AutumnFecht

Dishonor Before Death: Disarms and Grapples in Smallsword
Jonathan MacKenzie Gordon (he/him), Maryland KdF

The smallsword is a weapon that came into vogue in Europe around the late 17th century. Smallswords were used extensively in personal duels where the goal was not always to kill your opponent, but to draw first blood to satisfy honor. In a time when maintaining personal honor meant everything, expert fencers would use their superior skills to disarm their foe leading to embarrassment and dishonor, with repercussions far worse than death.

This class will give students the opportunity to explore the use of various disarm and grapple techniques taught in fencing manuals from the 17th and 18th centuries. Topics covered will include measure management, decision making, and the mechanics required to safely disarm or control your opponent’s smallsword.

Gear Requirements: mask, gloves, jacket, smallsword

Up to Scratch: Bare-Knuckle Boxing under the London Prize Ring Rules
Jason Konopinski (he/him), Historical Fencing of York

From 1838 until the Queensberry era, English prizefighters fought with bare fists under the London Prize Ring Rules. Grappling above the waist was legal and throws were as decisive as any blow. The result was a complete fighting system, not just an ancestor of modern boxing.

We'll work through the upright stance and guard, the straight lead and stopping hits, parries, slips and guards suited to bare hands, and the in-fighting, clinches and throws the rules permitted. We'll look at how the rules shaped tactics, from fighting for the fall to managing a long fight.

No boxing or grappling experience is needed. This is for fencers who want to explore one of the last unarmed systems with a living competitive record.

Gear Requirements: a mouthguard is mandatory. MMA gloves recommended, but not required.

Introduction to Tendo-Ryu Naginatajutsu
Takami Tanner (she/her), Bitokukai

This class will be an introduction to one of the few classical styles of naginata still existing. Naginata is a Japanese polearm that first appeared around 900 AD with a last known use for battle in the late 1800s. With almost 1000 years of battlefield history and refinement, the arts associated with the weapon continue to share the martial traditions of the Samurai culture. In modern day it is thought of as largely a female's weapon. Historically it was used by both men and women of the class. The weapon is known to be very versatile in the hands of a seasoned practitioner.

Gear Requirements: none. Naginata, if you have one

The 3 Withdraw Types of Meyer: Understanding the Approach
Chris VanSlambrouck (he/him), LivingMeyer Historical Fencing Schools

In Joachim Meyer's fechtbuch, he covers three types of withdrawing from contact throughout his works to instruct the Art.

You will be introduced to disengaging to reengaging, with and without provocation, while maintaining or in order to regain the advantage of the initiative. Tactical precepts will be demonstrated from Meyer’s own examples to ensure historical validity and excellence. We will focus on plays from Middle Guard (Mittelhut), Longpoint, Unicorn, and Ox.

Gear Requirements: longsword; mask & gloves (no gauntlets required)

You Spin Me Right 'Round Baby: Spinning and Momentum in Montante
Christian Buettner (he/him), Maryland KdF

There are many things that we are often told not to do during swordfighting. Of these, crossed feet and spinning are at the forefront. In montante, we like to take these prohibitions and turn them on their head. In this class, we will look at reglas/rules from Iberian and Italian sources that focus on spinning and focus on the biomechanics that allow these to work, as well as, using techniques from ballroom dancing that give us insight into maintaining balance and safety while exploiting the momentum the weapon gives us.

Some previous montante experience suggested. Bring a montante if you can as loaners are limited.

Gear Requirements: montante

Struggle Snuggles: Groundwork from Martin Huntsfeld’s Dagger
Chris Valli (any), Laurel City Historical Fencing

Often in modern practice, HEMA fighters stop the match at the point of control/balance or at the throw, but how would fighters continue from there historically?

This class looks at the teachings from master Huntsfeld’s writings on fighting in armor with daggers, specifically the plays on how to establish control of your opponent, or how to escape when your opponent pins you. Experience with wrestling is a plus but not required, training daggers on belts encouraged.

Gear Requirements: dagger

Shamshir, Separ, and Neyze - Oh My!
Bizhan Khodabandeh (he/him), Virago Alley

The shamshir is the iconic curved sword of Persia. A legendary weapon with a history stretching from the 9th to the 18th century, often historically paired with an offhand weapon or separ (shield).

The Nyeze, or spear, is also an iconic weapon of Persia. Spear wielding Persian soldiers were referred to by the Greeks as Apple Bearers. This style spear has long cutting spear head counter-balanced by an apple sized mace on the butt end of the spear.

In this introductory class, you’ll learn to wield shamshir/separ, neyze and mixed weapons plays. You’ll learn the foundational footwork, cuts and guards, and work on select techniques with partners.

Gear Requirements: mask, gloves, jacket, saber. Rondella/buckler and spear, if you have them.

Schedule

Instructors and Class Descriptions