La Esgrima Común or Vulgar refers to older traditions of Iberian fencing, predating La Verdadera Destreza, with roots in medieval swordplay. These traditions continued to exist alongside Destreza, absorbing some Destreza influences.
Proponents of Destreza sought a clear break from the older styles and regarded them as wholly inferior, as evidenced by the terms:
La Verdadera Destreza = The True Art or Skill
vs
La Esgrima Común or Vulgar = Common or Vulgar Swordplay.