretto/largo (tight and wide play).
Unique Features
- Extensive guard system
- Comprehensive training across weapon types
- Structured pedagogy for students
- Focus on both martial and civic applications
Influence and Legacy
The Bolognese tradition influenced the evolution of Italian rapier fencing and left a lasting legacy on European martial culture. Marozzo’s Opera Nova remained a reference work for decades. Today, the system is actively studied by Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) practitioners globally.
📣 Join Our Bolognese Study Group!
Are you fascinated by the art of Renaissance swordsmanship? Want to train in an authentic historical system with structured drills, footwork, and tactical depth?
Join our Bolognese Study Group and explore the legacy of masters like Marozzo and Manciolino through hands-on practice, discussion, and guided interpretation of the original treatises.
No prior experience necessary—just a passion for history, martial arts, or both!