The White Armor Combat, with the traditional Arditi method, was consumed in turn by twenty pairs of athletes who met us Saturday in Cervia-Milano Marittima (Ravenna).
Il Certamen Pugionis, this is the name of the competition that is based on the teachings of the TMI (Italian Military Tradition), which takes place in three areas of combat: building, forest and river. The tournament, now at the seventh edition, saw athletes as a Swiss competitor. The edition was conceived and organized by the well-known Italian diva-dagger fighter Antonio Merendoni, who has been the author of several books on the topic and the greatest exponent of the TMI.
The spirit of competition is always to save from the disappearance the enviable combat technique set up by the Arditi (v.articolo). Also, not least, test the absolute goodness of the method that had already distinguished itself for the high rate of lethality achieved for the benefit of the Italians.
Here's how combat takes place: a pair (typical operating unit of the Arditi of the assault units) is hiding and defending, the other advancing. Only one minute of 15 minutes at most. Two referees follow the couple's fight and establish the verdict. Direct elimination! The contenders, therefore, have dueled in almost real terms. The "almost" lies in environmental realism and non-lethality, even though betting with dumbbells was real and carried with great aggressiveness, speed, and resolving intent. There have been moments of true tension because the fight between the couples was really bloody, with so much land thrown into the eyes of the opponent and drowning attempts promptly stopped by the referees *.
Everyone has shown sincerity by recognizing the shot received and no one has been hurt.
According to a participant with vast experience, who won 5 duels on 6, the technique of Arditi has nothing to envy to other combat techniques. The aspect of interest for our Armed Forces is that the combat with the style of the Arditi is still extremely effective and useful to the salvation of the Italian military that should be engaged in one-to-one.
Next year there will be the eighth edition with a real 6 km war route with the three envelopes included and to be done in the predefined time. Realism is served!
*There was an immediate stop signal given by the contender in difficulty
