“A master should take care while his students assault among themselves, that the best always assault with those who know least; so the more skilled acquire fame, while the others advance through the assaults.

Pay attention never to match two students who are judged as equal, since it could happen that one or other leaves at a disadvantage. This will lessen his renown, and spur him to wish to play again, from which it could ensue that they pass from practice swords to sharp swords.

A master should never permit his students to fence one another in the public academies, since the point of honour will spur them to not respect their companion as if he were a brother. Instead have them assault with students of other masters, from which as accomplished students, they will appreciate the accomplished doctrine of their master.

When a student from another master comes to your school, receive him with honour, granting him a privileged place to sit, and in having him assault, give him your best student. But have them fence with respect the first time, so he does not have cause to leave the school disparaging the master. However if he comes again, you must have him play with the same student, for one of two reasons. He will have come either to play with some of your students, or to learn. If it was the first reason, experience will leave him disappointed. If it was the second he will either feel himself offended and not come back, or if he understands why this was done, he will resolve either never to come back, or to take lessons from you.

Among themselves masters should honour each other, considering themselves brothers, and never discuss fencing, since fencing is a science which does not support rivalry. Therefore let masters be friends, even if in talking they speak of fencing, or if one wishes to play with another.

Not all masters can be accomplished in theory, while not all are bad in practice. Furthermore you will notice that the least studied in this art, are those who seek to play with those who not only have more fame than them, but who had been their master, which does happen. They desire nothing more than the good fortune to emerge superior, so they can boast of having played with that master. But if they exit as losers, they lose nothing of themselves, since little is shed from the blows they receive to the chest. You should never fence with such folk, if the urge comes into their head, it is best to have them fence with a student.”

Costantino Calarone (1714)