Take classes in all manner of Western Martial Arts, in a wide range of weapons, systems and styles! From classes in stage/screen combat to the deadly and beautiful art of Spanish Knife, you’ll be taught by some of the best instructors in the world.
Don’t want to participate, but you like to watch? Well, then gaze in amazement as knights in armor clash, pirates fight with knives and cutlasses, and “helpless victims” fend off a zombie horde – just to name a few of the fantastic demonstrations you’ll see! Of course, convention attendees are also welcome to observe classes as well.
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Leveraging Your Assets: Principles of Leverage in Armed and Unarmed CombatThe basic Physics principles of the fulcrum and lever have been applied in combat since people first began to fight. Throughout the centuries, these basic principles have been explored, tested, fine-tuned, and further developed to a point where sophisticated systems have independently evolved in every corner of the world. This course will explore both the known and not-so-known combative applications that can be derived through the use of basic physics. Participants will choose between Unarmed with Brad Waller, Knife with Maestro James Loriega, Fiore’s Sword in two hands with Bob Charron or French Small-sword with Maestro Jeannette Acosta Martinez. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Bob Charron, Brad Waller, Maestro James Loriega, Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez |
Fiore Survived Six Armed Combats, Would You?This class will focus on Fiore dei Liberi’s system. Participants will examine the proper order and action of the fight through an examination of his book “Fior di Bataglia.” The treatise provides a consistent system of self-defense with principles that can be used unarmed, or with any weapon that may be at hand. Participants will choose between Dagger with Bob Charron, Sword in one hand with Kel Rekuta or Sword in two hands with Steaphen Fick. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Bob Charron, Kel Rekuta, Steaphen Fick |
Get Medieval on Your @?!Historical European Martial Arts – Modern day applicationThis Class will draw upon reality based Scenarios to illustrate the effectiveness of HEMA in modern self defense situations. The investigation will culminate with “worst case scenarios” of empty hand against firearm, and will also look at Concealed Carry scenarios. Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) provides for the study of an integrated and complete system of self defense based on a threat profile that closely matches the risk profile extant today. Masters who lived in the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th centuries recorded the traditional martial system of Europe as it existed in their time. It turns out that their approach, mechanics, and techniques really can’t be improved upon! As it happens, what is Old is New again in that an integrated approach to self defense from empty hand techniques to the use of various and expedient weapons which are the hallmarks of the most “cutting edge” modern systems are the foundations of the Historical European Arts. Participants will look at Backsword with Paul Macdonald, German Longsword with Mishaël Abia Lopes Cardozo and Knife with Steve Huff. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Mishaël Abia Lopes Cardozo, Maestro Paul Macdonald and Steve Huff |
The Sword of Spain – The Theory and Practice of La Verdadera DestrezaAdhering to the scientific principles behind the theory of La Verdadera Destreza the seminar will begin with the fundamental posture/stance and movements of the arm and body. The participants will then choose a weapon upon which to focus for one and one half hours. They may select from any one of the following.
The proper placement of one’s blade on the adversary’s blade ensures not only the defense but also the offense. This class will focus on the mechanics of dominating and controlling the adversary’s blade. The student will learn how to dominate the combative encounter from beginning to end. During the last part of the seminar everyone will reconvene to closely examine how the nature of each of the weapons allows for different responses to the same stimulus or combative problem. Yet all adhere to the same theory and principles of La Verdadera Destreza. Students must come prepared with weapons, jackets, masks, groin protectors for men, breast protectors for women and gloves for both hands. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Antone Blair, Cecil Longino, Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez, Maestro Ramon Martinez |
Manly Arts of Self-DefenseIn the late 19th Century certain activities were often classified as “manly arts”. This class will look at three of them: singlestick, pugilism and wrestling. The instructors will work together to show the similarities in a short presentation to begin. Then participants will choose between singlestick with Maestro Paul Macdonald, pugilism with Tim Ruzicki or wrestling with Ken Pfrenger. The class will culminate in a demonstration of these arts. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Ken Pfrenger, Maestro Paul Macdonald, Tim Ruzicki |
When does a Big Knife become a Short Sword?Remember the jingle, “A Silly Millimeter Longer?” Well, the concept applied to edged weapons long before it applied to cigarettes. While size does matter, bigger is not necessarily always better. In this class we will explore and learn to appreciate the relative merits of different-sized edged weapons, as well as the advantages – and disadvantages – that relate to each. To paraphrase Dan Inosanto, “I wouldn’t want to rely on a navaja on a battlefield, but neither would want to have a gross messer in a crowded elevator.” Come and find out why. Participants will choose between a Rondelle dagger with Brad Waller, the Navaja with Maestro James Loriega, the Bowie Knife with John Lennox, or the Messer with Lee Smith. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Brad Waller, Maestro James Loriega, John Lennox, Lee Smith |
How to Start a FightThe offensive and defensive considerations of entering and participating in a combative encounter will be examined. The method of finding the correct distance and preparing your offense while keeping your security foremost in mind is the main focus of this class. We will examine the provocations for the Sword and Buckler, entering in Longsword or finding the sword in Rapier. Participants will choose between Sword and Buckler with William Wilson, German Longsword with Kyle Rowling, and Italian Rapier with Jared Kirby Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Kyle Rowling, Jared Kirby, William Wilson |
Spanish Rapier vs Italian RapierThis class will cover some universal concepts as they are applied with the rapier which are applicable to either school of fencing. Moreover we will cover how some of these concepts are uniquely applied within each system using specific techniques typical of each school against the other respectively. The class will culminate in how to use each school effectively against the other. Participants in this class should come with full rapier kit, including masks, gorgets, groin protectors, breast protectors (for women), fencing jackets, padded plastrons or vests, gloves for both hands, rapiers and daggers (flexible blades preferred). Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Maestro Ramon Martinez, Cecil Longino |
Rapier and Dagger: English, Italian or SpanishThis class will look at developing basic skills for using the dagger as a companion weapon. Participants can study the Swetnam’s English rapier with Steaphen Fick, the Italian tradition with Cecil Longino, or the Spanish tradition with Antone Blair. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Steaphen Fick, Cecil Longino, Antone Blair |
Freakin’ Crazy!Vulgar. Thug. Peasant. The untrained and untrainable, the unpredictable and the crazy — these are some of the most frightening opponents for a martial artist to face. We’ve all seen it in action…think about most of the rapier or knife tournaments you’ve witnessed. Think about the folks who win. Think about how little those people actually resembled martial artists. This class will explore how to deal with the untrained, the vulgar, and the crazy. It will use empty-hand, knife, smallsword and rapier to show how the concepts of fencing apply to dealing with someone who isn’t “playing by the rules.” Anyone who participates in tournaments should especially take this class — if only to learn if you’re the crazy person we’re talking about. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Antone Blair, Cecil Longino, Bob Charron |
Speak Softly and Carry a Big StickThe stick has been used as a training tool for different weapons as well as a weapon in its own right. Participants can choose to study Garrote Larense stick and Machete fighting of Venezuela with Professor Bruno Cruicchi, Stick fencing with Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez, Quarterstaff with Maestro Paul Macdonald or Victorian walking stick defence with Tony Wolf. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Professor Bruno Cruicchi, Maestro Jeannette Acosta Martinez, Maestro Paul Macdonald, Tony Wolf |
The Cutting EdgeThe Cut is the most instinctive and commonly-found attack in weapons combat yet it is one of the most misunderstood techniques in Western swordsmanship. Regardless of weapon, the Cut is invariably an attribute of its effective wielding. In this class we will look at the Cut in 400 Years of weapons and in many variations such as the knife, the sword, the machete, and maybe even the whip. Each has their own mechanics of applications, and dynamics of delivery predicated by the weapon itself. This class will give you skills that are a Cut Above those of your opponents!
Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Maestro Ramon Martinez, Professor Bruno Cruicchi, Anthony DeLongis |
Italian Swordsmanship: From Longsword to RapierThis class will look into how the guards and attacks from a number of Italian masters spanning over two centuries evolved and yet were based upon scientific interpretations of the art of combat. From Fiore’s Longsword with his related teachings on the use of the spear to Marozzo’s and dall’Agocchie’s single handed sword and two handed sword technique and finally on to the rapier of the 17th century. Participants will be introduced to movement, defensive/offensive strategy and how it evolved. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Bob Charron, William Wilson, Jared Kirby and Kel Rekuta |
German Medieval Martial ArtsThe system of arms laid down by Liechtenauer and his disciples spanned centuries and is one of the best documented martial traditions ever to come out of Europe. This class will demonstrate how Liechtenauer’s verses evolved in the German tradition. Class Length: 2 Hours Instructors: Mishaël Abia Lopes Cardozo, Lee Smith |
Bartitsu: The Martial Art of Sherlock HolmesIn the year 1899, Edward William Barton-Wright founded Bartitsu as aprocess of cross-training between walking stick fighting, boxing,kicking and jiujitsu. It was the first eclectic self-defence systemblending Asian and European combat styles, intended to beat hooligansand street gangsters at their own game. This introductory class will focus on classical Bartitsu defensesagainst an unarmed attacker via the use of jiujitsu and stickfighting, with a look at “combat improvisation”. Please bring a crook-handled walking stick or strong 36″ dowel, withany edges smoothed away. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Tony Wolf |
Choice Reaction: How to Apply the Right Tactics to Your Fighting TechniqueEver wonder why the duffer wins, even after all of your faithful studies of your system’s technique? The problem isn’t your technique; it’s your tactics. Many of us don’t spend enough time developing effective tactical assessment and tactical application. This class will give you the tools to apply your skills to realistic tactical situations and improve your tactical decisions without sacrificing technique. While the class will use sabres, you will quickly see how it’s applicable to many weapons. These tools can be used with a training partner or in an instructor /student format. These principles profoundly expanded my coaching abilities and my student’s success; it is my privilege to pass them on to you. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: David Charles |
Radaellian SaberCalling all duelists, airship pirates, mechanized cavalry troopers, and others fond of carrying a sabre, come learn to do more than pose with that fine weapon! In this class we will learn a simple set of actions that will serve you well in your adventures. We will learn attacks, defense, counter attacks, as well as a number of special actions to get you out of those sticky situations you keep finding yourself in. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Maestro John Sullins |
Singlestick: one of the Martial Arts of SteampunkHistory: Fantasy: Calling all sky pirates and Airship captains . . . Equipment: Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Tom Badillo |
Victorian CaneAs the ratio of police officer to general population of Victorian London was about 6000 to 1, it was wise for a Victorian of station to carry some sort of weapon for protection. Carrying a sword was no longer in fashion so, his or her walking stick or cane or parasol, a very common fashion accessory was the de facto choice of weapon. “The stick is an excellent weapon, and in the hands of a good spadroon swordsman especially, wherefore I have frequently urged you to extend you fencing lessons . . . to spadroon . . . a straight sword, lighter than a Highland broadsword, and made to cut and thrust . . . fencing with a spadroon is a combination of Highland broadsword practice with that of a small sword.” Baron de Berenger page 57 – Defensive Gymnastics. History: Present day: One example: from page 47: “Wanton Assaults, either to gratify vulgar insolence, or to lead to a quarrel, perhaps to facilitate robbery, are practiced mostly under the guile of assumed intoxication. When you see a fellow staggering towards you whether really drunk or pretending inebriety, give him all the room you can; take no notice of anything he may say or do, not stop even to look but proceed on as if you had not even seen him.“ Equipment: Thomas Badillo of Botta Secreta Productions (http://bottasecretaproductions.ning.com/ ) will reprise his Defense with Victorian Cane workshop from the Dickens Christmas Fair (San Francisco). Please see one the videos here and here or demo from the Legion Fantastique here and here. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Tom Badillo |
Repelling Boarders Against Sky PiratesWe will use movement exercises to explore the time and space requirements of staging a steampunk pirate attack on an imaginary Airship command and control deck. We will then share techniques in close combat carnage and choreograph a brief battle with much mayhem. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Chris Villa |
Cool and Unusual Weapons of the Western Martial ArtsThe diversity of weapons in the martial culture of the medieval and renaissance period was quite large and many examples of unique weapons have survived. The sword did not stand alone as the weapon of choice. The demand for an advantage drove weapon makers and combatants to create some interesting developments in weapon design. The Flail, War Axe, Sax, Pick, Tuck, Pole Hammer; all examples of some of the more unique weapons used in period Western Martial Arts. This interactive demonstration will explore some of the physical attributes and qualities of these weapons and a discussion of what advantages and disadvantages might arise from their use. These practical qualities will then be illustrated with examples in action against targets and defenses. Participants will handle and try several different weapons to explore their advantages and disadvantages. This class will be part amazing weapons and part myth busting. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Ken Pfrenger John Lennox and Steaphen Fick |
Boarding Actions IParticipants will practice techniques in scenarios typical of what would be found in a common maritime boarding action of the 17th through 19th centuries. Techniques will include grapples, off-hand use, secondary weapon use, blade assists, and multiple opponent defense. Participants will choose between Cutlass with John Lennox, Boarding Axe with Steve Huff or Knife with Kyle Rowling. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: John Lennox, Kyle Rowling, Steve Huff |
Boarding Actions IIParticipants will practice techniques in mixed-weapon scenarios typical of what would be found in a common maritime boarding action of the 17th through 19th centuries. Techniques will include grapples, off-hand use, secondary weapon use, blade assists, and multiple opponent defense. This group class will pit those who studied a specific weapon in Boarding Actions I to see how that squares off against a different weapon. Once again you will be led by Cutlass with John Lennox, Boarding Axe with Steve Huff and Unarmed with Steaphen Fick Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: John Lennox, Steaphen Fick, Steve Huff |
Deconstructing The Duel: Princess Bride Done RightSome of the most quoted lines from swordfighting movies come from The Princess Bride which happens to reference real historical fencing masters! This class will look at these masters in more detail and by the end you’ll know which is truly best when considering the rocky terrain and what to do if he has studied his Agrippa! Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Jared Kirby and Bob Goodwin |
Fighting the Horde: Tactics and Techniques For Fighting Multiple OpponentsIt never seems to fail. You fight your way out of the bar, through the alleyway to had won safety, only to see that now there is a whole mob coming at you. Well, too late to go back the way you came, so now the only option is to fight! This class will focus on how to deal in a situation where you are facing multiple opponents, both with “weapons at hand” and unarmed. We will examine how to read the opponents intent base on body language as well as learning to find the best “path” to take towards escape. Concepts of timing, distance and fighting strategy take an especially important role in these situations, and this class will help to further develop those attributes. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Ken Pfrenger, Steve Huff |
Against All Odds: Using Improvised Weapons To Win The DayClass Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Roger Ma |
French Small-Sword, Scarier than it Looks!What Killed More Frenchmen Than A Zombie Plague? The French small sword shares some similarities with its southern hot-blooded cousin the Italian rapier, but it is the very weapon itself which facilitates the rise of French theory and practice. The class will examine the proper grip and precise manipulation of the weapon through several guards and positions. Required Equipment: Small-sword or French foil, fencing jacket, fencing mask and leather gloves for both hands Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Cecil Longino |
Theory and Practice of the NavajaThe instructional objective of the Theory and Practice of the Navaja workshop is to provide participants with a practical overview of the cultural knife arts of Andalusian Spain. The weapon that will be focused on is the navaja sevillana, a folding clasp-knife whose blade is believed to be the inspiration for the bowie knife that evolved in the American Southwest (a region originally populated by Spanish colonists). Participants will be exposed to a hands-on familiarity with a dozen variations of Spanish fighting knives, including navajas (clasp-knives), puñales (stiletti), and salvavirgo (chastity knives). They will also learn the tactical rudiments of tirar la navaja, the methods of knife-play that evolved in Spain, including grips, guards, basic attacks, basic counter, and dexterity drills. NOTE: Practice navajas will be provided for the class. There will also be trainers and navaja books available for purchase. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Maestro James Loriega |
Garrote Larense stick and Machete fighting art of VenezuelaAfter a brief introduction to the history this class will look at the theory that makes Garrote unique as compared to other stick fighting arts. The class will cover basic movements, basic defenses and footwork from two schools of Garrote. Also covered will be transfer of movements to knife and empty hand. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Professor Bruno Cruicchi |
Alley Attack!In most movies and stories, inevitably the hero is chased by multiple opponents and runs down an alley only to find it’s a dead-end. Rarely do you get to see what they should really do when their back is against a wall! This class will deal with a variety of situations, most of which you’ve seen in film, but you’ll learn how to really deal with the “bad guys.” Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Steve Huff, John Lennox and Lee Smith |
Have Fun Storming the CastleAt some point every good swordsman needs to know how to deal with the sentries guarding the palace gates. A palace, a castle, and even a fortress are only as impenetrable as their security systems – but security systems are only as clever as the individuals manning them. This class will draw from a hundreds of years of techniques to train you how bypass or break-through the barriers before, knowing that what one man can put up another can take apart. From the use of 16th century daggers to 20th century military Combatives you’ll explore the best ways to get by, or get through, whatever or whoever is in your way! Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Maestro James Loriega, Maestro Paul Macdonald, Steve Huff and Brad Waller |
Wretched Hive Of Scum And Villany: Surving A Canteena FightIt’s every man (or woman) for themself …make alliances or fight it out alone. The choice is yours. Every hero eventually ends up in a canteena fight and it can get ugly. Your “friend” could turn on you at any moment, so this is the ultimate survival fighting class! The instructors are some of the meanest b**tards around. You will learn a variety of different styles and techniques which will help you survive this onslaught- from Jack Dempsey’s pugilism to WWII combatives techniques, Dutch wrestling to 16th century Italian grappling- even a little dirty street fighting mixed in. Learn how to gauge who to attack and who to leave alone, who you should drop first and how to do it quickly. Only the smart and skilled survive- strength’s got little to do with it. Remember, in this type of scenario….when in doubt, GOUGE IT OUT!!! Class Length: 1 Hour Instructors: Ken Pfrenger, Steve Huff, John Lennox, Mishaël Abia Lopes Cardozo |
Jogo do Pau: Class 1Benefiting from being an European Martial Art system with an unbroken lineage of practice which dates back as far as to the 15th century, when it was applied to both swords and weapons, practice will focus on understanding and learning the principles of combat in outnumbered scenarios which formed the origin of this system. Additionally, for a better understanding of Historical Fencing’s medieval development we’ll also cover how this led to the development of specific waiting guards for the application of these skills to single combat, as well as how several different parrying techniques were developed through the centuries as the combatants resourcefulness to adapt to combat conditions developed different combat contexts which succeeded each other. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Luis Preto |
Jogo do Pau: Class 2With the creation of industrial cities, the Portuguese constant ability to adapt led to the adaptation of their traditional long weapon fencing art to walking canes and batons. Therefore, this class will focus on the principles to apply the baton for combat in outnumbered scenarios, single combat and self defense, always focusing the maximization of power and distance management, so as to avoid grappling distances, which favor groups of opponents, heavier / stronger opponents, as well as opponents with hidden weapons. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Luis Preto |
Making a Double Time Flowdrill Work as a Single Time TechniqueIn this workshop we will focus on the biomechanics of the longsword. Lopes and Lee will show you how to move your blade. In short you learn a flowdrill, and how to apply this drill as a accurate and devastating historical technique… With this flow drill you will deal with killing Sturzhau and if necessary how to followed up by a Zornhau. You will learn how to displace an opponents weapon when he threatens you with the Ort of the Pflug. Excellent technique as an opening move and perfect for solo drills where you use the kinetics of the blade to maintain in control of your movement. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Mishaël Abia Lopes Cardozo |
Grappling & WrestlingClass Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Bob Charron, Ken Pfrenger and Dan Kanagie |
Dusack & MesserClass Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Maestro Paul Macdonald & Lee Smith |
Saviolo RapierCome learn the swordsmanship of Shakespeare’s London. This class will cover Saviolo’s First Play of Rapier. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Tom Badillo and David Charles |
Cloak & DaggerLearn the use of cape and cloak as a defensive tool. Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Guro Tom Badillo and Richard Lowry |
Singlestick: How they did it at the 1904 St. Louis Olympic GamesBotta Secreta Productions will show their interpretation of a singlestick tournament using a rules set circa 1898 Class Length: 1 Hour Instructor: Botta Secreta Productions Team |