Weapons
Core Curriculum
Our core curriculum covers the sidesword, rapier, and the longsword. We also practice the use of the dagger as part of the study for the sidesword and rapier.
In our classes, we focus on each core weapon for a number of months, cycling through the whole set over the course of the year.
The Sidesword
The term sidesword covers most swords which were worn as sidearms between the 14th and 16th centuries. These swords have two cutting edges and a usable point, and tend to have some form of hand protection. (Read more)
The Rapier
Rapiers are longer, thinner swords which were commonly worn as civilian sidearms in the 16th and 17th centuries. (Read more)
The Longsword
Longswords, bastard swords, and hand-and-a-half swords are long-handled swords which can be used one handed, although they are more commonly used two handed, and saw most use between the 14th and 17th centuries. (Read more)
The Dagger
Daggers are short bladed weapons which are used both on their own or as companion weapons paired with rapiers and sideswords. (Read more)
Sabre
Still in use as a parade weapon in many armies, the sabre has a long history. Although swords similar to sabres had been present in Europe for centuries, they became most popular during the Napoleonic wars.
Additional weapons
Apart from the core weapons we study, we also include a number of other weapons in our practice. Unlike the weapons in our core curriclum we practice these weapons on an ad-hoc basis, either as private classes for more advanced students, or shorter runs of one or two weeks.
Polearms
This category encompasses a wide variety of weapons which can all be described as a blade on a stick. This kind of weapon has existed well before the start of written history, and had survived largely unchanged well into the age of gunpowder. (Read more)
Smallsword
A smaller, lighter descendant of the rapier, the smallsword, or court sword, gives up any cutting capability to concentrate on finesse and precision in thrusts. This weapon reached the peak of its popularity in the 17th century.
Research
Finally, weapons and systems we are still experimenting with are not generally included in the normal run of the classes, and are only being examined in study groups between advanced students until we have enough experience and understanding to add them to our curriculum.
Unarmed and close quarter combat
Every culture in history developed some kind of unarmed fighting system; this is not only important in situations where one is not carrying a weapon, but it is usually integrated into armed fighting. (Read more)
Montante / Spadone
The true two handed greatsword. These highly specialized weapons are not designed for fencing, but are excellent - and highly intimidating - at crowd control and engaging multiple opponents.
Bartitsu
Not so much a weapon as a loosely integrated system in its own right, Bartitsu is an interesting quirk of the 19th Century. It combines Jujitsu, European stick fighting, and the use of weapons of opportunity such as walking sticks, and on occasion a bicycle.