Classes
Each class will consist of guidance on sword handling movements, partnered drills, games designed for HEMA (GD4H), coached sparing, and free sparing.
New members checking out Swordfighters for the first time are encouraged to come to our Basics and Fundamentals classes held the first Thursday and Saturday of every month.
German Longsword
The so-called ‘queen of all weapons’, the two-handed longsword is a versatile, nimble and devastating weapon considered the basis of all combat by the historical German Masters. In this session we cover the techniques and tactics of Kunst Des Fechtens, the 'Art of Combat' originating in 15th century Germanic states. This art is attributed to Grandmaster Johannes Liechtenauer who's teaching was passed down orally by means of a mnemonic verse known as the Zettel, or 'recital'. The principles and techniques contained within the Zettel were later recorded and elaborated on by scholars and knights of the Fellowship of Liechtenauer. Many of their works have been rediscovered and made available to modern scholars and martial artists alike. Read more about and download your own copy of these historical sources [here].
Military Saber
Since the late 1600s all the way to the World War One, the saber was the primary sword carried by cavalry and infantry officers, both on and off the battlefield. The single-edged, curved blade can deliver devastating cuts and thrusts, while the hand guard provides considerable protection. Many systems were devised and published in order to quickly train soldiers in the proficient use of the sword. Our study of saber will focus mainly on the method contained in Cold Steel by19th century soldier and swordsmanship scholar, Alfred Hutton, Read more and download your own copy of the manual [here].
Sword Yoga
Sword Yoga is a 25 minute cross training session designed to improve performance and help prevent injuries by gently stretching and strengthening the main muscle groups we use to fence. We incorporate yoga movements, bodyweight exercises, and yes, swords to build strength and flexibility and to provide a gentle, full-body warmup for intensives. Beginners welcome; No yoga experience or flexibility is required. Yoga mats are optional.
Intensives
In these classes, students can expect 90-120 minutes of full gear, high-intensity training. Each class will integrate some combination of the following skills: mobility, attack, defense, distance management, and decision to commit. We train these skills primarily through the use of sparring games, where we maintain as much of the original context as possible to train specific actions. This is primarily a longsword class, but most activities can be adapted for other weapons so feel free to bring other swords with you (provided they are sparring-safe).
All skill levels are welcome, and some loaner gear is provided. New members are encouraged to attend our Longsword and/or Saber classes for several weeks before participating in Intensive sessions.
Rapier Study Group
The rapier is a long one handed thrust-centric sword with a protective hilt design from the 16th and 17th century. The rapier was a civilian weapon for the most part and a social symbol for the gentry, largely used as a dueling weapon the rapier saw rather limited use on the battlefield but several examples of rapiers brought to war can be found. The primary focus of our study will be Italian master Ridolfo Cappo Ferro from his 1610 text Gran Simulacro dell'Arte e dell'Uso della Scherma or the Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing although some reference material from other period masters like Gigante, Fabris, and dell'Aggochie may be used as will. If you love The Princess Bride, The Three Muskateers, or Zorro then join us for some good old historical fencing fun.