Dueling did not always go to plan, this can be seen by the fact that duels where mainly outlawed in many parts of Europe and also to the fact that duels had to be witnessed. Back in the 14th century this would involve a full judicial committee which was a public affair (many problems arrived when dueling went private as seen in France or Italy, this allowed matters of honor to be dealt with privately) an historical example of a public duel can be read in the last duelist:

The Rodella had two uses, one being to protect the user and the second as an offensive weapon itself. Before looking further at this there is simply not enough room to fit a full explanation of the shields use from the 16th century to the 17th as its use changed with the fencing systems as they progressed.

A look at the military history of Spain and Ireland, and those Irish  who served the Spanish crown.

People from all parts of society participated. It was especially prevalent for nobles and soldiers in command to settle their affairs in such a manner.

Western martial arts, as with many forms of martial arts, were born out of violent times and the necessity to defend oneself. It was through such violence and the development of combative arts that a culture of judicial and non-judicial dueling came to flourish.