Rapier class at the Higgins begins June 5

[Ken Mondschein]

Details are here: http://www.higgins.org/calendar/event_view_popup.php?event_id=256&ret_link=index.php?cal_monthDate=2010-06.

The class will run four consecutive Saturdays, until June 25. This will be an intensive, hands-on workshop. Even if you are not interested in rapier per se, it will also be an excellent introduction to systematic training in the principles and mechanics of historical fencing.

My bona fides: I am a fencer of some thirteen years' experience, an internationally certified fencing instructor (AAI), a Ph.D in history, and the translator of Camillo Agrippa's "Treatise on the Science of Arms."

[Roibeard MacNeill]

I may have to come to this seeing as I now live 3/4 mile from the Higgins. Looks wonderful!

[Ken Mondschein]

Yes, come! We have a terrific western martial arts program.

[Anthonye]

Yes, come! We have a terrific western martial arts program.

Do you have any classes covering Silver?

[Ken Mondschein]

Do you have any classes covering Silver?

Some of the Guild members do Silver, but not in the context of actual fencing (which is my métier). I cover Italian rapier and spadone (two-handed sword), living traditions of point weapons, dueling (not sport) sabre, and great and small stick. We also do some unarmed work. A lot of German longsword also gets thrown in, as that's Jeffrey Forgeng's specialty.

I don't favor backsword or broadsword, being much more partial to the rapier, but do know some, mainly based off Silver and Hope. However, I have a great deal of difficulty keeping the techniques "pure" instead of reverting to the dueling sabre stuff I know forwards and backwards. I don't pretend to know enough to teach it. However, with a background in traditional fencing, any historical text becomes much easier to understand.

[Ken Mondschein]

I'll add: Also, sometimes what we wind up studying isn't what we thought we'd want to study, but rather we find a good teacher who teaches something well and makes us fall in love with it, too.

[DukeAvery]

I consider my collegiate fencing experiences key to my success with two handed spear in sca. Alas, I am too far away to check this out.

Regards

Avery

[Ken Mondschein]

I thought I should maybe explain the Higgins' structure: We have the Guild, which is an informal, peer-led study group, and the Academy of the Sword, which are actual classes. These vary, but my classes teach hit-them-for-real historical fencing using appropriate safety equipment, and based on applying traditional fencing teaching methodology and analysis to the historical texts.

[Ken Mondschein]

NB, if you're going to sign up for this, please contact the Museum at (508) 853-6015 or e-mail Morgan at mkuberry - at - higgins.org. The Museum hates day-of sign-up.

-Ken