Smallsword

Crafted from the method of Sir William Hope in the 17th century, this course, adapted by RAVEH, seeks to enhance and contemporize instruction, while broadening the understanding of concepts, techniques, and tactics related to this particular sword.

Embark on an enthralling journey into the polished domain of the small sword, an instrument renowned for its precision and finesse, which reigned supreme in the courts and dueling arenas of Europe. This course illuminates the artistry and techniques that characterized an era spanning from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Be prepared to be fully immersed in the grace and lethal precision of this exceptional weapon.

Final exam

The final exam of the academy is carried out in several parts and can only be taken by people who have completed the two courses on the small sword.

Part one: Physical test

Part two: Theory test

Part Three: Combat Test

If the student manages to pass all the exams he will be considered a “Master of the refined sword” by the representatives and students of the Royal Venezuelan Academy of Historical Fencing and will receive a diploma of recognition for his work. He will also be able to enjoy the additional benefits of the academy.

About the master

Sir William Hope (1660-1724): was a Scottish fencing master who wrote several books on fencing, his most important works being the "New Method" (dedicated to William Keith, 9th Earl Marshal of Scotland) and the "Vade-Mecum ".

Sir William Hope trained in the French school of the small sword, but concluded that he lacked it. Sir William went on to devise an approach to the smallsword that incorporated the techniques established in the English backsword (Linacre) tradition. This effort first gave rise to the “Vademecum of the Swordsman Man (1691), or more specifically, The Vademecum of the Swordsman Man: a preservative against surprise, from a sudden attack with sharp objects.

1. The Scots Fencing Master (the Complete Smallswordsman) – Sir William Hope (1687)

2. Advice to his Scholar from the Fencing Master – Sir William Hope (1692)

3. Complete Fencing Master – Sir William Hope (1691–1692)

4. The Swordsman's Vade-Mecum – Sir William Hope (1692)

5. New Method of Fencing (1st Edition) – Sir William Hope (1707)

6. New Method of Fencing (2nd Edition) – Sir William Hope (1714)

7. A Few Observations upon the Fighting for Prizes in the Bear Gardens – Sir William Hope (1715)

8. A Vindication of the True Art of Self-Defense – Sir William Hope (1724)

About the sword

The small sword, also known as a court sword (French: épée de cour or dress sword), is a lightweight, one-handed weapon primarily designed for thrusting. It evolved from the rapier sword in the late Renaissance period. The small sword reached the pinnacle of its popularity between the mid-17th and late 18th centuries, when any man, be it civilian or military, aspiring to be considered a gentleman, would have regularly worn a small sword.

The blade of a small sword is relatively short, measuring approximately 24 to 35 inches. It typically tapers to a sharp point and may lack a cutting edge. While most small swords have a triangular cross section, some early examples retain the rhomboidal and spindle-shaped cross sections inherited from older weapons like the rapier. This triangular cross section may also incorporate a hollowed-out section for added lightness.

In military contexts, small swords persisted as the standard weapon for infantry officers. In certain branches with strong traditions, this practice endures to the present, albeit primarily for ceremonial and formal occasions.

DISCLAIMER

At the Royal Venezuelan Academy of Historical Fencing, we are deeply dedicated to the preservation and instruction of fencing, including the techniques associated with the small sword as passed down from the legacy of Sir William Hope. Our philosophy centers on upholding the core principles of this time-honored discipline, while also adapting it to align with modern learning styles and safety standards.

In our pursuit of excellence, we have implemented measures to prioritize safety without compromising the essence of the art. This includes the integration of state-of-the-art protective equipment and refined training methodologies. Our modernized approach is designed to enhance the overall effectiveness of your training. By incorporating contemporary teaching techniques, we aim to make the practice of smallsword fencing more accessible and pertinent to today's enthusiasts.

While we have introduced certain modern elements, our commitment to honoring the legacy of Sir William Hope remains steadfast. Our instructors possess extensive knowledge of the historical context and original techniques, ensuring that the essence of the art is faithfully preserved.

We recognize that different professionals may hold varying preferences and opinions on this matter. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive information on both the positive and negative aspects of our approach.

• Modernizing teaching methods can make the discipline more accessible to a broader audience. This may attract more people to participate in historical fencing and preserve this art form.

• Updating techniques for modern practices can improve security measures. By integrating protective equipment and perfecting training methods, the risk of injury can be reduced.

• Incorporating modern teaching methods can improve the overall effectiveness of training. This can lead to better retention and understanding of techniques and ultimately make practitioners more skilled.

• Adapting the method to modern society can help maintain relevance. It ensures that the art form remains applicable and attractive to contemporary audiences.

• Critics may argue that the modification of the method deviates from Sir William Hope's original intention and style. This may raise concerns about historical accuracy and the preservation of traditional techniques.

• Altering the method could potentially dilute the historical integrity of the art. Some purists may argue that staying true to the original method is crucial to preserving its historical value.

• There may be debates within the HEMA community about the merits of modernizing teaching methods. This could cause divisions or disagreements among professionals.

• A technical summary of the method could result in the loss of the unique legacy associated with Sir William Hope. It could be more difficult to track the evolution of the art if significant modifications are made.