[1 March 2024]
Looking forward to this year’s St. George’s Day Exhibition of Arms with the excellent folk at Winged Sabre Historical Fencing!
https://chateau-south.ticketleap.com/exhibition-of-arms/?fbclid=IwAR0fW_yAFlz_VQ_719HHu4d6jvTNVobGPgl7HLPXKi2m-l3vIoLO20OMzaw
[22 February 2024]
New Interview!
I had the pleasure to meet with my friend Dr. Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani of Razmafzar TV earlier this week. In this clip we discuss some general themes and challenges in studying historical fencing:
“Challenges in Teaching Historical Martial Arts”
https://youtu.be/JGAHPmgOkVc?si=dmXx5TYCKKnJGy0g
[27 Dec. 2023; 5 Feb. 2024]
Rose & Thorns Historical Fencing Symposium
In late March, I’ll be visiting the folks in Auburn, California, to teach a little smallsword:
https://www.facebook.com/RoseAndThornsSymposium
[8 Sept. 2023]
Sept/Oct 2023
The first block of classes at CPRD‘s aquatic center starts later this month:
Youth Fencing
Tue/Thu, 6:45 – 7:45 pm
September 19th – October 26th
Adult (16+) Fencing
Monday/Friday, 6:45-7:45 pm
September 18th – October 27th
cf. https://www.cprdnewberg.org/general/page/activities-schedule
[12 June 2023]
CPRD Summer Classes
A new round of fencing classes has started, but there will be more this summer. See link for the schedule:
https://www.cprdnewberg.org/general/page/training-camps-fitness-center
Smallsword enthusiasts should check on the adult classes via CPRD–these are held in the Dance/Exercise Room at The Aquatic Center.
Capitale Escrime Historical Fencing, in Salem, is another option for smallsword–see the webpage for more information:
[1 March 2023]
St. George’s Day Exhibition of Arms, Atlanta, Texas, April 2023
Next month I’m traveling to Atlanta, Texas, for the St. George’s Day Exhibition of Arms hosted by Winged Sabre Historical Fencing at Chateau South. For more information, see https://chateau-south.ticketleap.com/exhibition-of-arms/
Day one is a full day of classes on a variety of topics from people like Francois Perreault, Russ Mitchell, and Jonathan Carr. I’m honored to be invited and will cover Radaellian sabre, first via a class on all things molinelli, second on unmounted cavalry drill. Day two is an exhibition tournament, that is, a chance to see different systems on display via friendly bouts.
Location Issues
[10 Feb. 2023] We will no longer be meeting at the PCC satellite in Newberg; the profit motive and unlikely but potential legal issues outweigh any other consideration for them, and so as of 1 Feb., 2023, we will no longer use that site.
Just where we shall meet when the Grange is unavailable has yet to be determined. Oregon being a rainy state, and having to fence out of doors so often, make for an unfortunate amount of sanding and oiling equipment, but we will figure something out.
New (Old…) Article up in the Research Section
After much deliberation I decided to post the first of three related articles for a project I started in 2020. I had hopes that a well-respected journal concerned with all things historical fencing might publish it, but they’ve sat on it for two years and despite many attempts to reach them I have heard nothing back (it may be going under or the editors are too busy, but who knows?).
I think the argument I make is important, and so after having some other fencers and scholars read through it, here it is. Parts II and III will follow shortly. This paper concerns what I’m calling the “demi-pointe” lunge which somehow has become popular in rapier and smallsword circles. It’s still a minority position, but I’ve seen others picking it up and so felt it was time to put the theory to rest.
[a link to “Research” may be found under the “Instructors” section]
Temporary Hiatus thanks to #@$%^&* Covid-19
CPRD classes were canceled this week since I’ve contracted the virus (five vaccinations and caution aside, we’re all going to get it at some point), and out of an abundance of caution I’m canceling the Sunday meet up for SdTS as well.
Current CDC guidelines suggest that we’ll be able to meet next week provided I’m over the symptoms and mask up for 5 days. Fingers crossed this junk is over by then.
Looking Ahead: April 2023 & The St. George’s Day Exhibition of Arms, Atlanta, Texas, USA
This April (22-23) I’ll be traveling to Texas to visit, teach a little Radaellian sabre, and learn with the excellent Russ Mitchell and the good folk of Winged Sabre Historical Fencing School. For more information, see:
https://chateau-south.ticketleap.com/exhibition-of-arms/
New Session of Fencing Classes at CPRD/The Aquatic Center, Newberg
YOUTH CLASS
Who: 9 – 15 years
When: Tue/Thu, 6:45 – 7:45 pm
Dates: 1) Winter Session 1 January 10 – February 16 (Advanced youth
class)
2) Winter Session 2 March 7 – April 20 (Beginning youth
class)}
Enrollment: Minimum 5 / Maximum 10
Fees: $159/$199 (12 classes for 6 weeks)
ADULT CLASS
Who: Adults (16 yrs +)
When: Monday/Friday, 6:45-7:45 pm
Dates: 1) Winter Session 1 January 9 – February 17
2) Winter Session 2 March 6 – April 21
Enrollment: Minimum 5/ Maximum 10
Fees: $159/$199 (12 classes for 6 weeks)
Link: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/cprd/home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&locale=en-US
UPDATE 15 NOVEMBER 2022 [Rev. 2 January 2023]
SdTS now has, at least part time, a roof! We will meet half the time at the Fernwood Grange in Newberg, half the time at PCC as we have been–days to be announced. The two locations are close, about 1km/.6 miles from one another, which should make it easy to find for current students.
Please monitor the email list for which days we will meet where. Thanks!
9 NOVEMBER 2022
IMPORTANT NEWS!!!
I’m very close to an agreement with a venerable institution that may grant us a roof. There are a few procedural matters to hammer out, but to wet the appetite the building is historic, the floors wood (and gorgeous so everyone will need to bring non-skidding shoes to change into once inside), there is a proper bathroom, and ample seating for parents, friends, etc.
Details to follow!
NOVEMBER 2022
CPRD Classes, Adult and Youth, start up this week:
Adult, Nov. 7 to 16 Dec., Mon. & Fri. 645-745pm, at the Aquatic Center
Youth, Nov. 8 to 15 Dec., Tues. & Thurs. 645-745pm, at the Aquatic Center
cf. https://www.cprdnewberg.org/general/page/activities-schedule
SEPTEMBER 2022
[2 Sept. 2022] Even More Important Update about Class Times/Lessons
With apologies for the earlier confusion, the new times are actually:
Sunday Schedule
9-10 am (foil/spada/smallsword)
10-11am (sabre)
CPRD Schedule
Session 1 (Youth): Tue/Thr., 645-745pm, 27 Sept to 3rd Nov.
Session 2 (Youth): Tue/Thr., 645-745pm, 8 Nov to 15 Dec.
AUGUST 2022
[18 August 2022] IMPORTANT UPDATE about CLASS & LESSONS:
My preferred method of instruction is individual, but other duties mean I must once again restrict class/lesson time to a two-hour block. Starting this coming Sunday, the 21st, we will meet as a group between 10am and 12pm. This will, I know, affect some students more than others, and I am keen to do whatever I can to accommodate everyone to the degree that I can.
If this time slot will not work, we can discuss other arrangements or different programs (I’m in contact with the area’s best instructors). For some the CPRD classes, which are held weeknight evenings, might be a good solution too.
What this means for you:
- classes will start with warm-up, footwork, drills, and some limited bouting depending on level
- fencers of different ages and skill levels will mix together*
*Traditionally students rotate in pair drills, and to a degree, and depending on context, I do this too, but there are times when it makes sense to pair students by height, handedness, skill-level, etc.
NB: at no point will any child be left unsupervised or with anyone I have not vetted 110%. As a parent, as a coach, and as someone whose discipline takes student safety very seriously, it’s my duty to create and maintain a safe spot for everyone. In like vein, if a parent is late to pick up, please know I will not leave any child alone to wait–I will stay with them until you arrive.
JULY 2022
CPRD’s Intro to Fencing has begun again, and, for the first time since March 2020 the Adult class is on (16+). We met last night and despite the heat in the dance/exercise room it went well. The Youth Intermediate class meets this evening.
SdTS’s weekend class/lessons continue at the Newberg PCC satellite. If interested contact us!
JUNE 2022
The first youth session of CPRD’s Intro to Fencing is now in its second week. In July, numbers allowing, there will be a second youth class, and if we’re lucky, the return of the adult class (16+) which had just started when the Pandemic hit. This is a great way to get a look at foil/smallsword and sabre and see if it’s for you.
In other news, the Sunday class may need to find another venue, as PCC has equipped our usual spot with a collection of picnic tables (which of course is their right)–see photo.
What does this mean for us? I don’t know. I plan to get in touch with PCC and see how they might feel about us carefully moving them to the side, then back. My hopes are not high on that score, however, and so we may meet at a few alternative locations.
There are few of these that are viable in Newberg. Jaquith Park has small covered areas, one with tables, one the size of a postage stamp for basketballers. The next closest option is Stella Olsen Park‘s amphitheater, which is great, but very busy in summer months.
In decent weather, so not pouring or scorching, we should be fine, but in hard rain or heat I’m not sure what we’ll do as yet. I’ll keep you posted.
Summer 2022
New “Introduction to Fencing” courses start this week at CPRD’s Aquatic Center in Newberg. For the first time since the pandemic started I’m offering an adult class (16+) as well:
Intro to Fencing I, Beginners (Youth, 15 & under): Tue./Thurs. 6:45-7:45pm [JUNE 7th to JULY 7]
Intro to Fencing II, Intermediate (Youth, 15 & under): Tue./Thurs. 6:45-7:45pm
[JULY 19 to AUGUST 23; no class 11 Aug.]
Adult Fencing (16 yrs +): Mon./Friday 6:45-7:45pm [JULY 18 to AUGUST 26; no class 12 and 15 August]
CF: https://www.cprdnewberg.org/general/page/activities-schedule
17 March 2022
Another session of the Intro to Fencing classes (youth, 9-15 yrs) starts soon at CPRD’s Aquatic Center. There will be two classes running March 29th ā April 28th:
Intro to Fencing I: 5:30-6:30pm T/Th
Intro to Fencing II: 6:45-7:45pm T/Th
The prerequisite for Intro II is to have taken Intro I at least once or to contact me to discuss (if say a student has had previous experience). This class delves a little deeper that the first and builds on the skills we cover in Intro I.
We’re looking at running an adult (16+) class this summer. The last started in March of 2020 and ended early thanks to Covid.
Registration is via the CPRD web site: https://www.cprdnewberg.org/general/page/activities-schedule
Mid-March, 2022
[14 March 2022] As of the 12th, masks are no longer mandated for Yamhill County (but cf. https://hhs.co.yamhill.or.us/publichealth/page/covid-19-coronavirus-information). Should students wish to continue wearing masks they are free to do so. Since we are out of doors with plenty of ventilation they are arguably less a necessity, but this said each student should do what is most comfortable and/or most prudent given any other considerations. It’s safest to follow the science on all this. Should we see another spike in cases I will have us all mask up again.
March, 2022
[2 March 2022] For the foreseeable future we will continue to meet at the Newberg PCC satellite, Sunday, 10am-12pm. The format remains individual lessons within that window while those waiting their turn or having finished work on drills. This depends on attendance, of course, so please continue to RSVP if you would.
The CPRD intro class is at the mid-way point, and so far it looks likely–pandemic allowing–that another session will start not long after this current one. With several students in their second class we may be able to start the Intro to Fencing II class again as well: this class is better for those who’ve taken the initial class at least once as we cover more intermediate material.
Reminder: No Class the Week/Weekend of the 24th Jan.
Just a reminder that I will be away this weekend at a coaching clinic. This means we will not hold class, but this said you should each work on those drills and skills we last discussed if you have time.
2022, Yeah… kind of a Sequel…
[18 Jan. 2022] Cases of Covid are at a new high in Oregon. At present, the only wing of SdTS affected is the class at CPRD, which has been canceled. Though we meet outside and are masked, I will follow the suggested protocols for preventing further infection. IF you have any cold symptoms, stay home. IF you have tested positive, stay home.
We will continue to meet Sundays, 10am to noon, but please RSVP and let me know either way if you’re coming. Thanks.
2022, Hopefully Not a Sequel š
[3 Jan. 2022] With the usual trepidation that attends saying this now “Happy New Year!” For SdTS the year started off yesterday. Morning practice was followed by a trip to Northwest Armizare and capped off with a rapier lesson in the afternoon. May that beginning augur good things.
Despite the weather we continue to meet at PCC. I had hopes of returning to a location with roof, but that has proved more difficult to achieve. For now, we will continue to meet in the weather, so dress accordingly.
A new session of the Introduction to Fencing class begins at CPRD this month–at present this class is for 15 and under, but depending on interest I’d be happy to revive the 16 years plus class.
November means Group Format; new CPRD Intro to Fencing Class at the Aquatic Center
[6 Nov. 2021] Our first group class will meet tomorrow at 10am and run until 12pm at the PCC satellite in Newberg, Oregon. The demands of my other work and family mean that I have reduced time to meet students individually throughout the week, so, this is a compromise. I will still work one on on with each student during the Sunday practice, but the time will fall more along the traditional 20-30 minute lesson vs. 1 hour. When not working with me students will run through drills and exercises that I have arranged for them.
A new session of the Introduction to Fencing class starts this month at CPRD–here is the link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/cprd/Activity_Search
SabreSlash 2021, Prague, Czechia
[10 Oct. 2021] Held October 2 & 3rd, and attended by fencers from Europe, Mexico, and America, SabreSlash was a blast. My good friend Michael Knazko, one of the instructors at Barbasetti Military Sabre in Prague, hosts this each year. The purpose of SabreSlash is to celebrate history, increase skill, and foster friendship, and few clubs do this as well as our compatriots in Prague. This is the finest fencing event I have yet attended, and yes, I’m already working on returning.
It was a great honor to be invited to teach at SabreSlash. My subject was how to incorporate Radaellian molinelli into one’s repertoire; it was a fitting compliment to Michael’s workshop on Barbasetti’s coverage of second-intention attacks. One of the most gratifying things an instructor can witness is students working in what they covered during tourney bouts, and on day two, when the tourney takes place, both of us had that pleasure. Michael is a consummate host, MC, and organizer, and he not only made my stay both comfortable and exciting, but looked out for everyone. It may sound corny, but the weekend spent with all these fencers was familial, and that is something rare and special.
SdTS & the Delta Variant
[5 August 2021] The portion of Oregon where we meet is currently at “substantial” risk with the Delta variant of Covid-19. One of my other hats is working with an organization attempting to get people vaccinated, so I hear and see a lot of data about this illness. A year ago when the pandemic first made headway it changed a lot–though extremely minor, one effect of it was the loss of an indoor space. Since that time I have met people outside, normally masked, and until further notice that is how SdTS will operate. Those interested in lessons can contact me about meeting one on one.
Thanks to the unvaccinated and general laissez faire attitude toward the pandemic, I am going to be wearing that other hat a lot more. Thus, after this month’s two children’s camps, these classes will be postponed until further notice. I’m not happy about it, but it’s the right thing to do given how things are rolling out.
SabreSlash 2021, Prague, Czechia, EU
With all fingers crossed against the continuing evil of Covid and it’s latest mutations, I’ve booked the trip to Prague this September/October. This is a visit I had hoped to make last year. It’s not just the chance to visit a city so full of history and a vibrant culture, though they’re in the mix!, but that I am honored to be invited, to teach, and to meet like-minded folk from a number of nations. My friend there, Michael KÅažko (PrĆ©vĆ“t dāarmes), has kept me abreast of the latest developments, and the more he shares with me the more this event appeals to me. Like me, Michael is keen to build bridges, to give people from all over a chance to learn from one another, share ideas, and build our sabre community. Stay tuned!
Interview about Smallsword on Razmafzar TV with Dr. Manouchehr M. Khorasani
I had another opportunity to chat with Dr. K, this time on the history and principles of smallsword (this past Thursday/24-6-21). The first segment is live and available at the link below. I was joined by my friend and colleague Mr. Ken Jay, a long-time fencer with experience in KdF, Italian sabre, and over the past year or so smallsword.
Ken is a reserved chap, and while kind to help me with the demos was even less keen to be on screen than even I tend to be. His reserve, thus, is natural and not due to any desire by me to hog the scene š [on a related note, Dr. K asked me, post interview, if Ken was okay, and, remarked that he seemed more German than American in demeanor (Dr. K lives and teaches in Frankfort, DE). When I told him that Ken’s mother’s family was German, than he spent his first eight years in what was then West Germany, Dr. K said “Haha, I knew it!”]
Humor and caveats aside, I am extremely grateful to Ken, who is very busy, for joining me and making that interview a lot better than it would have been had I been on my own. My thanks too to my friend Dr. Khorasani for the chance to chat about smallsword.
Part I: https://youtu.be/GE3CFZlIxDE
News, late June 2021
Despite record heat and the lingering spectre of Covid, we’ve been increasingly able to mix in the world again. The first Youth Fencing Class was a success, and we should be launching another one soon, probably August.
The broadsword group, one of several study pods of my friend Mike Cherba’s club, Northwest Armizare (Sherwood, Oregon), continues to meet and mine the Insular corpus. I’m there as a friend and to advise, and have enjoyed working with such a great group of people. Many of us eagerly await baskethilts built by the excellent Mark Howland of Shrike’s Forge (https://www.shrikesforge.com/). Eagerly, not necessarily patiently š
Individual Lessons–these have continued over the course of the pandemic, albeit in restrained conditions, and are picking up again now that more and more people are vaccinated and leaving quarantine. For the younger set working with me, we will likely shift things around so that we meet as a group–this will allow me to work with each student individually, but also give them others to drill and practice with at the same time.
Youth Fencing Class is Back
The introduction to historical fencing class is back at the Aquatic Center/Chehalem Parks & Rec. Due to Covid concerns the class is small, and will meet outside as weather permits; in inclement weather we will meet in the main gym as it’s large enough and well-ventilated. This class meets for 5 weeks, May 17th to June 16, each Monday and Wednesday from 6-7pm.
There are a few spots left: https://apm.activecommunities.com/cprd/Activity_Search/aq-youth-fencing/30256
New Links!
I’ve added a few new items to the “Links” page. These include a few newer sites, and, some I somehow bizarrely forgot to include:
- American Bastone Project
- Broadsword Academy Manitoba
- ÄeskĆ” ZemskĆ” Å ermĆrna/La Salle dāArmes Praha (Ars Dimicatoria/Barbasetti Military Sabre
Interview with the excellent Dr. Khorasani, Rafmafzar TV
I had the great honor this month to chat with Dr. Manouchehr M. Khorasani, noted researcher and martial artist, about my tiny corner of historical fencing, martial arts in general, and the community. This first installment of the interview is now up on Youtube:
Fall 2021
Hopefully the world will be in a better place in re the pandemic come October than it has been to date. The excellent Michael Kznako of Ars Dimicatoria/Barbasetti Military Sabre in Prague, CZ, has made the announcement on fb and I am honored to be among those slated to teach (cf. https://www.ars-dimicatoria.cz/en/home-2/)
April 2, 2021
Individual Lessons: until further notice will continue to be outside, masked, and socially distanced as much as possible.
Parks & Rec Class: reviving the parks & rec class is in the works! The likely start day is sometime mid-May. Initially, I believe, this will be the younger cohort, but in time I’m hoping to re-add the adult course (16+). In good weather we’ll likely meet outside the Aquatic Center; in poor weather in one half of the gym.
Broadsword Group: restrictions about meeting size mean that for now this small group must remain small. This group also meets outside, at the moment in the backyard of one of the members, and regardless of weather. If interested contact me and as space and pandemic restrictions allow we may be able to add additional people.
January 2021
Covid Vaccination Update: I’ve now had both inoculations in the Covid-19 series. In most respects this changes little in terms of how we conduct lessons–we’re still outdoors, still wearing masks within masks–but moving forward this may free us up either to return indoors or more safely run small-group classes.
Winter 2021
We are continuing with lessons much as we have been since June. Thanks to Covid-19, and the spikes in the holidays, lessons are still held outside and students and instructors are still required to wear masks under their fencing masks. The science is increasingly supportive of these measures and until the data suggests otherwise this is our policy. This being the PNW rain is a fact of life, ditto cold, so students should come prepared for both. To the degree possible we work under cover, but that is not always possible. If you need suggestions for how to train in the rain, let us know and we can provide some ideas both for dress and for equipment maintenance.
As of 1-8-2021 I started the Covid-19 vaccine course. Among the various hats I rotate on my pate is work as part of the Clinic Reporting Team for a long-term care pharmacy. Most of that work is remote, but depending on future needs (such as the arrival of more vaccine) I may be tasked with other duties, including helping out with the mobile clinic which is vaccinating the elderly patients for whom we provide prescriptions and physical therapy. The good news for students is that it will make me that much safer to work with in time. We will still observe the proper protocols for safety, but as an added measure this is a plus.
Autumn 2020
Now that the fires have left my immediate area and the smoke has cleared we can once again train outside. Individual lessons remain the safest way to navigate the ongoing saga of the pandemic, so for now we will not be meeting as a group. For those interested who have not yet scheduled lesson times, contact me so we can arrange that. Also, keep drilling!
Individual Lessons & Covid 19
As of late June/Early July SdTS is offering individual lessons again. These have changed in light of the pandemic, and it’s important students be aware of how these changes will affect the nature of the lessons and their training. As of June 28th there is increasingly more evidence that face-masks help reduce particulate in the air, a major vector by which Covid-19 spreads.
In light of the science the instructor and students are required to wear face-masks. All lessons, for the time being anyway, will be held outside. The first half of the lesson will consist of exercises run in tandem, e.g. student and instructor both perform molinelli, footwork drills, etc. but at an acceptable distance (6-10ft away from one another). Much of the focus in the coming weeks will be on the advanced target, so wrist and arm. There is historical precedent for this, but it will also help maintain a healthy distance.
Please contact us with any concerns or questions!
SdTS, as of June, 2020
Despite some of the changes in the county we remain more or less in quarantine. First, the rise in cases is a cause for pause, but also our host, CVDA, is not yet completely open for business. I’m working on starting individual lessons again for advanced students, but the beginners’ class will have to wait until we no longer need to distance ourselves as much or find alternative methods to teach.
Hang in there, drill, and read!
Quarantine & Training
All practices at CVDA, Chehalem Aquatic Center, and at various locations for individual lessons are on hold at the moment as we wrestle with Covid-19. This is going to get a lot worse before it gets better, and the best thing we can do is stay at home and help prevent the spread of the illness.
I’m happy to discuss solo practice drills, answer questions, or ruminate on the future of our program, so feel free to contact me.
Stay healthy
SdtS Practices in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Our hosts, Chehalem Valley Dance Academy, are closed for the Quarantine and naturally this affects our practices too. Individual lessons will continue as people are comfortable, but though late to do so the national movement to stop the spread of this latest bug is wise and NO one should feel pressure to show. In the meantime, students should read (I’m happy to give you a list š ), practice their footwork, and make their molinelli a daily practice.
Introduction to Historical Fencing (Adult class)
March 7th, at 11am, the first class of the five week long Intro to Fencing I (for adults, 16 yrs +), begins! No experience necessary, any level of fitness fine–the focus is on learning and fun. There are a few spots left for those interested. All gear provided.
Register at: https://apm.activecommunities.com/cprd/Home
New Classes via CPRD! [Feb. & March 2020]
The next session of Youth Fencing I starts Feb. 18th at the Aquatic Center (via Chehalem Parks and Rec). This is a class for kids 9-15; we meet Tues and Thurs at 530, for five weeks.
For those kids who have taken this class at least once, a new class, Youth Fencing II, will start Feb. 18th and meet directly after YF 1 (so 630).
Lastly, thanks to inquiries from adults we’ve added an introductory class for adults that will meet Saturdays at 11, starting March 7th. Space is limited so if you’re interested, contact CPRD soon (at least check they hadn’t added the class yet, but it should be up shortly).
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
Introduction to Youth Fencing (Jan-Feb 2020)
Tuesday, Jan. 14th, at Chehalem Parks and Rec’s Aquatic Center. There is limited space in this class designed for children 10-15. A second session begins February 18th.
This class introduces children to fundamental movement, basic technique in foil, and a quick look at spada/epee and sabre.
For more information, visit:
https://www.cprdnewberg.org/general/page/fitness-center-programs
Coming up in 2020!
August: Minneapolis, MN, USA
I’ll be teaching a class entitled “Radaellian Molinelli for the Non-Radaellian Fencer, A Primer” at SABR – Sabre And Broadsword Retreat, a two-day event covering various aspects of sabre and broadsword.
October: Prague, Czech Republic
K.u.K. Military Fencing Tournament: sponsored by the Barbasetti Military Sabre School and Ars Dimicatoria School of Historical Fencing; I’ve been invited to teach a class about Italian sabre, and–injuries permitting–participating in the tournament half as well.
Description from the fb page of one of the organizers, Michael Knazko:
“K.u.K. Military Fencing Tournament, Prague 2020, an annual event dedicated to fencing with weapons taught at the K.u.K. Theresian Military Academy in Wiener Neustadt ā foil, sabre, bayonet – continues the tradition of eleven succesive Austro-Hungarian army fencing tournaments āK.u.K. Armee Fechtturnierā which were held alternatively in Wien and Budapest in the years 1898 to 1914. The first āK.u.K. Armee Fechtturnierā held in 1898 was part of the jubilee celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the accession of the Emperor and King Franz Josef I to the throne.”
Coming in November!
Introduction to Bayonet Fencing, at Sala delle Tre Spade, CVDA; days/times TBA. This class introduces the basics of fencing with the bayonet as practiced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Covering bayonet attacks, bayonet fencing, and bayonet vs. sabre, students will gain an appreciation for this unique form of combat and how it relates to more traditional fencing. [There was more interest in smallsword, so I’ve pushed this back]
The Smallsword of PJF Girard (Sept./Oct. 2019)
In the last weekend of September we’ll begin examining the TraitĆ© des armes (1740) of Sir Pierre Jacques Francois Girard. Smallsword is one of the weapons we dabble in and with new people and new interest, seems a fitting time to dive in and see how it differs from its more familiar descendants like foil and epee.
Introduction to Historical Fencing (Oct. 2019)
I’ll be teaching a four week introductory course on traditional Italian fencing for some middle-schoolers at Trackers Forest School in Portland [https://trackerspdx.com/forest-school].
In keeping with their theme we’ll be meeting at a park for practice–hoping the weather will hold out!
CPRD Intro to Fencing (Sept./Oct.; 2nd Session Nov./Dec.)
Introduction to Fencing (Foil), via Chehalem Parks & Rec., Chehalem Aquatic & Fitness Center ( 1802 Haworth Ave., Newberg, OR 97132 ); for ages 10-15, gear provided.
The second session of this six week class begins Nov. 5th. It meets twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, into December. An introduction to fencing and foil, traditionally the weapon students start with, this class will cover a little history, safety, basic rules, and fundamentals of movement, offense, and defense.
Here is the link:
Cf: https://www.cprdnewberg.org/general/page/fitness-center-programs
Sala delle Tre Spade 