Classes

Whether this is your first WMAW or your eighth, this year’s Workshop will expose you to a wide-variety of new ideas, skills, methodologies and research by some of the finest instructors in the Western Martial Arts community.

• About the Class Categories
• Fundamentals
• Close-Quarter Combat
• Medieval Martial Arts
• Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
• Pedagogical Classes
• Lectures and Presentations

About the Class Categories

We are proud to offer a diverse curriculum of classes, lectures, demonstrations and workshops, aimed at a variety of skill levels. For newcomers, those without regular training, or attendees looking to refine their basics, we recommend you pay special attention to the Fundamentals classes, which are being offered on Thursday to help prepare you for the rest of the weekend. Concurrent Research & Pedagogy Classes are being offered for those who wish to develop their teaching ability, and are specifically designed to help determine how to work with historical source material, what to teach, how to teach it, and how to translate those drills and exercises into practical application. The remaining General Classes are broadly divided by topic: Medieval (Pre-1500), Renaissance and Early-Modern (Post 1500) and Close Quarter Combat, are aimed at a wide variety of interests and skill levels, and occur in 60 min, 90 min and three hour increments. Finally, as in previous years, there will also be a number of Lectures & Presentations throughout the weekend, designed to help give historical context or to present new research.

As you review the class roster and schedule, remember that most classes must be pre-registered and have attendance limits. Fundamentals, General and Pedagogical Classes have a maximum attendance of 40 students, unless otherwise noted.

Fundamentals

Fundamentals classes are a series of classes open to all attendees designed to provide either a basic overview of popular disciplines being taught throughout the weekend, or to provide instruction in specific core skills.

Introduction to German Longsword

Instructor: Bill Grandy, Virginia Academy of Fencing
Class Category: Fundamentals
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 12:00-02:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: A longsword simulator of some kind (wooden or aluminum waster, steel blunt, etc.). Some sort of head protection (such as a fencing mask) is recommended.

This introductory class will give students a basic foundation of the core principles of the longsword within the German Liechtenauer tradition. Students will cover basic footwork, simple strikes and counters, and a brief overview of the five master strikes.

Introduction to Italian Rapier

Instructor: Puck Curtis and Eric Myers, Tattershall School of Defence
Class Category: Fundamentals
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 12:00-02:00 pm)
Pre-Requisitese: None
Required Equipment: mask, jacket, rapier and gloves.

This class introduces students to the basic principles of Italian Rapier fencing, as shown through the lens of Ridolfo Capo Ferro. This class will discuss issues of time, measure, and constraint, in order to setup the most effective and safest attack. We will cover the fundamentals of Italian Rapier fencing, allowing students to make the most out of the later rapier classes.

2007-09-09: David Borland cannot teach this class due to a family emergency. Puck Curtis of Tattershall School of Defence will substitute.

2007-09-01: I'm sorry to announce that Terry Brown will not be able to attend this year's event. Terry hurt his back rather badly a while ago, and we've been waiting to see if he would be recovered enough to hop the pond. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that he will be, so rather than have to cancel at the last minute, Terry asked that we reschedule his classes. Replacement class: To be determined.

A Neglected Tradition: English Longsword according to J. Ledall

Instructor: Paul Wagner, Stoccata School of Defence
Class Category: Fundamentals
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 04:30-06:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Prior study of longsword is useful but not required.
Required Equipment: A longsword (or substitute), fencing mask, and gauntlets or gloves. As well as a sword, a “friendly” training weapon such as a modified shinai or a boffer is recommended for practicing some of the nastier techniques. Additional armour (gambeson, vambrace, etc) is welcome if you have it.

Although the two-handed sword is not generally known as English martial specialty, the records of the Masters of Defence show that Prizes fought with the two-handed sword were extremely common, and the three earliest works on English swordplay in existence are devoted to the “two-handed sword.” The language used in the three medieval manuscripts is obscure to say the least, but taken together with the principles and instructions of George Silver, we can get a reasonable clear picture of the style of fight described, particularly that of the most comprehensible and useful of these manuscripts, the sexily named Additional MS. 39564, signed by “J. Ledall”.

This class will introduce you to the guiding offensive, defensive and tactical principles of the English longsword fight through a series of example techniques. So if you’re sick of sheilhaus and bored with the posta breve, come and learn the mysteries of the Hawks and Rabbits, Broken Foigns and Cocksteps, the Dragon’s Tail and the Tumbling Cats. Now don’t they just sound so much cooler?

Close-Quarter Combat

The Close-Quarter Combat Track covers any form of unarmed or small-weapon combat, regardless of time period.

American Catch Wrestling

Instructor: Dr. Les Moore
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 3 hrs (30 Sun 10:00-01:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Towel, water bottle, loose clothing.

American Catch Wrestling is the faster style of wrestling that developed in America. This workshop will examine American Catch Wrestling in the lineage of Dr. Les Moore’s family, the lineage of Dr. Tim Geoghegan through Peter Freer, and the lineage of Billy Wicks. This will be a thorough class working from the head all the way to the toe.

American Physical Culture

Instructor: Dr. Les Moore
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 90 min (29 Sat 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Towel, water bottle, loose clothing.

American Physical Culture is both the classical internal and external arts developed in America, generally applied to wrestling, boxing, fencing, and the healing arts (particularly naturopathy and physcultopathy). This workshop will examine the American Physical Culture of Bernarr MacFadden, the Father of Physical Culture. This class will include breathing exercises, exercises for internal organs, physical exercises, and sport-specific exercises.

An Introduction to the Armoured Dagger Combat of 'Gladiatoria'

Instructor: Jörg Bellinghausen, Ochs Historiches Kampfkünst
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 02:00-03:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Students should have a general idea about medieval dagger work. Skill in rolling and falling is beneficial, but not necessary. All training will be closely supervised emphasizing complete control.
Required Equipment: A wooden training dagger or another dagger simulator (a ¾" hardwood dowel, as long as hand and forearm, all corners rounded off, is sufficient). No metal weapons are allowed. Notebook, towel, and water bottle.

The subject of this class is the Ms. germ. quart. 16, aka the 'Gladiatoria fechtbuch', now kept in the Bibl. Jagellonica in Crakow, Poland. The manuscript is dated to ca. 1435-1440 A.D. and contains (among other things) 36 plays of armored dagger combat. Students will be introduced to a selected number of plays, focusing on the first six plays from which 'all limb-wrestling and all plays of the dagger are derived'.

Note: Cameras are OK, videotaping is not.

Transforming Armed into Unarmed Techniques - Some Ideas

Instructor: Jörg Bellinghausen, Ochs Historiches Kampfkünst
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 60 min (29 Sat 05:15-06:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Students should have a general idea about medieval wrestling, longsword and dagger work. Skill in rolling and falling is beneficial, but not necessary. All training will be closely supervised emphasizing complete control.
Required Equipment: None, other than a notebook, towel, and water bottle.

The Historical European Martial Arts are by their very nature primarily weapon-based systems. But, aside from using the wrestling techniques also handed down to us by the ancient masters, it is quite possible to transform armed techniques into effective unarmed techniques with little modification. In this class, the instructor will present the students some personal interpretations of how this could be done, drawing mainly from dagger work, but also incorporating some longsword material.

Note: Cameras are OK, videotaping is not.

Marozzo's Dagger and Fist

Instructor: Roger Siggs, Tattershall School of Defense/Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 3 hrs (28 Fri 09:00-12:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Fencing mask or safety googles and a knife-trainer (wooden rondel, sharkee or other knife simulators are acceptable).

Within the course, Roger Siggs will illustrate the origins, techniques, and modern applications of Achille Marozzo's presas and daga material from the Opera Nova. Drawing from prior authors like Fiore dei Liberi, modern combatives instructors as well as Japanese Koryu technqiues, Roger will guide the student to an understanding of how to interpret the actions shown in Marozzo's 22 presas. Besides having a suitable training knife and eye protection, students should come to class prepared for close work with others. Safety and training tips for later practice will also be covered based on the instructors experience in teaching Western and Asian martial arts.

The Combative Stick- From the Bastoncello to Fairbairn's Umbrella

Instructor: Roger Siggs, Tattershall School of Defense/Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 04:00-05:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Students should bring a stick 18-24" long. The Instructor will have some on hand for use if needed.

The stick is undoubtedly one of the oldest weapons of mankind, and has been used with and without training for easily thousands of years. In this class we will examine an overview of stick fighting techniques specifically using a stick as detailed in Fiore dei Liberi's Flos Duellatorum and W.E. Fairbairn's All in Fighting. These techniques are optimized for a stick 18-24" long, but can be used with any number of smaller or larger items.

19^th Century American Bowie Knife Fighting

Instructor: Pete Kautz, Alliance Martial Arts
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 3 hrs (29 Sat 09:00-12:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: "Cold Steel R1 Military Classic" model trainer (may be purchased from instructor – see below)

Cut through the myths and misinformation on the Bowie and learn authentic fighting tactics of the 19th century drawn from saber fencing and applied to this celebrated American knife! Learn about the Bowie's design and application, old school physical culture, the military connection, the duelists of New Orleans, and a great deal of other material Mr. Kautz has never shared publicly before about both the history and the effective use of the Bowie knife. Learn the 10 attacks, 10 defenses, two person set plays, backcuts, evasions and much more in this 3-hour intensive class.

CLASS INCLUDES A BOWIE KNIFE TRAINER FOR YOU TO KEEP! This is an 11.5" hard-rubber training knife in the shape of a Bowie knife with a functional cross-guard, produced by Cold Steel and designed for hard use. These are the ONLY training knives I will allow people to use in this class for safety reasons and because of the cross guard that's integral to the work.

(If you have one of these already, you may bring it to class and save the $10 material fee, but it must be the "Cold Steel R1 Military Classic" model trainer.)

Materials fee payable at start of class:
Basic: $10 includes 11.5" Cold Steel training Bowie knife.
Pro: $50 includes Pete Kautz's 19th Century American Bowie Knife Fighting DVD ($49 value) and 11.5" Cold Steel training Bowie knife.
Master: $80 includes Pete Kautz's 19th Century American Bowie Knife Fighting DVD ($49 value), Modern Knives #5: American Bowie Knife DVD with Kautz, Keating, McLemore, Bagwell & Sastre ($49 value), and TWO 11.5" Cold Steel training Bowie knives.

Combat Knife Throwing

Instructor: Pete Kautz, Alliance Martial Arts
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Heavyweight, Bowie-style throwing knife, to be approved by instructor

If you've ever seen someone throw a knife in a movie or on TV and thought "I wanta' do that!" but didn't know where to start then you will enjoy this introductory class on knife throwing for combat. If you're a sport-style knife thrower then this class will give you insights into martial-style knife throwing drawn from 19th century American and Mexican roots. This is an easy to learn method and anyone with a desire can add this to their personal bag of tricks with just a little practice!

CLASS INCLUDES A QUALITY THROWING KNIFE YOU GET TO KEEP!!! This is a heavyweight 13" Bowie knife style thrower that is perfect to learn combat throwing with (as opposed to the cheap lightweight throwing knives you find at flea markets and online). Throwing targets will be set up all weekend so you can hone you skills after class, have fun with knife games like "Knife Thrower's Tic Tac Toe", and go home with both the knowledge and the tools to start mastering combative knife throwing.

Materials fee payable at start of class:
Basic: $30 includes a 13" high quality Bowie knife with riveted leather handles, designed for throwing.
Pro: $60 includes a 13" high quality Bowie throwing knife & Comtech Knife Throwing DVD ($59 value) so you can continue training in combat knife throwing at home.
Master: $100 THREE 13" high quality Bowie throwing knives & Comtech Knife Throwing DVD ($59 value) so you can continue training in combat knife throwing at home.

(If you have throwing knives already that you wish to use they will have to be inspected / approved before class for safety and may not necessarily be suited to the combat style throwing taught.)

Applying Successful Binds and Locks in Medieval Grappling

Instructor: Rob Lovett, The Exiles
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 05:15-06:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None, but a basic understanding of medieval wrestling, longsword and dagger work. Skill in rolling and falling is beneficial.
Required Equipment: Training dagger, eye protection, water bottle and towel.

Looking at how to set up and apply binds and locks in a close quarter environment, unarmed and dagger, taking the applied lock or bind to a successful conclusion of the engagement. Also, some time will be given to see how binds can change and alter according to the weapon that is being used at the time. This will be studied specifically referring to Liberi's system of combat and the 7 requisites that he mentions

Applying Fiore's Grappling to Groundfighting

Instructor: Colin Hatcher, Schola Saint George
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 90 min (29 Sat 03:15-04:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Familiarity with Fiore's Abrazare is helpful but not required.
Required Equipment: Comfortable clothing, long sleeves and long pants (no T-shirts!), bring elbow and knee pads if you have them. Remember, we WILL be rolling around on the floor!

Groundfighting (wrestling) as we know it today is a far cry from medieval and pre-medieval battlefield armed grappling arts. Back in the late fourteenth century/early fifteenth century no martial system taught unarmed wrestling as a mortal combat system. Mortal combat took place at distance with long range weapons, like the longsword, then moved in close and switched to close range weapons like the rondel dagger. Mortal combat grappling skills were thus always combined with knife fighting and focused on mortally wounding an opponent at close range while standing up, before throwing him to the ground in the most injurious way possible.

The development of purely empty hand fighting systems arose slowly as society became gradually more and more disarmed/unarmed. During periods of relative peace from the earlier martial battlefield systems there began to evolve less fatal empty hand grappling methods, methods that became more relevant in a civilian society where armor and weapons gradually ceased to be worn on a daily basis.

The lack of ground fighting in medieval martial arts is clearly seen in Fiore's martial system. Fiore's Abrazare (Grappling) system has no groundfighting at all, rooted as it is in the framework of medieval mortal combat. Can Fiore's system then be applied on the ground in a modern context? Can one fight Fiore horizontal? Can we extrapolate a modern Fiorean-based system of "Ground Abrazare"?

Drawing on 30 years of study and practice of grappling and wrestling systems, including 5 years study and practice of Fiore's system, in this class Colin Hatcher will provide a practical application of Fiore's Abrazare to modern unarmed ground fighting. Using Fiore's core principles, tactics and techniques we will take Fiore to the floor and learn the basics of how to apply his Abrazare system horizontally.

Wrestling at the Hilts in the Fechtkunst

Instructor: Dr. William Ernoehazy, Tattershall School of Defense
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 03:15-04:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Introduction to German Longsword, or equivalent knowledge.
Required Equipment: Longsword simulator (preferably aluminum or steel), eye protection (preferably sports goggles, but fencing masks are acceptable). Full sparring protection for the head (fencing mask, practice helmet) will be wanted for the last several minutes of the class.

Close quarter combat is an integral part of the medieval German fighting system. Although most training and free assault rules do not allow grappling, CQB techniques are a fundamental part of Lichtenauer’s fight. Understanding what can happen when one “comes to the hilts” is vital to understanding the Fechtkunst. In this class, we will explore a selection of techniques found in extant manuals for regaining the Vor (initiative) when one has come hilt-to-hilt with the opponent. Our goal is to gain a greater understanding of how close-quarter combat is joined to longsword fight in Lichtenauer’s system.

Prerequisites: Prior knowledge of the Fechtkunst is beneficial, but not necessary. Techniques will only be practiced at controlled speed during this course; taking falls will not be required. Nonetheless, scholars should be prepared for extended training at body-contact range, as we will “come to grips”.

Medieval Counter-Dagger: 15th Century Self Defense and Modern Application

Instructor: Keith Jennings, Chicago Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Close-Quarter Combat
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 12:15-04:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None, though students should be prepared to be taken to the ground.
Required Equipment: Loose training clothes, training dagger, and eye protection.

Often times, criticism is leveled towards historical fencers from the “reality-based’ or “practical-tactical” crowd, claiming that the study of traditional martial arts is impractical for modern self defense needs. However, as scholars of historical swordsmanship well know, Medieval systems of fencing are known just as much for swordsmanship as they are for grappling and dagger work.

Through the use of video footage of actual knife assaults, this class will explore how the counter-dagger material found within the Fior di Battaglia of Fiore dei Liberi is just as applicable today as it was 600 years ago. Student will be shown how Maestro Fiore's techniques work just as well against a medieval daggers as they doing against a modern steak knife, or even a crowbar!

Medieval Martial Arts

The Medieval Weapons track covers long arms c.1300 – 1500. Small arms, such as the dagger, are covered in the Close-Quarter Combat track.

The Iron Gate: Understanding the Foundational Guard of dei Liberi’s l’Arte dell’Armizare

Instructor: Gregory Mele, Chicago Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None, but basic familiarity with the guards and terminology uses in the Flower of Battle is preferred.
Required Equipment: Students should have a mask, a dagger and longsword trainer (wood, steel or aluminum is acceptable). We will also be looking at spear and poleaxe plays, so while one of each would be ideal, a six-foot staff will suffice. (Some spears and poleaxes will be on hand.)

As Fiore dei Liberi himself tells us early in his book, the four poste or guards of abrazare (grappling) “have a larger part in the sword, dagger and axe that follows”. Of these four foundational guards, perhaps the post important is porta di ferro, or the “iron gate”, which not only recurs throughout the manuscript, but out of which dei Liberi derives five variants on which to base dagger combat, two for the sword in two hands, and two for the spear. Besides its versatility and strong defensive capabilities, the advice and plays given from porta di ferro neatly encapsulate most of dei Liberi’s mechanical and tactical sensibilities.

In this class students will look at the root plays of this guard across the spectrum of weapons in the Flower of Battle, but gain insights into both dei Liberi’s tactical sensibilities and how the name of a poste, not necessarily its physical form, instantly tells us what it can or cannot do.

The Young Person's Guide to the Poleaxe

Instructor: Christian Tobler, Selohaar Fechtschule
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 03:15-04:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Students should have a mask, padded gloves, and a poleaxe simulator, though a good gambeson, steel gauntlets, and a helmet will allow the participants to better experience the techniques.

The poleaxe, one of the most fearsome of staff weapons, appears throughout the battle, duels, and tournaments of the 14^th – 16^th centuries. While the great German grandmaster Johannes Liechtenauer is himself silent on its application, his later disciples apply his core principles to this most knightly of weapons. Following a discussion of the poleaxe itself, we will explore the guards as they apply to it and then work through various drills originating from each of the guards. The class draws from a number of sources, some only recently explored, including the manuscripts of Paulus Kal, Hans Talhoffer, and Peter Falkner, Cod. 11093, and a little known anonymous treatise appearing in the addenda to the Vienna copy of Paulus Kal.

Sword and Buckler of the Liechtenauer Tradition

Instructor: Christian Tobler, Selohaar Fechtschule
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 04:00-05:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Students should have a mask, padded gloves, a buckler, and a wooden or steel sword simulator. A gambeson is recommended, but not required.

The so-called Tower Fechtbuch, Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33, remains our earliest extant European fencing treatise. While it is the most popular source today for medieval sword and buckler, the later Liechtenauer Tradition is also rich with material treating this weapons form. This class will present basics of sword and buckler combat – including guards and basic strokes – and will examine techniques derived from Hans Talhoffer and Paulus Kal, plus provide a fresh view of the very influential, and often appearing in manuscripts, six set-plays of Master Andres Lignitzer.

I.33: Proofing the System

Instructor: Guy Windsor, Helsinki School of European Swordsmanship
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 3 hrs (30 Sun 10:00-01:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Students will need a sword, buckler and mask.

In the early stages of researching a historical style, the techniques tend to be very sensitive to small changes in how they are done. This leads to an unrealistic dependence on the opponent giving you the 'correct' attack. While this stage is vital, it is possible, and necessary, to move beyond it. In this class we will first go through my working interpretation of the plays of first ward from 1.33, then look at how to apply the same principles when the opponent gives you the 'wrong' response, or an alternative interpretation of the ‘correct’ response.

The last half an hour of the class will be reserved for students to ask about specific plays in the book; if you're struggling with the bind from the left from first ward beset by longpoint, for example, ask and I will show you at least how I do it.

Liechtenauers Favorite - the Zwerch

Instructor: Jörg Bellinghausen, Ochs Historiches Kampfkünst
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 05:15-06:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Students should have a general idea of how a longsword is used. Knowing how to strike an Oberhau and a Zwerch is beneficial, but not necessary. All training will be closely supervised emphasizing complete control.
Required Equipment: A wooden waster or (safe) metal longsword simulator, fencing mask. Light gloves of some sort are recommended. Further equipment: Notebook, towel, and water bottle.

Hie merke und wisse / das of dem ganczen / swerte / keyn haw / als redlich / zo heftik zo vertik/ und zo gut ist als der twerhaw / (Hs. 3227a, fol. 27v)
Here remember and know/ that from all (blows) of the sword/ no strike is as fair/ as keen as ready/ and as good as is the cross-strike…

These lines from the oldest currently known manuscript dealing with Johannes Liechtenauers art of fencing show clearly that the Zwerch was a highly regarded technique of the longsword curriculum. Students will be taught the way to strike a good Zwerch according to the instructor's current interpretation as well as different plays and tactical applications.

Note: Cameras are OK, videotaping is not.

The Rovecio Ascendente

Instructor: Jesse Kulla, Chicago Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 60 min (29 Sat 05:15-06:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Mask, gloves and a sword (wooden or aluminum waster, steel blunt) suitable to the period 1300-1600. Swords must be balanced to cut and thrust equally well &mdash no true rapiers, please.

In Angelo Viggiani's "Lo Schermo" (written 1550s, published 1570), the Instructor specifies that he has but thirty minutes to teach his student. He goes on to briefly, but explicitly shows the student seven guard positions, which are very similar, if not identical, to those of his contemporaries and predecessors. Viggiani however, goes on to offer up only one technique. He gives his student a simple rising parry (the “rovescio ascendente”) with a thrust from above as a risposte. This "universal" parry, while best detailed by Viggiani, was nothing new; first appearing in the work of Fiore dei Liberi, it appears routinely in 15^th century German texts, and throughout the corpus of Bolognese texts. This class will explore the Rovecio Ascendente's strengths and weakness, and teach its 15^th and 16^th century execution. The class will get a focused view of the action, and hopefully gain an understanding of Viggiani's reasons for choosing this particular action as the best action to learn within the bounds of such limited training time.

Tactics and Strategy for Longsword, Part 1

Instructor: Sean Hayes, Northwest Academy of Fencing
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (29 Sat 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Longsword, gloves, mask.

Suitable for both Italian and German styles. Bouting at any weapon is more than a matter of strong blows or fast actions: the combatant must be able to assess his opponent, analyze the situation, and develop a model for approaching, controlling and winning the fight.

Both Italian and German styles provide us with all the tools necessary, and also with key points of tactical advice. The development of tactical approaches relies on technical skills, which are the emphasis of this class. This class will use the key plays of the Zogho Largo and Zogho Stretto of Fiore dei Liberi to develop strategies and tactics for bouting at longsword. We will examine ways to test the opponent, analyze his probable strategy, and work to neutralize it and thus control the fight. Part One focuses on the relevant technical skills necessary and outlines the model for approaching the fight.

Tactics and Strategy for Longsword, Part 2

Instructor: Sean Hayes, Northwest Academy of Fencing
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 02:00-03:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Part One is required for entry to this class.
Required Equipment: Longsword, gloves, mask, gambeson or similar, elbow protection.

Using the model developed in the first class, we will engage in exercises of increasing complexity as we apply our analytical skills to the problem of the fight: assessing the opponent, analyzing his choices, and executing a strategy. Drills will begin with direct, fairly simple choices and work towards more complex and fluid situations that mirror the actual fight. This is a hard workout class: bring a towel for sweat, and a water bottle for hydration.

OK, Now What? Using dei Liberi's System Beyond the First Blow

Instructor: Rob Lovett, The Exiles
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 3 hrs (29 Sat 09:00-12:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Class assumes a basic understanding of the terminology, guards and concepts of dei Liberi's system.
Required Equipment: Training dagger and longsword, eye protection, water bottle and towel.

People manage to use Fiore's system adopting the Poste and launching their first attacks within the tenants dictated by the system. As soon as that first blow has been delivered the practitioner's access to the system seems to deteriorate. This lesson will be looking at bridging the gap to the first contact of weapons, simplifying the decision process at the first point of contact and subsequent management of the engagement. This lesson will also include management of safe entry to Giocco Stretto from Giocco Largo. Also some consideration will be given to pattern building, recognition and breaking of patterns to the advantage of the practitioner. This will include reference to Liberi's segno and especially distance, time and measure.

MS I.33 and the Common Fencer (Generalis Dicamatores)

Instructor: Robert Holland, Schola Saint George
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 12:00-02:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: A working knowledge of MS I.33.
Required Equipment: An arming sword, buckler and mask.

The focus of MS I.33 is on techniques used against a combatant who is also using the system. At a few points (notably Plate 3) the author mentions actions or guardia that the “common combatant” may take, and how to respond to them.

This class will focus on utilizing the wards/counter wards of I.33 against what may be considered “common” attacks (those likely to be made by a combatant NOT using the system).

Cutting Mechanics and Power Generation with the Longsword

Instructor: Matt Galas, Historial European Martial Arts Coalition
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 02:15-04:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Longsword trainer and mask.

Fencing is about efficiency. Until a student understand *how* to execute a proper attack with the sword, knowning when and why to do so remain a largely academic exercise.

This class looks at the proper body mechanics of wielding the longsword in either the Italian or German tradition, and developing a series of detailed drills for teaching those skills, particularly from less instinctual guards, such as Pflug/Posta Breve and Ochs/Posta Finestra.

Messerfechten: Fighting with the German Falchion

Instructor: Hans Heim, Ochs
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 3 hrs (28 Fri 09:00-12:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None, but basic familiarity with German swordsmanship is preferred.
Required Equipment: A Messer or medieval arming sword, gloves and a mask.

The Langes Messer (“Long Knife” a long-hilted falchion) was a popular sidearm and fencing weapon of 15th century Germany. It had always been a part of the German art, usually taught interchangeably with the one-handed sword, by masters such as Talhoffer and Paulus Kal, but late in the century, Hans Lebküchner wrote a massive manuscript detailing a complete system of Messer fencing. This system was closely related to the longsword fencing of the Liechtenauer tradition, but adapted for the different possibilities brought about by a shorter weapon with a long hilt.

This year, students will be completely immersed in the art of the Langes Messer. Beginning with a short summary of WMAW 2005, we will look at the Mastercuts and follow up techniques, then techniques from the Overrunning, cover differences between the longsword of Lichtenauer and the Langes Messer of Lebküchner, and finally look at some of flashy “show techniques” that the Master specifically included for public displays and entertainment. Be ready to work hard, but also be ready to have a few laughs!

Fiore dei Liberi's "Art of Arms" and the Sword in One Hand

Instructor: Guy Windsor, Helsinki School of European Swordsmanship
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 04:30-06:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Mask, arming/longsword, gambeson.

The sword in one hand material is a perfect introduction to the basic principles of defence in Fiore's system. This class will start with the proper mechanics of the initial defence, and continue with the tactical opportunities it presents. If time allows we will then incorporate techniques from the rest of the treatise to understand how this section fits in with the whole.

2007-09-13: Guy Windsor, Helsinki School of European Swordsmanship, will be substituting for David Cvet, Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts (AEMMA), because of a family emergency.

The Schnitt: The Third Strike

Instructor: Matt Galas, Historial European Martial Arts Coalition
Class Category: Medieval Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (29 Sat 03:15-04:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Longsword trainer, gloves and mask.

The German masters assign three types of strike to their art: the cut, thrust and slice. The slice, or Schnitt, is a subtle, but vicious technique, under appreciated and little trained today. This class looks at the correct mechanical application of the "third blow" and its tactical application.

Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts

The Renaissance Weapons track covers long arms c.1500 – 1750. Small arms, such as the dagger, are covered in the Close-Quarter Combat track.

From “Edgesword” to Rapier: Giovanni dall’Agocchie and the late Bolognese School

Instructor: William Wilson, Tattershall School of Defence
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 02:00-03:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Students should bring an appropriate sword that is good for cutting and thrusting. A long rapier will not be optimal. Students should also bring fencing armor, especially a mask.

This class will explore the theory and technique of Giovanni dall'Agocchie. Dating from the mid- to late 16th century, dall'Agocchie presented a theory of fencing that may be considered a transitional form that spanned the older Dardi edgesword combat, to a more thrust-oriented combat. Part of the class will also explore how Capo Ferro and dall'Agocchie perfected their styles to beat the old cut-and-thrust systems.

Pacheco Versus the Vulgar Fencers - Applying Critical Thinking to Spanish Swordplay

Instructor: Puck Curtis, Tattershall School of Defence
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 3 hrs (28 Fri 09:00-12:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Students will need a fencing mask, gloves, and a sword appropriate to the 16^th century.

This class will be an examination of don Luis Pacheco de Narváez’s counters to vulgar (or common) fencing described by Pacheco in his text The New Science. The student will be introduced to the basics of Spanish swordplay including the Three Universal Methods of Defense, footwork, and the Spanish notation for movement and swordplay. Following the introduction, participants will have the opportunity to attempt each vulgar technique and will then apply a Spanish counter as described in the text. During the final phase of the class, a vulgar technique will be demonstrated and the class will work together to predict the counters Pacheco describes in the text using the principles of Spanish defense.

Some of the vulgar techniques to be covered will include:

• The Turning Attack
• The Attack to the Hand
• The Beat
• The Inquartata
• Sword and cloak tricks
• The Invitation
• The Gaining of the Sword (Stringere, Trovare di Spada)

Uniting Your Forces: Power and Efficiency in Italian Rapier

Instructor: John O’Meara, Chicago Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 03:15-04:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: A basic familiarity with Italian rapier will be assumed; students new to the system should first take Introduction to the Rapier.
Required Equipment: Rapier simulator with a flexible blade, fencing mask, gorget, and a sturdy fencing jacket/doublet. This will be a full contact class.

This class will deal with what Salvator Fabris, in his 1606 treatise, called "union of forces". We will look at the importance of generating power, controlling it, and transmitting it efficiently through the sword to your opponent, whether in the low stance of Fabris or the more erect one of Capo Ferro and Giganti; we will see how this helps in keeping your line secure and defeating your opponent's guard. Through a detailed look at the mechanics of the lunge and the pass, students will learn to unite the movement of their sword to the momentum of the body, using proper structure, timing, and economy of motion; they will then apply this to simple attacks and counterattacks.

Safely Attacking: A Practical Guide to Understanding Tempo, Measure and Angle in Italian Rapier

Instructor: Bill Grandy, Virginia Academy of Fencing
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 60 min (29 Sat 05:15-06:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Introduction to the Italian Rapier course or equivalent knowledge.
Required Equipment: Fencing mask (or equivalent), practice rapier. Additional safety equipment not required, but welcome. There will be no free-play, but there will be contact drills.

Rapier fencers are always using these words: Tempo, measure, angle. But what the heck does that mean in practical terms? Why do people keep talking about these seemingly esoteric concepts, especially when you’re more concerned about the fact that you always get those pesky double kills when you fence? This class will explore these vitally important concepts in Italian rapier fencing and how to apply them in an easy to understand, practical manner, just as the masters taught it. It doesn’t have to be as complicated as it may at first seem.

An Introduction to the Montante, or Iberian Two-Handed Sword

Instructor: Steve Hick, MASHES, and Eric Myers, Tattershall School of Defence
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 04:00-05:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: A metal or wooden montante or spadone a due-mani simulator or a 5' staff (a very limited number of trainers/wasters will be available), as well as basic protective equipment (gloves, mask, jacket).

The montante is an Iberian two-handed sword from the 16th and 17th centuries. It was a weapon of specialists and bodyguards, and was also the badge and weapon of fencing masters. Currently there are only two known manuals for this weapon: Godinho from 1599 and Figuereido from 1651. Both manuals present the material in a series of plays, which teach basic moves and present methods for fighting in specific contexts. These contexts, such as fighting when surrounded in a narrow street, various forms of mob control, breaking up a fight, and fighting on a slave galley, illustrate a powerful weapon used in adventure and battle. Drawing material from both manuals, this class will teach some basic cuts and then explore several of the rules given for specific contexts, including fighting multiple opponents, fighting in a narrow street, fighting on a slave galley, and protecting someone on the ground or walking behind you.

Highland Broadsword according to Thomas Page (1746)

Instructor: Paul Wagner, Stoccata School of Defence
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: A basket hilted broadsword or similar (other sword, singlestick, shinai broadsword, etc), a fencing mask, and leather gloves.

Although there are no (currently known) native Gaelic manuals on the use of the basket-hilted broadsword, in 1746 an Englishman named Thomas Page published “The Use of the Broad Sword,” containing what is claimed as “The True Method of Fighting with that WEAPON, as it is now in Use among the HIGHLANDERS”, which, if true, would make it entirely unique. Pages’ manual is straight forward and direct, with much in common with other British back/broadsword manuals of the 17^th & 18^th centuries. It does, however, contain many details that indicate a unique Gaelic approach to swordsmanship, including a comprehensive biomechanical, footwork and positioning system.

This class will provide a complete overview of Page’s system, including the Guards, attacks, parries, slip and tactical approach. We will focus particularly on the biomechanics through a fairly intensive series of “lessons” or paired drills, so come prepared to work!

Progression Drills for Rapier Training

Instructor: Guy Windsor, Helsinki School of European Swordsmanship
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (29 Sat 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: Introduction to the Italian Rapier course or equivalent knowledge.
Required Equipment: Students will need a rapier, jacket and mask.

This class will look at how to develop technical competence in the basic actions of the rapier system you study. I will be drawing my specific technical actions from Capo Ferro, but students can apply the drills to any Italian rapier system that they study. The class is about how to develop simple actions (the cavazione, the lunge, the parry, etc.) into complex drills by building up the level of difficulty step by step. If there is time at the end I will be happy to troubleshoot any Capo Ferro stylists' interpretations.

2007-09-01: I'm sorry to announce that Terry Brown will not be able to attend this year's event. Terry hurt his back rather badly a while ago, and we've been waiting to see if he would be recovered enough to hop the pond. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that he will be, so rather than have to cancel at the last minute, Terry asked that we reschedule his classes. Replacement class: The Principles of Silver’s True Fight by Paul Wagner, Stoccata School of Defence, for Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts, at the same length and time slot.

The Principles of Silver’s True Fight

Instructor: Paul Wagner, Stoccata School of Defence
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 3 hrs (29 Sat 09:00-12:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: A basket hilted broadsword or similar (other sword, singlestick, shinai broadsword, etc), a fencing mask, and leather gloves. A staff or other polearm would be useful.

This class will be an in-depth three hour examination of the major principles of Silvers True Fight as exemplified by his Short Sword and Short Staff.

Bolognese Poleaxe Combat: A New Look at an Old Weapon

Instructor: Gregory Mele, Chicago Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 90 min (29 Sat 03:15-04:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Students should have a mask, padded gloves, and a poleaxe or halbard simulator, 5 – 7 feet in length. A good gambeson, steel gauntlets, and a helmet will allow the participants to better experience the techniques.

Learn to bash, smash, stab and throw your friends about like rag-dolls, and look good while doing it, with this European “Swiss army knife on a stick”! One of the premier knightly weapons of the Late Middle Ages, particularly for use in feats of arms and duels, although the poleaxe remained popular in Italy throughout the 16th century, it found itself replaced in fencing treatises by the related burgher weapons, the halberd and bill, as a changing battlefield and printed books inspired fencing masters to target the growing, bourgeois audience. By the time Pistofilo wrote about poleaxe use in Il Torneo (1627), the weapon was fitted with a mock hammer head, and “fought” at the barriers by courtiers wearing papier-mâché leg harness.

Fortunately, an anonymous Bolognese master has left us the last known Italian manuscript on using the poleaxe as it was originally intended: mortal combat in full harness. In his treatise c.1530 – 1550, he presents a simple and elegant system of axe play, using two guards, and combining the use of the thrust, axe-blow, butt-stroke, locks and throws. Best of all, the method is closely related to both the axe-play of Fiore dei Liberi and the Bolognese writings on the bill and halberd, so as the student learns this weapon, he also gains fundamental knowledge of two of the dominant polearms of the Renaissance battlefield.

This class covers the guards, blows, and basic defenses of the system, as well as a core of techniques and counter techniques all taken directly from the Anonymous Bolognese’s manuscript. Note that several of the techniques in this class involve takedowns.

2007-09-01: Unfortunately, Craig had a family event come up and had to cancel his planned US vacation, which obviously eliminated his availability to attend WMAW. I think I'm as disappointed as anyone, since it has been almost eight years since Craig taught at an American WMA event. Replacement class: An Introduction to the Dardi School of Cut-and-Thrust Fencing by David Biggs, Tattershall School of Defence, for Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts, at the same length and time slot.

An Introduction to the Dardi School of Cut-and-Thrust Fencing

Instructor: David Biggs, Tattershall School of Defence
Class Category: Renaissance and Early Modern Martial Arts
Class Length: 3 hrs (30 Sun 10:00-01:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Arming sword or early rapier

This 3 hr class class will be an introduction to the teachings of the Dardi school, a Bolognese line of sword instructors who taught cut-and-thrust techniques in Northern Italy during the 15^th and 16^th centuries. You will be shown a full complement of attacks and defenses with their accompanying foot work. From studying the material in this class, you will develop a solid foundation from which to better understand the teachings of Marozzo, Manciolino, and d'allAgocchie.

Pedagogical Classes

“I want you to know that it is a beautiful mystery to know how to teach people well, more than to just play; for a man, if he knows how to play well and does not know how to teach, is not good (he is single): but one that knows how to teach well, is good for many people; and know that when he knows the one and the other, he is of double virtue and is a double master… ”
~ Achille Marozzo, Opera Nova (1536)

In the absence of surviving, living traditions for many of its disciplines, much of the Western Martial Arts community is driven through workshops, distance learning and small “study-groups”. Pedagogical classes are a unique offering of WMAW, aimed at addressing the nature of this growing community by specifically teaching how to teach. Working with historical sources, developing a training regimen, and how to bring out the most in your students, training partners and yourself, are all critical components of teaching historical martial arts. These classes have no pre-requisites and open to anyone who finds themselves in the role of an instructor or class-organizer, regardless of experience or ability.

Teaching Historical Fighting Arts: Pedagogy and Practice, Part One: The Instructor’s Class

Instructor: Co-taught by Maestro Sean Hayes, Puck Curtis, Eric Myers, and David Borland
Class Category: Pedagogical Classes
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 04:30-06:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: This class is designed for the instructor with experience teaching in a form of western fencing, eastern fencing, or eastern or western martial arts that involve a weapons form. Prior rapier experience is helpful, but not required. Participation in this class requires both approval of the instructors and participation in the second class.
Required Equipment: Standard fencing mask, jacket, and gloves (or equivalent), practice rapier, notebook and pencil.

Based on the teachings of Ridolfo Capo Ferro, this two part series will focus on key technical and pedagogical skills important to any WMA instructor. The pedagogical skills are also very useful to teachers of other weapons forms.

During this first class in the series, the student-instructors will be provided with a basic sample lesson on skill progressions within Capo Ferro. By working through the lesson, pedagogical method and technique will be examined including distance, timing, teaching methods, and general advice. Student instructors will perform and teach the lesson themselves and will practice analyzing others while making appropriate pedagogical corrections.

The sample lesson will be based on Maestro Sean Hayes' article "The Importance of Skill Progressions in the Western Martial Arts" from Teaching & Interpreting Historical Swordsmanship (Chivalry Bookshelf, 2005). It is strongly recommended that students study this article before participating in this class. Participation in this class requires both approval of the instructors and participation in the second class. Enrollment in the second class will be limited based on the number of participants in the first class. 

These classes will be co-taught by Master at Arms Sean Hayes, Provost at Arms Puck Curtis, Provost at Arms Eric Myers, and Instructor at Arms David Borland. All are graduates of the San Jose State University Fencing Masters Program, which teaches the classical Italian fencing theory and pedagogy of Italy's 19th century Scuola Magistrale Militare (Military Master's School).

To obtain instructor approval for taking this class, you may contact one of them at seanhayes at northwestacademyofarms dot com, puck.curtis at gmail dot com, davidbor at comcast dot net, or ewmyers at yahoo dot com.

Teaching Historical Fighting Arts: Pedagogy and Practice, Part Two: The Student’s Class

Instructor: Co-taught by Maestro Sean Hayes, Puck Curtis, Eric Myers, and David Borland
Class Category: Pedagogical Classes
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 05:15-06:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites for Students: Basic familiarity with rapier.
Pre-Requisites for Student-Teachers: Teaching Historical Fighting Arts: Pedagogy & Practice, Part 1: The Instructor’s Class is mandatory.
Required Equipment: Standard fencing mask, jacket, and gloves (or equivalent), and practice rapier. Notebook and pencil strongly encouraged.

This class allows students a one-on-one rapier lesson with an instructor from Teaching Historical Fighting Arts: Pedagogy and Practice, Part One: The Instructor’s Class. The individual lesson allows maximum concentration on skill-building between teacher and student, insuring that each student in Part Two gets the most from his or her experience. It is suggested that students bring a notebook to write down observations given them by their teacher. Students from this class may *observe* Part One, space permitting.

Building directly on Part One of the series, during this second class the student instructors from the previous session will teach the same sample lesson to new students, while receiving assistance, guidance, and feedback intended to improve the instructor’s ability to convey the material.

The sample lesson will be based on Maestro Sean Hayes' article "The Importance of Skill Progressions in the Western Martial Arts" from Teaching & Interpreting Historical Swordsmanship (Chivalry Bookshelf, 2005). It is strongly recommended that all student teachers and students study this article before participating in this class. Enrollment in this class is limited, based on the number of participants in the first class.

These classes will be co-taught by Master at Arms Sean Hayes, Provost at Arms Puck Curtis, Provost at Arms Eric Myers, and Instructor at Arms David Borland. All are graduates of the San Jose State University Fencing Masters Program, which teaches the classical Italian fencing theory and pedagogy of Italy's 19th century Scuola Magistrale Militare (Military Master's School).

Frog DNA, Concentric Rings and Old-Fashioned Necromancy: Reconstructing Historical European Swordsmanship

Instructor: Gregory Mele, Chicago Swordplay Guild
Class Category: Pedagogical Classes
Class Length: 60 min (27 Thu 05:30-06:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

Most of the modern WMA community is based not on living tradition, but rather reconstruction of martial arts long dead. While these arts survive in detailed, written and pictorial form, they were written for contemporary, not modern audiences. This means that anyone who finds themselves acting as an instructor is also acting as an interpreter. In the absence of time machines or necromancy, the greatest challenge in reconstructing these extinct traditions from written texts is how to “fill in the blanks” when the author is either obtuse, or simply silent. By using too many assumptions or preconceptions based on previous or “similar” martial experience web begin using more and more “Frog DNA” to reconstruct our “dinosaur”, with an ever-increasing risk of getting an end result that looks little-to-nothing like what came before.

This class looks at the “concentric rings” approach to reconstruction, using a variety of passages in Fiore dei Liberi’s work as an example. Beginning with the original text, the researcher moves first to related texts in a tradition, then to contemporary European works, followed by literary analysis of non-martial works from the period, before finally turning to hoplogical analysis of comparable, living arts. Using this method, the researcher seeks to gain a clear understanding of what the author likely meant, while minimizing how much of their interpretation comes from outside sources.

Class Notes: Running a Successful Practice Session

Instructor: Bill Grandy, Virginia Academy of Fencing
Class Category: Pedagogical Classes
Class Length: 60 min (27 Thu 02:15-03:15)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: No equipment is necessary, though it is a good idea to bring along whatever basic practice equipment that you already have with you. We will discuss creative methods of using what’s on hand for making a more worthwhile learning experience for your training partners and students.

With the explosive growth of the current Western Martial Arts revival, various study groups have been appearing all over. Some are formed by experienced practitioners, while others are formed by dedicated novices. Regardless of experience level, quite often one of the hardest tasks, after forming a group, is figuring out how to lead your practice session, and how to keep one’s partners and students excited enough to keep coming back.

Here we will discuss how to run a simple practice session, regardless of style. The lecture will assume the practice session has to do with swordsmanship as a general example, though this can easily be adapted to any other form of training. We will tackle topics such as: How do we warm people up? How do we teach footwork? Once people learn footwork, how do we incorporate it into practice? How do we practice the invaluable basics without it feeling boring? When and how do we incorporate the right amount of free-play without it devolving into playing tag?

Participants in this lecture will hopefully leave with some fresh inspiration on how to introduce more dynamic methods of training to their current curriculum. And show up prepared to move… this is going to be a hands-on class.

Keeping it Real in Medieval Close-Quarter Combat: How to Teach Your Class to Safely Receive Locks and Throws While Developing Depth of Technique

Instructor: Colin Hatcher, Schola Saint George
Class Category: Pedagogical Classes
Class Length: 2 hrs (27 Thu 12:00-02:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Wear comfortable padded clothing (long sleeves essential - no T-shirts!) and leather gloves. Bring along elbow pads and kneepads if you have them.

Medieval close quarter combat is not sport wrestling. It is a mortal combat system with the aim of maiming and killing the opponenthrough combinations of strikes to vulnerable targets, destructive joint locks and throws designed to send the opponent head or face first into the ground, with the intention to fracture the cervical spine. How can you teach and practice striking, locking and throwing realistically and with depth, without risking serious injury to your training partner? It's simply too dangerous!

On the other hand, medieval combatants trained in these arts, and while we do not know enough about how they trained, it is logical to assume that their sons being routinely maimed and killed during practice probably would not have gone down very well with the master’s noble and powerful patrons!

In order to be able practice these mortal close quarter combat techniques, we have to develop training methods that preserve the authenticity of the system and allow us to fight competitively but avoid endangering our training partner's safety. This is especially important for grappling and throwing.

Fundamental to teaching medieval grappling is the need for your students to learn how to apply and receive joint locks and how to fall or go down to the ground safely. Without first learning these elementary fighting skills, students can never go very deep into close quarter combat.

Drawing on 30 years of locking and falling in the Asian martial arts of Jujitsu, Judo and Aikido, in this course Colin Hatcher will take a selection of common joint locks and throws from his research into Fiore dei Liberi's system of Abrazare (grappling), and will provide an integrated training method in how to teach and learn safe locking and falling from the point of view of the lockee (the receiver of the lock) and the throwee (the person who gets thrown down).

Teaching and Correcting – The Key Skills for the Instructor

Instructor: Jörg Bellinghausen, Ochs Historiches Kampfkünst
Class Category: Pedagogical Classes
Class Length: 60 min (27 Thu 04:30-06:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None, other than being an instructor. Demonstrations will be given with the German longsword, but the class is open to other weapons/styles.
Required Equipment: Whatever teaching/free-play equipment is needed for the specific weapon. Further equipment: Notebook, towel, water bottle. Cameras are OK, videotaping is not.

This class is aimed primarily at beginning instructors without previous teaching experience in other arts.

The main objective of an instructor is to impart knowledge to his students. In modern and classical fencing, the individual lesson is the tool for achieving this goal; but HEMA practitioners can use it as well.

Another important job of an instructor to correct his students if they are doing something wrong. In this class participants will be given some ideas how a lesson can be structured, how to spot, analyze and correct errors and how to apply those ideas with their weapon of choice.

Lectures and Presentations

Presentations are lectures, demonstrations or round-tables open to all attendees. Required equipment for all classes consists of a pen, notebook and willingness to learn.

Analyzing the Artwork that Depicts the Art of Fighting

Instructor: Maestro Sean Hayes, Northwest Academy of Fencing
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 60 min (27 Thu 02:15-03:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: notebook, pencil

This class develops a greater understanding of the artwork of the Fior di Bataglia and MS I.33, with a view to providing beginning competency in the artistic vocabularies employed. William Diebold (a scholar of medieval art) has said that "Because the medieval conception of art was fundamentally different from our own, we cannot recover the meaning of that art simply with our eyes." The artwork of I.33 is "obviously" medieval to our modern eyes, but what is less apparent is that the art of the Fior di Battaglia is also rooted in medieval tradition. Since this is not the apparently naturalistic art of the later Renaissance, and certainly doesn't conform to modern views of "realistic" art, we need to examine what it does represent.

This class is above all a *practical* exploration, which will yield a better immediate understanding of the artistic vocabulary of both manuscripts, and will aid researchers and practitioners in their interpretive work.

Scion of the House of Liechtenauer: The Importance of Paulus Kal’s Fechtbuch

Instructor: Christian Tobler, Selohaar Fechtschule
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 90 min (29 Sat 10:30-12:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

In this slide presentation, I will discuss the research that went into my recent work on Master Paulus Kal, establishing his importance in the Liechtenauer pantheon, and delineating some of the connections between his treatise and others from the period. I will also touch on some points of interest regarding the costume and armour appearing in the manuscript and offer some possibilities for the treatise’s use as an adjunct source for today’s training. There will be a question and answer session following the presentation.

The Primary and Secondary Weapons of the Knight - The Medieval Warhorse (oh yeah, and the sword and spear)

Instructor: Kristina Charron, St. Martin’s Academy of Medieval Arms
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

This lecture and slide presentation will introduce the audience to the medieval warhorse and its use. Drawing from multiple masters Xenophon, Dom Duarte, Pietro Monte, Pluvinel, and Fiore dei Liberi, this presentation is a good foundation for anyone interested in weapon use from horseback.

The Expert Horseman - Equitation and Weapons Use From Horseback According to Dom Duarte, King of Portugal

Instructor: Kristina Charron, St. Martin’s Academy of Medieval Arms
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 02:00-03:30 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

This lecture and slide presentation will cover the work of Dom Duarte's treatise on horsemanship, Livro da Ensinana de Bem Cavalgar Toda Sela. Dom Duarte was King of Portugal and was a well known and respected horseman. His treatise covers not only the different riding styles and saddles, mounted combat, jousting and hunting but also gives a wonderful glimpse into the philosophy of the time.

The Search for Truth in the Art of Defense: The History, Culture and Theory of the Spanish School

Instructor: Puck and Mary Curtis, Tattershall School of Defence
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 11:30-01:00 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

The Spanish method of swordplay as developed by Jerónimo Sánchez de Carranza and Luis Pacheco de Narváez had strong roots in the science and culture of the time period and was the source of a tradition that lasted nearly three hundred years. The True Art, or La Verdadera Destreza, has direct connections to classical texts, to philosophical debates and to the historical fencing tradition of Italy. This lecture explores the historical and cultural context and the theoretical foundations of the system.

Effective Cutting with the Renaissance Rapier, a Demonstration and Presentation

Instructor: William Wilson, Tattershall School of Defence
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 01:15-02:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

There is no debate that the rapier is first and foremost a weapon designed to emphasize point-play. But there remains an on-going debate as to how well the classic rapier of the late 16^th century could cut, as well as many theories based more on the safety conventions of various reenactment groups, than reading the masters’ works or practically experimenting, sword in hand. This demonstration will illustrate the cutting power of both 16^thcentury military swords as well as the contemporary rapier, and should leave students with little doubt as to what these weapon’s were, and were not, capable of doing.

Elephant, Tyger, Lion and Lynx: Fiore's 4 Animals and Their 4 Combat Virtues: A powerpoint presentation

Instructor: Colin Hatcher, Schola Saint George
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 60 min (29 Sat 05:15-06:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

In both the Getty and the Pissani-Dossi manuscripts of Fiore dei Liberi, we see a page showing a man with seven swords around him and four animals depicted: the Elephant, the Tiger, the Lion and the Lynx. Why did Fiore choose these four animals to symbolize the fighting attributes necessary for the "Flower of the Battlefield?" What were the mythical and actual qualities of these animals as understood by the medieval mind? Ranging from Aristotle, through the Bestiaries and the Bible, this presentation will provide a visual and brightly colored extravaganza of ancient depictions of Elephants, Tigers, Lions and Lynxes, to show how and why these animals would have resonated in the minds of the students of Fiore dei Liberi as they trained for mortal combat, and how they still work as a mnemonic for the modern student of Fiore.

Why Not Punch ‘Em? – The Rise, Fall and Return of European Fisticuffs

Instructor: Dr. William Ernoehazy, Tattershall School of Defense
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 60 min (29 Sat 05:15-06:15 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

Medieval Italian and German manuals of fight show very little use of the fist as an offensive tool. In this lecture, we will explore the reasons – biomechanical and tactical – that may have contributed to this choice, as well as how those same factors may have contributed to the re-emergence of fisticuffs in the 1650s.

Some Unique Weapons in the Western Martial Context

Instructor: Craig Johnson, Oakeshott Institute
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 90 min (28 Fri 05:15-06:45 pm)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: Bring gloves and masks if you are interested in trying some of the weapons.

The diversity of weapons in the western martial culture of the medieval and renaissance period is immense. The sword did not stand alone as many options where available to the combatant of the day. The wide variety in weapon design created some interesting developments as weapon makers and combatants strived for an advantage. This interactive demonstration will be exploring some of the physical attributes and qualities of these weapons and a discussion of what advantages and disadvantages might arise from their use.

Sword Manufacture in the Medieval and Renaissance Period

Instructor: Craig Johnson, Oakeshott Institute
Class Category: Lectures and Presentations
Class Length: 90 min (30 Sun 10:00-11:30 am)
Pre-Requisites: None
Required Equipment: None

A brief overview of what the most likely models for sword manufacture in the historical period would have been like and a discussion of the range of quality that these pieces encompassed. How this relates to the use of these swords in historic style combat will be looked as well as the implications this has for our interpretation of period combat.

8th Annual Western Martial Arts Workshop on September 27-30, 2007        DeKoven Center in Racine, Wisconsin, USA        Presented by the Chicago Swordplay Guild