Hi guys, I first have to admit to a nascent understanding of Western swordsmanship. However, one thing I've learned from other martial arts is that turning your back on your opponent (even for a moment during a spin or turn) is high risk. You might get away with a "flashy move" once, but if you are up against a good opponent he'll read your telegraphing as you pull out your favorite move and you're doomed. He'll close the void and do something unpleasant to you, or in this case, "just cut your leg off" as Brian H. mentioned. And of course, there's always someone better, faster and/or stronger than you, and you don't know who that person is until it's too late.
Fiore also shows kicks, including a kick to the groin and a kick to the knee that are made from the bind (Pisani Dossi 20A and 20B). And in Meyer's wrestling section he also suggests stomping feet if your opponent gets too close.
Now this is interesting. This is EXACTLY what we train to do in the martial arts I do. This is because groin strikes, LOW leg strikes (knee strikes & low round house so you don't get your leg captured) and foot stomps are effective and simple to do in a combative situation. It's also important to consider the type of terrain you are fighting on. Uneven ground, grass, mud, cobblestone? You never know until you're on it, and keeping your balance may be difficult if you start throwing spin kicks or other potentially destabilizing moves. Some moves may work well on a flat consistent surface, but become deadly (to yourself) anywhere else.
So far, what I've seen of western swordsmanship is that the footwork is quite simple. To me, this is not indicative of a simplistic unevolved martial art. Rather, it shows me that it was a MARTIAL art. I think spin kicks (etc.) start getting you into a more sport oriented mindset, which can be fine and fun as long as you know you might get in trouble with someone who goes after you with "intent" ;-)
-Brad.
