This is a completely free study group. We study ancient combat manuals, then use the techniques.
You are going to learn how to use a longsword in the context of an unarmored duel.
I provide the swords and the books and a over a decade of sparring experience.
Please RSVP if you are interested (I need to know how many swords to bring):
Phone: (832) 776-6612 | Email: adam@longswordsingleswordrapier.org
Meeting times: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Terry Hershey Park
15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BcH22Utb5zc4iH9i7
At or around the gazebo in the park
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 6:30-8:00 PM
Contact Information:
adam@longswordsingleswordrapier.org
Or, call/text if you have questions: 832-776-6612
https://discord.com/channels/1290141188254597232/1290141188254597235
I have been reading, physically interpreting, testing, and using techniques from historical combat manuals continuously for over a decade.
I want to create a safe space for people like me who want to learn how to use a blade the way fencing masters intended.
Our teachers are manuals written by fencing masters who lived and died ~500 years ago.
They sacrificed (on occasion their life) so that we could learn from them.
Let's learn how to use a sword together.
Modern historical fencing is festooned with protective gear. Most of our historical sources were expressly written for wearing no more protection than a shirt and pants. Your sword keeps you safe. We keep each other safe.
We are not studying how to score points in a tournament. We study what the manuals teach us: how to defend yourself with the sword, how to neutralize another human threatening you via disarming, controlling, incapacitating, or mortality.
We will be grappling using the sword. It is a force and complexity multiplier. Many of these techniques are utterly impossible to conceptualize and utilize without testing and training. We will have to learn with and from one another
I wear a t-shirt and jeans. Make yourself comfortable.
Flat-soled shoes with no padding recommended, not required.
I have (steel & high-quality, if I may be so bold) sparring swords I will gladly loan
I will also (obviously) be bringing the manuals!
Cool, but how much does it cost?
It's free. Just show up and let's have fun!
So after a few sessions you have decided to become a fencer...
If you are feeling this, here are the things you will need:
A fencing mask (cheap)
Female: a chest protector (cheap); Male: a groin protector (cheap)
Very light gloves, far more for sweat mitigation than protection (cheap)
If you are really feeling this: your own sparring sword (cheapish to $$$$)
On Safety and Environment:
All martial arts are about control. Control means safety. Safety is the utmost priority. Your sword keeps you safe, we keep each other safe.
Anything worse than bruises or tiny nicks represents a failure as a martial artist and will not be tolerated.
Intolerance, bigotry, bullying, and hate have no home here, and will not be tolerated.
A Final Note On Age 🥺
The worst part about this activity is that kids want to learn how to use a sword from the moment they are able to pick up a stick...
Unfortunately, I have neither the tools nor the expertise to work with them, and I am not willing to accept this level of safety liability. Anyone over the age of 14 should be fine, as usually that means humans are over ~5 feet tall and are capable of reading at their grade level.
I am really sorry about this.
My name is Adam, and I love sparring using techniques from historical fencing manuals. I have been doing this at multiple clubs for over a decade.
This is a study group. Fencing is not a religion or a doctrine, it is a science and an art. There is no set curriculum to be passed, no ranks, no belts, only fencing.
I am a student, and always will be. In the words of my mentor from (far gone) years at university, "It's my goal to have you prove me wrong"!
If you want to study and learn how to do this, come find me.