From Anthony De Longis:
No nation had a more exacting scientific system of weapons training than
the deadly Spanish "Mysterious Circle."
Part science, part philosophy and metaphysics, the Mysterious Circle
was crafted to develop the whole man, mind, body and spirit. The fencing
salon was the meeting place for the gentry and their sons. The master
taught the strict gentleman's code and his was the final word on all points
of honor. The Mysterious Circle embodies the proudest traditions of Spain:
its heart, pride, and passion.
If the sword is the "soul of the samurai," the Circle is the soul of
the fighting Spaniard. Intense training develops lightning reflexes, calm
demeanor and a cool analysis of every situation. Correct execution of
the Mysterious Circle's highly refined techniques was believed, by practitioners,
to all but guarantee victory. Angulation, deflection and the tremendous
power generated by body torque are merely some of its secrets.
By constantly menacing with the point, the centerline is maintained and
the body offers the smallest vulnerable target. To reach his foe, the
opponent must remove the threatening blade. The Spanish practitioner coolly
waited for his man to commit his body and weapon to an attack. This he
avoided by stepping forward or back on an angle then countered with superior
blade leverage facilitated by his knowledge of geometry and physics, to
control the central line. He simply angled his body and blade to shift
center and establish a new line that he could dominate. The attacker literally
impaled himself on the Spaniard's extended point.
The master of the Circle seemed to know his opponent's next move as if
by magic. The "magic" was the result of exacting footwork, body angulation
and a manipulation of the blade that limited the opponent's options. He
guided him towards predictable responses by offering fewer opportunities,
at the same time baiting him to attack the openings selected by you. This
made it relatively easy to avoid or counter his offense and launch a fatal
response.
The skills, both mental and physical developed by training on the Circle
impact every weapon the practitioner employs or encounters, including
swords, pole arms, daggers, cloaks, whips and empty hands.
Anthony, the Mysterious Circle and Highlander:
"I called David
Abramowitz [Highlander's headwriter] and I told him about the
Mysterious Circle which was something unique and different. A style that
builds from the ground up, a posture, an elan, matador proud, facing-death.
At the same time, rapid weight shifts produce the staccato flamenco rhythm
with the feet and the body evasions unleash tremendous torquing power.
I wrote a scene... a courtyard full of fencing students at night illuminated
by flickering torchlight. I visualized this arcane style of fighting with
almost a witch's pentagram on the ground. To make a long story short,
David and Bill
Panzer [Highlander's executive producer] liked the idea and I
ended up going to Paris to film and co-choreograph Duende."