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Rule 12 — Separating a Fight

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Much sense and caution is required to break up a fight and separate the opponents, so that one does not seek to go halting injury and happen to make it greater due to many people being together in such cases. As a brawl causes carelessness, it is necessary that whoever has to separate it goes with much sense, so that after he arrives to them, he begins to clear the way, putting himself in the middle of them, going in turns, alternating from one foot to the other in jumps or hops, giving tajos and reveses above the head, and not below, because if it will be like this, one will not stop injuries — only above the head, which only causes dread and fear in those that are present, encountering only the swords with his montante, always pressing to the side that has a greater concourse of people. But with all this, the step does not stop being in the form of giving only one blow with each step of the feet, and no more, nor in any case will a thrust be played, which is very dangerous in these cases. After the middle is dominated, if he wants, one can make use of Rule Six, on guarding goods. In this rule, much speed causes harm.

Summary

  1. Approach with caution: Brawls cause carelessness. Enter with a clear mind, your goal being to de-escalate — not to cause additional injuries.
  2. Enter the middle: Place yourself between the fighters at the center of the brawl.
  3. Move and strike: Alternate from foot to foot in jumps or hops, delivering tajos and reveses above the head only. Overhead strikes create fear and discourage further fighting without causing harm; strikes below the head risk injury and defeat the purpose.
  4. One blow per step, no more: Every step delivers exactly one blow. Press toward the side where the most people are gathered.
  5. Deflect, don't injure: Meet the opponents' swords with the montante rather than targeting their bodies.
  6. No thrusts: Thrusting is strictly prohibited here — too dangerous in a crowd.
  7. Avoid excessive speed: Speed causes mistakes in this scenario. Move with purpose, not haste.
  8. Once the center is dominated: If needed, transition to Rule Six to guard any goods or persons.