Four Count Florentine Pattern for Floggers

It should be noted that "Florentine" is a term broadly used to define 'combat with the use of two offensive weapons of similar design and function'. Though the word has other definitions, this is the one that is relevant to flogging.

The Four Count is designed to illustrate the basics of a florentine pattern.

The walk through is shown open handed to emphasize hand positioning and striking direction. The 'count' denotes points in the pattern where a strike lands. For this pattern there will be four hits before the pattern starts again.

Most importantly: Do not take this as a comprehensive guide. It is one way to get into the art of swinging two floggers. It is the first step to a pattern which can be embellished and altered to fit your needs and desires. If You have any questions about it please feel free to contact me via email or at an event. .. Enjoy!

Four Count Florentine Walk Through
	Count	Desciption
	starting position	This is a starting position only, useful until you are familiar enough with the pattern to flow in and out of it as you wish. Both hands start on the same side of the body, positioned as if holding a small box between them. Your hands will travel roughly through a side laying figure 8, or 'infinity sign'. From this position your right hand will lift up to just above shoulder height..... and we are off......
	1	Right hand extends out ward and swings down and across your body towards your opposite hip. Striking your intended target with a backhand motion about midway through the swing. Left hand raises towardes shoulder height.
	(transition)	Right hand traveling past the right hip. Left hand in position to begin a forhand swing.
	2	Left hand extends and swings down towards opposite hip in a forehand motion, making contact with target about half way through the swing. Right hand raising towards shoulder height. This will help clear the way for the left hand as it swings through.
	(transition)	Right hand moving up and starting to extend. Left hand near opposite hip.
	3	Right hand extends as it swings down towards opposite hip, in a forehand motion , striking target.... Left hand continues in its figure 8 path. It will be necessary to work out the timing when the arms cross, so that you do not restrict your motion. Twisting your body a bit to your right as your left hand moves will help keep your arms free of each other. Lifting your right shoulder as it swings in this step is also helpful.
	(transition)	Dropping your left shoulder a bit as your left hand raises to shoulder height will help as you move through this position. Right hand is moving up towards shoulder height, bend elbow to make room for left arm to swing.
	4	Left hand extends outward and down towards left hip, in a backhand motion, striking your target..... Right hand is moving up to position to start its next swing, and clear the area for the left hand to swing through. If you twisted through the torso earlier, now is a good time to allow your body to twist back comfortably to neutral.
	(transition)	Right hand is starting its next swing. The pattern begins again at the........ next position would be at count 1 on this page(the second image).

The 6 count florentine pattern will be posted shortly. It is more complicated and builds on skills learned from the Four Count Pattern. You will notice that the four count always passes one arm over the other. For the Six Count Pattern practice changing which arm takes the higher position.