This workshop, divided in two parts, will present an overview of plays from Fiore de‘ Liberi covering the complex system of different interaction of longsword fencers with their unfriendly surrounding.

The trainees will experience techniques from increasingly closer measure, starting from a spear throw going through „Zogo Largo“, „Zogo Stretto“ and ending in a good old dirty „Abbrazare“.
The first part of the workshop will follow the wider distance actions, while the second the close distance actions.

Yes, it is bad to kick someone in the groin, but as Fiore said, we must learn it so we know what not to do. (please bring a groin protection)

Protection required:

• Masks and gloves and groin protection (!) are minimum protections required for the low speed application of the techniques.
• Jacket, mask cover and throat protection are required for higher intensity practice (which is no obligated and is left to the choice of the participant).

Toys:

• personal longsword
• a stick the length of your sword or a similar simulator for a sword scabbard (an old broom stick will be enough)
• a stick or a simulator for a rondel dagger. (we’ll provide some, so don’t worry if you don’t have it)

The use of 2 weapons open new possibilities both in attack and defense. Many masters refer to the dagger as an exceptional weapon, both in single and used in combo with rapiers and swords in general.

It is mandatory to know how to create and advantage using your second hand and how to react when your opponent is also using 2 weapons.

The topics will be the following:

• Guarding and parrying with the dagger
• Controlling with the dagger
• Tempo and when to attack with you second weapon

Everyone has heard of Godinho’s pocket sand, at least as a meme or joke on the internet. But what is actually behind it? How easy is it to unerringly place sand in the face of an opponent who wants to get at you? And which sand actually has the best flight characteristics?
We want to investigate this question together.

Bring along: Diving or swimming goggles as eye protection, hoodie or jacket with pockets.

Note: This workshop happens outside, wear outdoor shoes.

Utilising concepts and methods both from historical fencing masters like Ridolfo Capoferro and Giovanni dalle Agocchie, and modern competitive fencing, it is possible to make your opponent do what you want and react to menaces and strategies it could come up to.

Building actions during a fight and structuring an approach in a coherent and effective way is the best option to achieve victory during a fight.

The topics will be the following:

• Cuts and thrusts
• How to position (guard and measure)
• How to attack without exposing yourself
• How to defend and be ready to counterattack

Eber und Stier, das rat‘ ich dir

Was hat es mit den zwei Huten auf sich? Und wieso tauchen ausgerechnet diese beiden immer wieder in Lecküchners Manuskript auf? In meinem Workshop beschäftigen wir uns mit genau diesen Fragen. Vom Zufechten, über den „Krieg“, bis hin in die nahe Distanz tauchen wir ein in die Welt des Messers und erkunden gemeinsam, wieso die Positionen des Stiers und des Ebers in nahezu allen Distanzen und Situationen wichtig sind.

Da dieser Workshop Fokus auf Anwendung/Fechten legt, bring‘ bitte deine Fechtmaske und leichte Handschuhe mit. Ich werde ein paar Leih-Messer dabei haben, aber wenn du auf der sicheren Seite sein willst, versuch‘ dir selbst eines mitzubringen.

Boar and Steer will persevere

What are those two guards all about? And why do they turn up in Lecküchners manuscript again and again? In my workshop we will take an approach on these questions. From Zufechten, via the „Krieg“, through to the close distance we will dive into the world of the Messer and explore together why the positions of „Eber“ and „Stier“ are important in almost any distance and situation.

Since this workshop will have a focus on application/fencing, please bring a fencing mask as well as light gloves. I will have a couple of Messer loaners with me, but to be safe, try to bring your own.