This page lists resources for classical fencing and historical swordsmanship. If you're looking for sport fencing, stage combat, SCA swordplay, or historical reenactment you've probably come to the wrong place.

If you're not sure what the difference is between classical fencing and other types of fencing, or if you're not even sure what classical fencing or historical swordsmanship are to begin with, you can find several answers.

If you find errors on this page, or if you know of anything you think should be added, please let me know. Send email to Kim Moser (email).

Schools, Organizations, and Individuals

Use this list to find schools, organizations, or individual fencers in your area, or when you're traveling.

If you know of a school or organization that isn't listed, or if you'd like yourself to be listed, please email me (email) the following information:

• School, organization, or individual's name
• For schools and organizations: postal address; for individuals: city and state
• Email address
• Optional: Phone number and hours to call
• What types of classical fencing or historical swordsmanship you're interested in. (Please be as specific as possible, and give weapons, styles, and periods. This will prevent people from contacting you about weapons and styles that don't interest you.)

Key: [S] school, [O] organization or club, [I] individual

Alabama

• [O] Birmingham Classical Fencing -- Birmingham, AL. Classical foil, sabre, épée, rapier, Italian dueling sword. Contact Gerald Parsons, email gparsons729{at}earthlink{dot}net.
• [I] William Patterson -- Birmingham, AL. I am interested in Italian Dueling sword and Rapier, 15th century through early 20th. Email tinmanwp{at}bellsouth{dot}net.

Arizona

• [S] Tattershall School of Defence -- Flagstaff, AZ. Instruction in beginning French Classical epee and foil, Classical Italian foil, Italian Dueling saber, Italian sidesword and rapier and Italian longsword and unarmed combat. Contact William Wilson, email william.wilson{at}nau{dot}edu.
• [S] Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship -- Phoenix, AZ. HEMA affiliate; we study a variety of historical swordsmanship, including I-33, Longsword, Bolognese Sidesword, Rapier- Italian and Spanish, Hutton Saber and more. Contact Richard Marsden, email rmarsden{at}cox{dot}net.
• [O] Baileys Academy -- Avondale, AZ. Contact Douglas Buchanan Bailey, email kilttooth@gmail{dot}com. Former Member S.A.F.D. Film fight choreographer historical fencer 40 year background, and Northwest Historical Fencing Association. Ongoing classes/workshop in Highland single stick, Dirk, Lochabar axe, 1100-1860.

California

• [S] Accademia di Scherma Classica -- Burlingame, CA. Contact Paul G. Scherman, Master at Arms (SJSU Fencing Masters Program), email info{at}scherma{dot}org, phone (650) 401-3838 (10am-9pm), mail 14 Bancroft Rd., Burlingame, CA 94010. Fencing classes based on the system of instruction developed by the celebrated Military Masters School in Rome (Scuola Magistrale di Scherma) with certain modifications based on the precepts of the earlier Military Fencing Masters schools in Parma (Cesar Enrichetti), Milan (Giuseppe Radailli), and the Livorese school (Eugenio Pini and Beppe Nadi). We teach the proper form, technique and discipline essential for the development of the complete fencer, one with a repertoire of techniques that can be strategically employed effectively in any situation.
• [S,C] Classical Blade Society -- Glendale, CA. The Los Angeles based Classical Blade Society meets twice a week at the historic Glendale Centre Theatre and welcomes experienced and beginning fencers from any club, school or organization. Foil, épée and sabre. Come fence with us! Mondays 5-7pm & Sundays 9-11am - call to confirm. Floor Fee: $10 per visit. Contact Andrew Villaverde, email contact{at}classicalbladesociety{dot}com, phone (818) 919-1375, mail Glendale Centre Theatre, Upstairs dance hall, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale, CA 91203
• [S] Davenriche European Martial Arts School -- Santa Clara, CA. The Davenriche European Martial Arts School teaches the techniques illustrated by the old masters, including long sword, rapier/dagger & side sword. Footwork, avoidance, and the ability to use timing and distance to exploit and enhance the sword's inherent cutting and thrusting capabilities are critical to being a good swordsman. These skills, and techniques for grappling, wrestling, kicking, throwing, and disarming of the opponent, are taught in a progressive manner. The difference between English, Italian and Spanish schools of rapier play is also displayed. Some sources indicate that the goal of many a swordsman was to get close enough to fight hand-to-hand. Long sword, rapier and dagger, single rapier, side sword (cut and thrust sword), zweihander, Rondel dagger. Contact Steaphen Fick, email , davenriche{at}night2day{dot}com, phone (408) 857-0120, fax (408) 776-8188.
• [S] Diamond Rose Acadamie d'Armes -- Auburn, CA. We are graduated students of the Silver Rose Academy. We start beginners with a classic French base, starting with the foil. As they progress we encourage them to study the other countries, styles and forms and we use the schlager or rapier for combat. Contact Chris and Katie Atkinson, email lady_katie71{at}hotmail{dot}com, phone the Auburn Rec. Department at (530) 885-8461
• [S] Fearless Fitness Martial Arts Training and Development Center -- Foster City, CA. Teaching classes in German Longsword (Liechtenauer, Meyer, Mair) and Italian Sidesword (Marozzo, Manciolino, dall'Agocchie), with special seminars in other areas such as Mair's Scythe, Sickle and long polearms and Leckuchner's Messer. Contact Paul Tosetti, email fearlessfitness{at}msn{dot}com, phone 650-212-2323.
• [S] The Order of The Silver Rose School of Defence -- So. Lake Tahoe, CA. Rapier combat using the teachings of Giacomo Di Grassi, Camillo Agrippa and others of this time frame. Contact Mark Eldred, email rodelli{at}worldnet{dot}att.net, phone (775) 246-5628 (evenings are best), mail 257 Miriam Way, Carson City, NV 89706.
• [S] San Jose State University -- San Jose, CA. Contact Ralph K. Sahm, Military Master at Arms - Director.
• [S] La Spada Nimica -- San Anselmo, Belvedere, and Mill Valley, CA. Classical Italian (Scuola Magistrale) foil, sabre, and épée. Graduate, fencing master certification program. Contact Frank Lurz, Maestro di Scherma, email frank{at}franklurz{dot}com, phone (415) 388-8939, fax (415) 389-1161.
• [C] Malibu Fencing Club -- Malibu, CA. Email contact{at}malibufencingclub.com, phone (310) 456-1235, mail 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA. The Malibu Fencing Club offers foil, epee, sabre and other weapons in the classical European style at it's new facility in Malibu, California.

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• [I] Antone Blair -- Arcata, CA. Phone (707) 826-0573, email sildar1{at}earthlink{dot}net. Offering instruction in French Classical foil and epee (dueling sword) and Acero Sevillano method navaja (Spanish clasp knife) through Humboldt State University and private lessons. Devoted practitioner of Spanish system of rapier. Trained in navaja by Maestro James Loriega of Raven Arts Institute. Certified Instructor at Arms training in fencing weapons through Martinez Academy of Arms.
• [I] Dr. Greg Hicks -- Ukiah, CA (formerly in New Mexico). Started fencing program at Mendocino College. Student of Maestro William Gaugler at San Jose State University. Email ghicks{at}mendocino{dot}cc.ca.us.
• [I] Mr. Daniel Hunter -- Berkeley, CA. The Ermine School of Swordsmanship promotes a method of swordsmanship for practitioners of armored western European broad weapon combat. Mr. Hunter possesses 23 years of applied study and competition. Contact Mr. Daniel Hunter, email stikjoc{at}yahoo{dot}com.

Florida

• [S] Kim Moser -- West Palm Beach, FL. I've studied with Maestro Ramón Martínez in New York City since 1990 and have been teaching classical French foil in Jupiter, West Palm Beach and Tequesta since 2000. Email kmoser{at}classicalfencing{dot}org or phone (561) 630-3688.

Georgia

• [S] Swordplay Alliance -- Kennesaw & Suwanne, GA (also Bristol & Watts Bar Lake, TN and Winston Salem, NC). Contact Samara Floyd, email swordplay{at}pipeline{dot}com, phone (423) 365-0925. Our schools teach rapier and dagger.

Idaho

• [O] The Heren SIndaril -- Coeur d'Alene, ID. Full contact skirmishing with rapier (42" Del Tins and 34" heavy schlager blades) and most of the typical off-hand weapons (i.e. no targes with rattan spikes), 44" hand-and-a-half sword, and bow and quarter-staff. This is non-aggressive skirmishing, with a focus on safety and form, fun and friendship. Contact Monte Thompson, email tripcat{at}kitegravity{dot}com, phone (208) 264-5186 or Michael Koep, phone (208) 667-1597.

Illinois

• [I] Mark Rector -- Chicago, IL. Phone (773) 276-9425, mail 2657 W. Medill, Chicago, IL 60647. Classical fencing: foil, epee, and sabre; historical swordsmanship: rapier, rapier & dagger, cut & thrust sword, broadsword, long sword, quarter-staff

Kentucky

• [I] Robert Harris -- Louisville, KY. Email rbharris{at}mindspring{dot}com, phone (502) 587-0109. Beginning fencer in French foil. Interested in meeting others from region involved in classical fencing.
• [S] Hazard Fencing Club -- Hazard, KY. Email jmiller{at}hazardky{dot}org, phone (606) 439-0129, mail 446 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701. Classical fencing club specializing in french épée. Other interests: Spanish rapier and Hungarian sabre.

   

Maine

• [O] The Cateran Society -- Portland, ME. Email Chris Thompson, gilbride100{at}hotmail{dot}com, phone 207-773-9197. We practice with the historical Highland weapons, especially the basket-hilted broadsword, according to the works of McBane, Hope, Page, Angelo, Mathewson, MacGregor and others. We have study groups in a number of locations as well as Maine.
• [I] Cleon Grover -- Eddington, ME. Email cleon1{at}earthlink{dot}net. Main interest in 18th Century Smallsword, although several years experience with rapier. Presently studying 18th/19th Century Saber, both on foot and on horseback.
• [S] University of Southern Maine's Blade Society -- Portland, ME. Email John Doughty, bladesociety{at}hotmail{dot}com or Robert Tupper, macewan3{at}yahoo{dot}com. We practice and teach modern foil, epee, and saber, but we spend most of our time with rapier and small sword work. We do from time to time have a Kendo instructor and also we dabble in cut and thrust work.

Maryland

• [O] Mid-Atlantic Society for Historic Swordsmanship (MASHS) -- Annapolis, MD. Society of dedicated martial artist studying Historic European Martial Arts, based in Maryland. Weapon systems include long sword, sword and buckler, rapier, smallsword, dueling sabres, and pole arms. Members include practitioners from Maryland, the DC area, and Northern Virginia. Contact Larry Tom, Administrator, email LVITOM{at}aol{dot}com, phone (410) 263-0203 (evenings), mail MASHS, 1116 Tyler Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21403.
• [O] The Historical Martial Study Society (HMSS), Waldorf, MD at the Universal Martial Study Center (Western & Eastern Martial Arts). Studies include rapier, rapier & dagger, buckler, cloak, smallsword, backsword, dagger/knife, duelling & military sabre, longsword, cut & thrust sword, and 19th century arts (Bowie knife, tomahawk, pugilism, singlestick, etc.). Contact Steven Huff, Founder, email smh318{at}msn{dot}com, phone (240) 210-4911, mail 39843 Lady Baltimore Ave, Leonardtown, MD 20650

Massachusetts

• [S] Guard Up! Inc. -- Burlington, MA. Sport Fencing, German Longsword, Italian Rapier, and Japanese Longsword. Phone (781) 270-4800, mail Guard Up! Inc., 141 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA 01803.
• [S] SaEF Fencing Clubs -- Plymouth, MA. Beginners' Foil (dry), Sabre for 8-10 1/2 yr olds (with plastic weapons), Intermediate Fencing with Intro to Sabre and Epee, and Sabre for mature adults. We are a number of clubs in the Massachusetts South Shore area. Currently we operate in Plymouth, Kingston, and Hingham. Courses are given and clubs meet in all three places. Generally we try to stay with classical fencing, but also offer electrical (bending to the realities of life). Contact Mr. Harry Shamir, Head Coach, fencing{at}adelphia{dot}net, phone (508) 747-5803, mail 37 Dwight Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360.

Mississippi

• [S] Mississippi Academy of Arms -- Jackson, MS. A traditional fencing salle, teaching Classical Fencing and Historical Swordsmanship since 1980. Offering group and private instruction in Classical Fencing, Historical Swordsmanship and the Gentlemanly Art of Cane Fighting (self-defense using a Walking Cane). For more information or to contact an instructor visit www.MSFencing.org.

Missouri

• [S] Baited Blade Classical Fencing -- St. Peters, MO. A classical fencing club focusing on the foil, sabre, and épée. Other weapons practiced currently (or in the future) include rapier, smallsword, and greatstick. For information contact Bob McPherson, email ramread{at}sbcglobal{dot}net..
• [S] Columbia Fencing Academy -- Columbia, MO. Classical French foil and épée; sabre coming soon. Contact Patrick Peritore, Instructor (Moniteur), email peritore{at}showme{dot}missouri.edu, phone (573) 446-0361.
• [S] The Evangelista School of Fencing -- Peace Valley, MO. Contact Nick Evangelista, email ale{at}townsqr{dot}com, phone (417) 256-0432, mail 6751 Country Road 3850, Peace Valley, MO 65788.
• [S] Jack of Swords -- St. Charles, MO. Classes regularly offered in classical French foil, sabre, smallsword, and rapier. Other classes offered depending on student interest. Contact Robert DeVoe, email the1jackofswords{at}yahoo{dot}com.
• [S] Trovare di Spada -- St. Louis, MO. Traditional Dueling & Combat Arts. Contact David Achilleus, email tdspada{at}gmail{dot}com, phone (314) 329-1893.

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• [I] David Achilleus -- St. Louis, MO. Email kabal{at}nuerble{dot}com. Provost, Classical Fencing Society at St. Louis University and at Marquette University. Traditional French and Italian fencing including smallsword, staves and rapier.
• [I] John Blair Moore -- St. Louis, MO. Email nuerble{at}cybergate{dot}org, mail 3204 Longfellow, St. Louis, MO 63104. I am new to fencing this year, beginning with foil. I'm being instructed in the Italian style by David Achilleus.
• [I] Jared G. Parks -- Hartsburg, MO. Email BladeBreak{at}aol{dot}Com, mail 19800 State Highway A, Hartsburg, MO 65039. Areas of study: smallsword, classical fencing (French School), longsword, sword & shield, staff/polearm weapons.
• [I] Judy Stevens -- St. Louis, MO. Email GekkoFrog{at}aol{dot}com, phone (314) 427-3702, mail 9313 Midland, St. Louis, MO 63114. I'm currently taking lessons in foil, and I'm eager to learn more.
• [I] Justin Hausaman -- Saint Louis, MO. Email email nukeem247{at}yahoo{dot}com, phone (314) 621-5527. Interest in medieval war sword/great sword techniques. Looking for others in area with interest in learning techniques and bouting.

Nevada

• [S] The Trayn'd Bande of the Blackfriars -- Carson City, NV. Contact Sean Kiernan, email rapier{at}sbcglobal{dot}net, phone (775) 887-9164 (home) or (775) 530-6682 (work). Rapier: Salvatore Fabris, Cut & Thrust 1-33 & Giovanni Dall'Agocchie; Longsword: Joachim Meyer. Private and group classes available.
• [S] Noble Science Academy -- Reno, NV. Contact Michael-Forest Meservy, email NobleScienceAcademy{at}gmail{dot}com, phone (775) 200-6249. We are currently working on Ringen/Abrazare, Rapier, and Longsword, but we are interested in expanding our scope.

New Jersey

• [S] Martinez Academy of Arms -- New York, NY and Jersey City, NJ. Contact Maestro Ramón Martínez, email martinez{at}martinez-destreza{dot}com, phone (201) 330-8670.

New York

• [S] In Ferro Veritas: the Crown School of Defence -- Ithaca, NY. Contact Maitre Adam Crown, email ifv{at}lightlink{dot}com, phone (607) 277-3262, mail 1045 Coddington Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. Foil, epee & sabre, smallsword, rapier and dagger, longsword and mounted combat (lance, sword etc).
• [S] Martinez Academy of Arms -- New York, NY and Jersey City, NJ. Contact Maestro Ramón Martínez, email martinez{at}martinez-destreza{dot}com, phone (201) 330-8670.
• [S] Raven Arts Institute of Sevillian Steel -- New York, NY. Contact James Loriega, email Raven_Arts{at}email{dot}com, mail 16 Waverly Place, New York, NY. Traditional Spanish edged weapon of personal combat: navaja, stiletto, swordcane, etc. No sword work. Instructor James Loriega, Maestro de Armas Blancas Sevillanas, studied traditional fencing with Maitre Michel Alaux and Spanish edged weapons with Maestro Santiago Rivera.
• [O] The Tri Cities Academy of the Sword -- Contact W. Kevin Dougherty, phone (570) 663-9212, email tcaswkd{at}yahoo{dot}com, mail 333 Front Street, Binghamton NY.

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• [I] Tom Amoroso -- Yonkers, NY. email amorosot{at}micromodeling{dot}com, phone (917) 847-1637, mail 1085 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY. Currently studying with Maestro Martinez, Italian foil. Would like to stay in the Italian style, and move to sabre, rapier, and short sword.
• [I] Eric A. Coles -- Glen Cove, NY. Email eac42{at}columbia{dot}edu, phone (212) 854-2990, mail 6 Alex Lane, Glen Cove, NY 11542. Smallsword, rapier (Italian, Spanish, German), backsword, longsword, staff, dagger.
• [I] Nicholas Iago Gershberg -- New York, NY (winters and summers only; other times see Austin, TX). Email pistolix{at}aol{dot}com, phone (212) 222-7202, 355 Central Park West, New York, NY 10025. French & Italian foil, Italian sabre.
• [I] Bryan J. Maloney -- Ithaca, NY. Email bjm10{at}cornell{dot}edu, phone (607) 277-3506 evenings. Interests: Classical foil, epee, and sabre (French and Italian schools); 18th-century smallsword (French school), Italian rapier, duelling "sabre," broadsword; 17th-century transitional rapier (Spanish, Italian, and French schools); 16th-century rapier (Italian and Spanish schools); shortsword (aka Reitschwert, cut-and-thrust sword) (English, German and Italian schools); 15th-16th century longsword; experimentation with older styles from solid information; unarmed traditional (19th-century and older) European techniques, including supplementary disarms and grips used with pre-19th century swordsmanship by those uncouth non-Spaniards.
• [I] David K. Storrs -- Brooklyn, NY. Email dstorrs{at}interport{dot}net. Spanish rapier, French & Italian foil, epee, smallsword.
• [I] John Sullins, Military Master at Arms -- Endicott, NY. Email jsullins{at}hotmail{dot}com, phone (607) 786-1915 evenings after 5pm before 9pm, mail 2604 Laguna Drive #1, Endicott NY 13760. I teach classical Italian fencing ala Nadi and Gaugler. I was trained at Gaugler's Fencing Masters Program in San Jose Ca. I teach foil, epee and sabre. I am starting to work with the Spada ala Barbaseti and we also play around with short sword ala Angelo. I am interested in other historical weapons but claim no mastery of them. Information is also available regarding my Fencing Master's Certificate Program.

North Carolina

• [S] Swordplay Alliance -- Winston Salem, NC (also Kennesaw & Suwanne, GA and Bristol & Watts Bar Lake, TN). Contact Samara Floyd, email swordplay{at}pipeline{dot}com, phone (423) 365-0925. Our schools teach rapier and dagger.

• [S] Winston-Salem Fencing Club -- Winston-Salem, NC. Contact Michael Joyce, email wsfencers{at}gmail{dot}com, phone (336) 337-0348. Classical and competitive foil.

Ohio

• [I] John T. McCoy, D.C. -- Yellow Springs, OH. Email LeMieux{at}woh{dot}rr.com, phone (937) 767-8173. 18th Century smallsword is my primary interest for the last several years, although I hope to study saber and Spanish rapier in the near future. As a foundation, I have an extensive history (30 years) of Chinese martial arts (internal & external) including double-edged sword, as well as Philippine Espada y Daga (Kali, Escrima), Malaysian (Penjak Silat), and Aikido. I currently teach a small 18th C. smallsword class, T'ai Chi Chuan, and late 18th C. dancing.
• [I] David Graham -- Cleveland, OH. Email me{at}davidallengraham{dot}net. I am interested in any traditional fencing. Currently trainign in Highland Broadsword, stick fencing and tomahawk. I am open to practicing with anyone in the area, but any of the Scottish style weapons and Martial arts is what I enjoy the most.

Oregon

• [S] Northwest Academy of Arms -- Eugene, OR. A school of classical and historical Italian swordsmanship, teaching foil, dueling sword, dueling sabre, rapier, arming sword & buckler, and longsword. Contact Sean Hayes, Maestro d'armi, email seanhayes{at}northwestacademyofarms{dot}com, phone (541) 242-3796, mail 4560 Larkwood, Eugene, OR 97405.
• [S] Salem Classical Fencing -- Salem, OR. Contact Michael Heggen, instructor, email michael{at}classicalfencing{dot}us, phone (503) 375-9209, 354 Belmont St. NE, Salem OR 97301.
• [S] Southern Oregon Fencing Center / Sword and Mask Fencers -- Ashland, OR. Contact John McDougall (Fencing Master), email mcdoog{at}connpoint{dot}net, phone (541) 535-3969 (home) or (541) 488-7648 (salle), mail 1090 Benson Way # 3, Ashland, OR 97520. Our program is based in classical foil and we also fence saber and épée. We currently have about 70 fencers. We have a program for training teachers as well as fencers.

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• [I] Gareth Thomas / Historical Maritime Combat Association -- Eugene, OR. Email MaritimeCombat{at}aol{dot}com. Study and presentation of personal boarding weapons and techniques from the 16th to 19th centuries, including sabre, cutlass, knife, boarding axe and tomahawk.
• [S] Academia Duellatoria LLC -- Portland, OR. Email Jeff Richardson, head instructor, jeffery{at}mind{dot}net, phone (503) 888-9310. A school for unarmored European swordplay systems dating from the 1300s to about 1700. Styles include: Italian and German longsword, sword and buckler, dagger and grappling. Italian, German and Spanish Rapier with specialization in the works of Gerard Thibault and Vincent Saviolo. Curriculum for school presentations maintained and we are available for demos. Instructors Jeff Richardson and Matthew Howden also have a background in choreography for stage and film.
• [C] Academia Duellatoria Fencing Club -- Medford, OR. Contact instructor John Czekala, email czekalajohn{at}hotmail{dot}com. Studying the rapier system of Gerard Thibault.

Pennsylvania

• [S] Chimera Martial Arts Academy -- Malvern, PA. Contact Michael A. Reilley, email michael{at}chimera-maa{dot}com, phone (610) 209-1785, mail 81 Lancaster Ave, Suite L16, Malvern, PA 19355. We offer historical and classical fencing that covers Medieval, Renaissance, and modern weapon skills. Our program includes sword, dagger, staff, unarmed combat, and more.
• [S] The Fencing Exchange -- Scranton, PA. Contact John Proctor or Kim Glemboski, email fencingexchange{at}hotmail{dot}com, phone (570) 969-1224, mail 514 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton PA 18503. French and Italian classical style foil, épée, and sabre.
• [S] Live Steel Fight Academy, Pottstown, PA. Email theoldcelt2000{at}yahoo{dot}com, phone (610) 705-8705. Four locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Students learn Historical Fencing from the 1300's to the 1600's. Sword, Dagger, Staff, Grappling, Footwork, Timing and much more.
• [O] The Brotherhood of Steel -- York, PA (south-central PA, about 90 minutes north of D.C.). Contact Roark Mitzell, email roark.mitzell{at}techbooks{dot}com, phone (717) 848-01250. We're mainly interested, as a group, in building as large a collection of historically correct repros as possible, and lecture at schools, colleges, civil organization, march in parades, do First Night celebration, etc. I'm presently looking at fight books like Talhoffer, Liberi, Marrozzo, Vigianni, et al, along with the broadsword and buckler MS I.33. We're serious about recreating European martial arts. We're following some of the precepts of the Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts in Toronto, John Waller's fight specialists at the Royal Armories in Leeds, the martial spirit of Edinburgh's Dawn Duelists, Terry Brown's London Maisters of Defense, and Sydney Anglo's theoretical musings from his latest book. We also have some interest in the Scottish weapons and their use; twa-handit or slaughter sword, claymore/targe/dirk trio, and the smallsword fencing of William Hope.
• [O] Ladies of the Sword -- York, PA. Email LadyFencer2001{at}yahoo{dot}com. Classical fencing: foil, epee, and sabre. Looking for other veteran lady fencers interested in classical fencing.
• [O] Lancaster Dueling -- Lancaster, PA. Email blackleaf7{at}earthlink{dot}net. Smallsword and sabre.

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• [I] The Swordguild of York -- York, PA (south-central PA, about 90 minutes north of D.C.). Contact Roark Mitzell, phone (717) 848-1250. Based on 40 years of experience in Classical foil, epee and saber fencing, and the use of historic weapons. Primarily Classical French foil based on the techniques of maestro Michelle Alaux. Other programs denote use of alternate weapons (single-stick or smallsword), or acknowledge scholarly research and white papers on related topics. Abstract archeology classes offered on use of longsword, rapier, sword and buckler, and spadroon. Lessons in classical saber and epee available upon request. Also offering a single class covering: theory and practice of Western "true fight", the progression of arms and armor, 3 intro lessons in different weapons (foil, shaering sword, and longsword), an intro to stage combat and fight notation, the best fight arrangers, a history of great film fights, a look at historic masters, an examination of the sword in myth, legend, poetry, drama, theatre, magic, mysiticism & religion, painting, Arthurian matter, science fiction & fantasy, pop culture, historic re-enactment & recreational associations, and contemporary authors; from "Beowulf" and Egil Skallagrimson's Saga to the Victorian era's Sir Richard Francis Burton, into General George S. Patton's days as first swordmaster at West Point, and ending with modern scholars and teacher; Martinez, Brown, MacDonald, and Sinclair.

Tennessee

• [S] Swordplay Alliance -- Bristol & Watts Bar Lake, TN (also Winston Salem, NC and Kennesaw & Suwanne, GA). Contact Samara Floyd, email swordplay{at}pipeline{dot}com, phone (423) 365-0925. Our schools teach rapier and dagger.
• [I] Brian Cox -- Maryville, TN. Email scoop_68{at}hotmail{dot}com. HACA trained in longsword, cut and thrust sword, rapier, sword and dagger, pole weapons. Seeking others to train with in historical swordsmanship.

Texas

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• [S] Pierrot Productions -- Seabrook, TX. Contact Richard Alvarez, email pierrot{at}flash{dot}net.

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• [I] Christian Darcé -- Houston, TX. Email cdarce{at}woodenswords{dot}com. Historical swordsmanship: early rapier, cut & thrust sword, long sword.
• [I] Nicholas Iago Gershberg -- Austin, TX (fall and spring only; other times see New York). Email pistolix{at}aol{dot}com, phone (512)-481-1737. French & Italian foil, Italian sabre.
• [O] Sword to Sword -- Houston, TX. historical fencing and European martial arts club dedicated to the training, study, and promotion of the combat arts of old Europe. Email dakaodo{at}yahoo{dot}com

Virginia

• [S] Order of the Seven Hearts -- Alexandria, VA. Contact Tom Leoni, instructor: email tom{at}salvatorfabris{dot}com, phone (703) 683-6369 (evenings). Instruction in advanced Italian rapier, using the system of Salvatore Fabris (1606), and in Bolognese cut and thrust sword.
• [S] Salle Green -- Glen Allen, VA. Contact Walter G. Green III, Ph.D., email wgreen{at}sallegreen{dot}com, phone (804) 264-8161, mail P.O. Box 799, Glen Allen, VA 23060-0799. Salle Green teaches classical foil, sabre, and dueling sword based on fencing theory and practice in the period 1880-1930. Individual lessons in all three weapons are available. In the spring of 2005 in conjunction with the University of Richmond we will start to offer an Internet-based four-year program to train classical fencing instructors. Just published is Classical Fencing Rules: An annotated rule book for Classical Fencers combining rules from 1889 through 1930, a 48 page rules manual based on actual codes of fencing rules of the period available by mail at the Salle's website.
• [S] Virginia Academy of Fencing, Springfield, VA. Email fence{at}vafinc{dot}com, phone (703) 321-4922, fax (703) 321-3585, mail 5401-B Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151. Learn the historical art of fencing in group classes that explore early fencing techniques. The 16th century defense systems of European Masters are introduced.

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• [I] Stephen C. Hick, Falls Church, VA. Email hicksc{at}aol{dot}com. Late Medieval and early Renaissance German and Italian longsword, very early rapier (Marozzo) etc. Mainly historical analysis.

Washington

• [S] Academia della Spada, Seattle, WA. Our school focuses on the unarmored sword combat of Elizabethan England (rapier, backsword, and side sword)--primarily the art of the duel. We also offer Pugilism (by Tim Ruzicki) and host a variety of instructors. Email Cecil Longino, cecil{at}academiadellaspada{dot}com, phone (206) 849-9414.

Wisconsin

• [S] Classical Fencing Society Salle D'Armes (Milwaukee), Milwaukee, WI. Email Alexis LaJoie, mail{at}cfssda{dot}org.)
• [I] Alexis La Joie -- Milwaukee, WI. Active at the Classical Fencing Society at Marquette U., Milwaukee Turners, and Brookfield Academy Highschool. Email mail{at}cfssda{dot}org, phone (414) 202-3503 (Central Time). Classical Italian and French, method and weapons. Interest in smallsword & rapier.

Europe & Australia

• [S] Prima Spada -- Brisbane, Australia. 16th century duelling swordplay, using accurate reproductions of period weapons.
• [I] Chris Bond -- Buckinghamshire, England. Email chris{at}metalix-fashion{dot}demon.co.uk. Interested in interpreting historical documents to refine techniques when practicing.
• [G] Klassisches Fechten Soest: classical/traditional working group focussed on the three-weapon, French pedagogy. Contact William H. Leckie, Jr., email soestfechten{at}aol{dot}com, mail Jungferngaerten 22, 59494 Soest, Germany.
• [S] La Campagnie della Spada -- Padova, Italy. Phone 049/8021502
• [O] Dawn Duellist's Society -- Edinburgh, Scotland. Contact Rory Hunter, info{at}dawnduellists{dot}org.uk or Paul Macdonald, phone 0790 047 6691 , mail Macdonald Armouries, 30 Annandale Street Lane, Edinburgh, EH7 4LS Scotland.
• [S] Escrime Ancienne de Morges -- Lausanne, Switzerland. Contact Mike Bonetti, email mikeb{at}vtx{dot}ch, phone (021) 9903-3153.
• [S] Federazione Italiana Scherma Antica e Storica (FISAS) -- Legnano (Milano), Italy. A federation of schools of Italian styles of fencing, from its origins to the early 20th century. Contact Maestro Andrea Lupo Sinclair, email luposinclair{at}scherma-tradizionale{dot}com, phone/fax 0331 595959, mail V. A. Vespucci 39 20025, Legnano (Milano), Italy.
• [S] The Finesse Academy of Fence -- Canberra, ACT, Australia. Contact Julian Clark, email farclar{at}alphalink{dot}com.au, phone (02) 6251 1737, fax (02) 6253 3284, mail 1 Araba Street, Aranda, ACT, 2614, Australia. The Academie is the only fencing club in Australia to be a Recognized Active Australia Provider (ACT Sports Bureau standards), and to offer coaching both in classical foil (sabre just started, épée coming soon) and in rapier (c.1550 - 1600 English, Italian: Spanish in prospect) and smallsword (c. 1765). Julian and his three companion coaches are all trained by the Oceania Fencing Masters' Academy in modern weapons (Julian, Level 2, Melissa Level 1, Jason & Anthea completing Level 1 now). All study primary sources and teach with high-quality copies of historic weapons.
• [S] Die Freien Recken von Berg E.V. -- Wuppertal (near Cologne), Germany. Contact Jan Kuehr (instructor), email jan.kuehr{at}cityweb{dot}de. Longsword and sidesword from 1400 to 1600. Trained by Paul MacDonald of the DDS in Edinburgh.
• [S] The Hotspur School of Defence -- Alnwick, Northumberland, UK. Contact Bob Brooks, email hotspurschool{at}aol{dot}com. Backsword, basket-hilted broadsword, longsword, singlestick, great-stick (Bastone), Dusack, greatsword, sidesword, Medieval broadsword, pollaxe, lance.
• [S] Linacre School of Defence -- Oxford, England. Contact Milo Thurston, email milo{at}linacreschoolofdefence{dot}org, phone (01608) 645973, mail c/o Linacre College, Oxford OX1 3JA, England. We practice Sir William Hope's New Method of 1707, back-sword and pugilism according to English methods.
• [S] Macdonald Academy of Arms -- Edinburgh, Scotland. Contact Maestro Paul Macdonald, email macdonaldacademy{at}aol{dot}com, phone 0131 557 1510, mail At the Sign of the Cross and Sword, Brunswick St. Lane, Edinburgh, EH7 5JA, Scotland. Back- or broadsword play using close-hilted singlesticks as training weapons, medieval longsword, 18th-century smallsword, 16th-century sidesword, 17th-centuy rapier, and 19th-century duelling sabre.
• [S] Stork's Beak -- Edinburgh, Scotland. Contact Andy Taylor, email krumphau{at}gmail{dot}com, mail 140 Pleasance, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH8 9RR, UK. The School currently focuses on teaching the German Tradition of Fencing or 'Kunst Des Fechtens' literal translation being the 'Art of Fencing'. Students initially start their training with the Longsword for the first few months and then progress to learn the Dussack and the Italian Two-Handed Sword or Spadone.
• [S] Magisterium -- Prague, Czech Republic. Contact Peter Koza, email: info{at}magisterium{dot}cz, phone: +420 775 271 852 (9 am to 7 pm on workdays). Sword and shield (13-14th century), longsword - German school of fencing (14-17th century), Italian rapier (16-17th century), Spanish rapier (16-17th century), French smallsword (17-19th century), European and middle-Asian sabre. Also historical brawling, knife technics, dussac, staff weapons (halberd etc.)
• [S] The Stoccata School of Defence -- Sydney, Australia (also Hobart, Australia). English basket hilted sword (Silver), Italo-Spanish rapier (Saviolo), Sword and Buckler (MS. I.33) and German longsword (Liechtenauer tradition). Contact Stephen Hand, email sjhand{at}bigpond{dot}net.au, phone (03) 62737721.

Other Listings

• The Brotherhood of St. Gregory -- not a school, but Bryan J. Maloney's online list of schools and organizations

Weapons Suppliers

• New Stirling Arms -- Suppliers of quality wooden practice wasters. Over 25 different models of properly balanced hickory practice weapons. Contact New Stirling Arms at sales{at}newstirlingarms{dot}com or 530-885-8677.
• Alchem, Inc. -- Manufacturer and supplier of blades and hilts.
• No Quarter Arms -- Dennis Graves, Swordcutler. Phone (303) 494-4685.
• Robert R. MacPherson, Armorer. Email armory{at}lightlink{dot}com, mail 520 Adam Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850.
• Del Tin Armi Antiche -- Replicas of swords and daggers until the 17th Century. Phone +39 427 72550, fax +39 427 72550, mail Del Tin Armi Antiche SLC, Via dei Fabbri, 13 I- 33085 MANIAGO PN, ITALY.
• Salamander Armoury -- Swords, daggers and knives in carbon steel and pattern-welding (Damascus). Email Jim Hrisoulas, jim{at}atar{dot}com, phone (702) 566-855, fax (702)558-0366, mail 330 S. Decatur #109, Las Vegas, NV 89107.
• Purpleheart Armoury -- Wooden practice swords; specializing in 15th and 16th century European bladed weaponry. Email Christian Darcé, cdarce{at}woodenswords{dot}com, phone (713) 983-8124 or (713) 857-4921, mail 6307 Lipps Ln, Houston, TX 77041.
• Albion Armorers
• Darkwood Armory
• Swordmaster of the Living History Foundation -- 18th c. epees and repro foils. Contact Peter M. Ryan, KC, petermryan26{at}verizon.net, phone 410-949-0970.

Literature

Most, if not all, of the classical fencing and historical swordsmanship literature that exists online in text form was translated and retyped in the last few years. This transcribing process, usually done by non-historians, invariably introduced errors in the form of typos, omissions (both of text and of graphics), and mistranslations. The links below, therefore, should not be taken to represent the original writings. For serious study, see the original manuals (or facsimiles thereof).

Online

Sir Alfred Hutton

• Old Sword-Play - transcribed by Bryan J. Maloney

Captain Cyril G.R. Matthey

• Brief Instructions Upon My Paradoxes of Defence, 1898 (commentary on Silver's Paradoxes of Defence) -- transcribed by Steve Hick, edited by Greg Lindahl

George Silver

• Paradoxes of Defence, 1599 -- transcribed by Steve Hick, edited by Greg Lindahl
• Brief Instructions on My Paradoxes of Defence -- transcribed by Steve Hick, edited by Greg Lindahl

Caranza

• Dialogo Primero -- in Spanish; work in progress

Vencento Saviolo

• His Practise -- transcribed by Tom Hudson
• His Practice, 1598 -- transcribed by Rick Orli

Giacomo DiGrassi

• His True Arte of Defence, 1594 -- transcribed by several people
• His True Art of Defense -- transcribed by Rick Orli

Sir William Hope

• The Complete Fencing Master, 1692 -- transcribed by Rick Orli

Other

• DeGrasse, Hope, Saviolo, Silver -- Rick Orli's links

Other Online Indexes

• Dana Groff's list of online resources (books and manuals)
• The AEMMA's online library (Agrippa, di Grassi, Saviolo, Silver)
• The HACA's list of reading and research (including links to Swetnam)

Current Publications

• Hammerterz Verlag -- a quarterly publication that contains articles on all aspects of historic swordfighting and edged weapons systems. Contact Chris Amberger, email zoergiebel{at}aol{dot}com, mail P.O. Box 13448, Baltimore, MD 21203.
• Hoplos -- back issues of the International Hoplology Association's newsletter. Email hoplos{at}aol{dot}com, fax (520) 204-2394, mail Hunter B. Armstrong, Director, The International Hoplology Society, 315 Foothills Dr., Sedona, AZ 86336.

Bibliographies

• Maestro Martínez's references -- list of nearly 100 books on classical fencing and historical swordsmanship
• Dana Groff's list of books
• Patri Pugliese's photocopies
• Jared Kirby's photocopies
• Complete Bibliography of the Art and Sport of Fencing (see excerpt)

Other Resources

• Classical Fencing Mailing List -- Electronic mailing list (listserv) devoted to discussing classical fencing and historical swordsmanship
• Association for Historical Fencing. A nonprofit corporation founded to meet the needs of the classical and historical oriented fencing community. Contact Maestro Ramón Martínez, email martinez{at}martinez-destreza{dot}com.
• Historical Armed Combat Association. Historical manuals, discussion forums, photos and other resources.
• HistoricalFencing.org. A list of resources maintained by Ken Mondschein, a Ph.D. student in history.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• How is classical fencing different from sport fencing?
• I don't have ready access to a master of classical fencing. Can I learn classical fencing on my own by reading period books and manuals?
• What are the requirements for becoming a fencing master?
  Maestro Frank Lurz responds
  David Laloum responds

Q: How is classical fencing different from sport fencing?

• Maestro Martínez answers that question here on his web site.
• Joshua Kronengold (mneme@mcny.com) wrote:

  Classical fencing is the tradition and style of European fencing invented in the 19th century. It emphasizes respect for the blade, honor, and treating the art of fencing as what it should be, a martial art, not a sport.

  Because of these roots, certain artifacts of the USFA are disdained, not necessarily because they are "modern", but because they are contrary to the goals and roots of classical fencing. Flicks, fleches, and pistol grips are disallowed (and ineffective) because they are suicidal in a true fencing bout, even in foil, which is maintained as a training ground for the more realistic forms. Scoring machines are likewise disliked because they provide an objective (and inaccurate) method of scoring which, in the USFA, has largely replaced the need for judgement which is developed by judging fencing matches, and required in order to be a good fencer, not to mention the director's personal responsibility for ensuring a fair and correct match.

• Bryan J. Maloney (bjm10@cornell.edu) wrote:

  Generally, as classicists use the terms:

  Olympic fencing is a sport that is the direct descendent of classical fencing. While it may share superficial similiarities with its parent, it is optimized around the demands of a competitive sport and technique is optimized around making the light go off. Thus, it has diverged from classical technique and will continue to diverge along its own lines away from classical technique.

  Classical fencing is the martial art of the final phase of sword duelling in Europe. Like many weapon martial arts in the modern era, it is practiced with blunt weapons and under more controlled conditions than in an actual fight. It emphasizes personal control, poise, and commanding a situation more than it emphasizes scoring a point. Techniques are optimized for not getting hit and for hitting without being hit rather than for hitting first or hitting in such a way as to "play the rules". Furthermore, as an art rather than a sport, it often cultivates a certain aesthetic (although there is the inherent absurdity of "dying beautifully" to consider).

  There is also the subject of historical swordsmanship, which really covers a very broad range of styles, including:

  French smallsword.
  Late Italian rapier.
  17th-century Italian and Franco-Italic rapier
  Spanish rapier
  16th century Italic rapier

• Sean Hayes (hayes@efn.org) wrote:

  My first teacher, Maitre Adam Crown, defined it in terms that I paraphrase here:

  Classical fencing is a discussion that centers around the question, "What if they were sharp?"

  We can elaborate on this, but this is the best, most concise definition I've come across. By way of contrast:

  Modern sport fencing is a discussion that centers around the question, "How can I score points in a competition?"

  This can be very satisfying to the people involved, but it's a fundamentally different from classical fencing, where we attempt to the best of our ability to simulate a serious fight with sharps. If my object is to wound or kill, I'm unlikely to fleche or flick (the first is near suicidal with sharp weapons, the second is wholly impossible and ineffective even if it were possible), and I will employ a very conservative strategy. If my object is to set off a light and sound a buzzer while remaining at least one point ahead, I can try all sorts of manuevers that would be anathema to classicists, and take risks that would be suicidally stupid in a serious fight.

  The difference is that of a martial art and a game. They don't mix well on the strip becuse they are discussing different things. Given two fencers of similar talent, one a classical fencer and the other a sport fencer, the classical fencer will tend to win on the classical piste while the sport fencer will tend to win on the sport piste. There are no absolutes, of course.

• Bryan J. Maloney (bjm10@cornell.edu) wrote:

  In terms of techniques and methods of teaching, a Martial Art teacher of fencing would probably teach many of the same things, use many of the same drills, but the attitude passed on is substantially different.

  In combat every hit counts, and it is more crucial to ensure that you don't get hit than it is to ensure that you score a hit. In sport, an individual hit doesn't really count - it is the agregate score which leads to a win.

  A single hit in combat, is likely to render the fencer hors-combat (out of action), either immediately or over a period of several minutes due to blood loss - once disabled the fencer is therefore easy meat for a killing blow (if to the death). Either way any hit against is unacceptable.

  In the most cautious of modern weapons - Epee - fencers will take risks which would be considered totally mad in combat. After all if the current score is 4-2, a double hit will still result in a win!

  That equivalent double hit could result in that fencers death in combat, and would therefore be out of the question as a tactic.

  So the difference between a martial art Master and a Sport Master is not so much the technique, but the attitude that he passes on to his students. The tactical choices taught through the choice of drills, the decisions the Master makes as to when a student is ready to move from straight footwork to handling a weapon, and from there to "free combat" in the Salle.

  Prior to moving to "free combat" the fencer must know enough of the basics to endeavour to protect him/herself - and must have the right attitude to protection - hence the traditional use of the foil with the stress on parrying and right of way.....

  Old style masters sometimes taught without the use of masks, and therefore a student could not start working opposite the master or another fencer, until he/she had demonstrated thorough control of the blade and point - eyes might be poked out otherwise!

• Somebody else (David Laloum?) wrote:

  Also the use of Point-D'Arret on Epee tends to give one much more respect for that point, than the use of modern electric "buttons" - the points will grip on your jacket - as a true point will - and will give you the distinct feel of penetration! Our Salle uses these, and I can vouche for the difference.... (they are also less dangerous than I thought prior to starting to use them.)

  Martial art footwork can also be different - Lunges are shorter for example, thereby ensuring balance, recovery, and the ability to defend and do actions on the lunge...

  Footwork tends towards a 60% weight on the back 40% weight on the front balance, modern coaches often teach the opposite - Having the weight forward is advantageous in fleches, and other moves that depend on the Halt being called. Fencing with sharps assumes nothing, and minimises risks, or at the very least calculates and understands risks.

  Also footwork must ensure stability on variable surfaces - moves that are safe on Salle & Piste surfaces, might be precarious on terrain. The repertoir is very similar - selection of moves, and how they are executed can therefore be very different.

  As I said the difference is in attitude and all the associated repercussions of it. Not so much the technique itself.

Q: I don't have ready access to a master of classical fencing. Can I learn classical fencing on my own by reading period books and manuals?

• Maestro Ramón Martínez (martinez@martinez-destreza.com) wrote:

  Secondly to all fencers, enthusiast, and interested parties, I say to you that one cannot learn fencing or any other martial art from books. In regard to fencing treatises of the past, present, and future you must always bear in mind one important thing. That is that these books were designed to supplement the instruction given by the masters who authored them. These treatises are only study aids, although there is at least one instance of a master from the past claiming that one can learn from his book. Books can never take the place of a qualified master.

  If one does not have access to a master, and for what ever reason, one cannot travel or relocate to study under a qualified master, what can be done? The answer; Bring one to you, or communicate with one, if he is willing and generous enough with his valuable time to give advice as well as, guidance.

  Fencers can arrange workshops, and seminars that will allow them to have at least some basic hands on instruction, and pay the master for his time, travel, and expenses. Then in subsequent seminars, more in depth instruction can be had, to build upon a basic foundation. This can be done by bringing in the master to you a few times a year. If fencers pooled their resources together this would be more than possible.

  The last resort is self-instruction by working with books. If you are working with a text it is certain that misconceptions and errors will occur. Fencers working in this manner must accept this fact, and must be prepared and willing to unlearn what they have taught themselves when and if they come into the hands of a true master of the art.

  Do not fall into the trap of arrogant self delusion in thinking that you can do it all your self. Remember that even at this time, in the turn of the 21st century there are Masters of the Art possessed of specialized knowledge that can never be replaced by well meaning amateurs and self-styled experts propagating falsehood.