If you are struggling to determine the type of workshop you prefer, you will find a collection of our most popular workshops below.
Principles of the Bolognese Sidesword
By Analysing the extensive Dardi tradition, we shall develop our understanding of this complex and beautiful form of fencing. Starting with basic posture and movement between (many) guards and building to an understanding of the underlying philosophy of invitation, deception and courage, by the end of the course participants should have a firm grasp of the fundamental concepts behind one of the most intricate and spectacular forms of fencing.
Solo and partner exercises for developing and maintaining good posture and technique will also be provided.
This workshop can be expanded (indefinitely!!) with the use of companion weapons, adapted to focus on different combinations, or shortened to fit a specific timeslot.
Level: Beginner Between 2 days and 2 weeks
Florentine Swordsmanship
When you hear about the Italian Sidesword, what springs immediately to mind is the intricate Bolognese system and its uniquely recognisable style. Less well known are the works of Altoni and Docciolini of Florence, using a backweighted, point-forward stance more commonly associated with the 17th century. The Florentine system is a great introduction to some of the basics of later rapier combat, as well as an excellent standalone system for the sidesword and its companion weapons – most notably fighting with a sword in each hand.
This workshop can be expanded with the use of companion weapons or shortened to fit a specific timeslot.
Level: Beginner Between 2 hours and 1 day
Introduction to Palladini
A little studied work housed in the Wallace Collection in London, the much coveted Palladini is not accessible even to scholars and may not be opened. These precautions are due to the beautiful red chalk images painstakingly drawn into this handwritten manuscript and the damage that exposure or even the action of opening and closing might cause this unique work.
Penned around the turn of the 17th century, this transitional style of fencing bridges the gap between what is termed the sidesword and the rapier.
This workshop can be expanded with the use of companion weapons or shortened to fit a specific timeslot.
Level: Beginner Between 2 hours and 1 day
Stepping the Line
Contrary to popular belief, the North Italian systems of fencing were not based on linear thrusting, but rather complex and subtle systems of footwork. Comparing various diagrams of the 16th century, we shall unlock the movements upon which these elegant styles of swordsmanship were based. Far more than just positions to place ones feet, these diagrams will also help to adjust and improve your posture, balance and understanding of fundamental techniques.
This workshop starts with simple drills and builds in a manner that allows combinations to be grasped even by beginners.
Level: Beginner Between 2 hours and 1 day
The Partisan – Ferocious Deconstruction
The heavy blade of the partisan is reflected in weapons from the bronze age, right through to the Napoleonic wars – over a one-day workshop we shall examine the use of this versatile weapon across a period of 300 years in both Italy and the Holy Roman Empire; focusing on similarities rather than differences.
Issued to elite soldiers or guard units – even today in cases such as the famous Yeoman Warders or Yeoman Guard – the adaptability of the weapon to a variety of situations makes this particularly suited to individual use and was frequently taught in fencing schools alongside swordplay; particularly in Northern Italy during the renaissance.
This workshop can be shortened to fit a specific timeslot by focusing on individual treatises of the Italian renaissance or 30 years war.
Level: Beginner 1 day
Principles of the North Italian Rapier
Focussing on the works of Capo Ferro and Giganti, we shall analyse the principles of the north Italian system that would come to dominate Europe. We shall start from the very basics of footwork and stance and how to hold the rapier, and then move on to more involved drills on deception, invitation and tempo.
Using Capo Ferro and his clear and descriptive style of exposition to develop basic principles, attacks and counters, we shall contrast this with Giganti’s more tactical mindset to evolve more of a ‘game’ mentality – with smaller movements and greater levels of misdirection!
This workshop can be expanded with the use of companion weapons or shortened to fit a specific timeslot.
Level: Beginner 1 or 2 days
The sinister swordsman
Many manuals give instructions on how to fight a left hander, fewer advise the left hander themselves – but reversed techniques can be extrapolated by simply mirroring those same movements.
Left handers often have the advantage of a fencer who is not used to such an opponent but can be bewildered by someone who knows how to counter such a convenience.
This class is to demonstrate how to assert dominance for both left or right handers when facing their counterpart, using partner drills to manifest the basic principles in an easy to remember format.
Level: Beginner 2-4 hours
The Cutting Rapier
Anyone who has handled authentic early Italian rapiers will be in no doubt that this is a weapon for both cut and thrust. Various masters from the early to late renaissance have described the cutting mechanics with the long blade, as well as the scenarios in which these techniques should be employed. Examining sources from what is termed the transitional period of late sidesword and early rapier in northern Italy, this workshop is focused on exploring the body and blade mechanics of these systems to optimise movement and posture using analysis of partner drills of increasing complexity.
These partner drills are designed to improve speed, strength and efficiency as well as technical understanding, starting with simple forms and building from them in a manner that allows the combinations to be grasped even by beginners.
This workshop can be expanded with the use of companion weapons or shortened to fit a specific timeslot.
Level: Intermediate 2-4 hours or 1 day
The Close Play – Grips, Trips & Dirty Tricks
We shall be taking a look at the close play, using new sequences of shorter partner drills to build from initial engagement and closing, through the subtleties of misdirection, and on to the grips and grapples that can be used around the blade; as well as voids and counters to these same techniques.
Care needs to be taken during the exercises due to the nature of falls and throws and demonstrated methods of falling safely and assisting the training partner must be observed.
Level: Intermediate 2-4 hours
Fabris & His Lineage
A two-day workshop on the Fabrisian methodology, and the influence of the 300 year lineage that followed his seminal work in Northern Europe. This course is designed to introduce Fabris principles, combined with partner drills published by his direct students and their descendants to fully internalise these concepts.
A highly sophisticated and nuanced system of actions based on tempo and misdirection, Fabris did not suddenly develop an entire system in isolation. Comparison to earlier sources and possible influences, as well as the concepts behind fundamental aspects of this method are included as part of the instruction.
This workshop can be expanded with the use of companion weapons or shortened to fit a specific timeslot.
Level: Intermediate 2–4 days
Introduction to Schöffer von Dietz
Combining Fabris and Schöffer von Dietz is a requirement of this class. Schöffer was a student of Fabris and wrote his inaugural book of lessons on single rapier in 1611, before combining it with his second book on rapier and dagger in 1620. Rather than describing a system of his own, he presented us with an extensive insight into the Fabrisian methodology, with hundreds of lessons designed to help a student internalise the system. The book in fact starts with the expectation that a student already understands the System laid down by Fabris, launching straight into a well laid out curriculum for the teacher.
This is still an untranslated work. Designed for people who have already taken the workshop on Fabris and his Lineage, it is highly recommended for anyone interested in teaching this system.
This workshop can be expanded with the use of companion weapons, adapted to focus on different aspects of the system, or shortened to fit a specific timeslot.
Level: Advanced Between 2 days and 2 weeks