We teach three historical fencing classes throughout the week, each focusing on a different period of history, 1300-1500 (the 14th and 15th centuries), 1500 – 1700 (the 16th and 17th centuries) and 1700-1900 (the 18th and 19th centuries). Martial arts change and evolve to reflect the environment in which they were used; by splitting our classes amongst these time periods we are able to bring attention to the historical context in which weapons and fighting systems were used as well as learning the physical skills.
14th & 15th Centuries (Tuesday 20:00 – 21:30)
This class primarily focuses on the use of the longsword and the messer/arming sword, along with smaller modules focusing on dagger, staff and pole weapons such as the spear, alongside some grappling and unarmed combatives.
If Crecy, Agincourt, and the War of the Roses fascinate you and you adore A Knight’s Tale, Lord of the Rings and Kingdom of Heaven then this may be the class for you.
16th & 17th Centuries (Wednesday 20:30 – 22:00)
In this class we study sidesword/rapier, dussack/messer, longsword, backsword, dagger, and various pole weapons along with some grappling. We also train with appropriate off-hand weapons including the parrying dagger, cloak, buckler and targe.
If you’re intrigued by the English Civil War, fancy yourself one of the Three Musketeers and want to swash your buckle in true Shakespearean fashion then our 16th and 17th century class will be ideal.
18th & 19th Centuries (Tuesday 18:30 – 20:00)
This class looks at the broadsword/backsword, smallsword, spadroon, sabre, and various off-hand weapons, along with some dagger/knife and pole weapons, and a little bit of wrestling.
If you’re intrigued by Jacobite risings, the Napoleonic Wars, the American Revolution and later American Civil War, or you fancy yourself a bit of an Outlander fan or have obsessively watched Master & Commander on repeat then this class should be right up your street.
Longsword (Thursday 20:00 – 21:30)
Just the longsword and nothing else! This class is run by experienced YSD instructor Lauren Ireland and focuses entirely on the one and a half and two handed swords used in the middle ages and early renaissance. Very occasionally there may be a tiny bit of messer, dagger, or wrestling, however it will only be done in order to support studies of the longsword.
A lot of people first discovering swords want to learn the longsword, if that’s the case this may be the class for you, stay as long as you want or branch out into other disciplines, it’s entirely up to you!
