St. Michael's Salle d'Armes and
Davenriche European Martial Arts School
are proud to announce the
Historical Martial Arts Symposium by the Bay.

TASTER TRACK CLASSES

(details are still pending)

Introduction to the Navaja ~ The Gypsy Knife ~
Antone Blair

This class is an introduction to the Acero Sevillano stype of Spanish knife combat. We will look at hos the use of the Spanish knife relates to the general body of techniques and tactics in WMAs in general, as well as introducing techniques particiular to the navaja sevillana. This class will cover basic grips, stance, footwork, offence and counter-offense as well as rudimentary navaja theory. Training knives will be provided.

Medieval Mounted Combat Presentation ~
Kristi Charron

This lecture and slide presentation will cover the work of Dom Duarte's treatise on horsemanship, Livro da Ensinana de Bem Cavalgar Toda Sela. Dom Duarte was King of Portugal and was a well known and respected horseman. His treatise covers not only the different riding styles and saddles, mounted combat, jousting and hunting but also gives a wonderful glimpse into the philosophy of the time.

Italian Rapier ~
Gary Chelak

Anatomy of Grappling ~
Eric Fick

This class will be a hands on look at the handles and levers of the body and how they are used in grappling/wrestling. This class will not be a focus on the works of a single master, but instead, a look into the basics of biomechanics found in both German and Italian schools as well as catch wrestling, greco-roman wrestling, jujitsu, judo and sambo. This class will be valuable for both novice and advanced wrestlers/students as well as any weapon practitioners.

The class will include

  • introduction to falling/rolling
  • movements of the body (standing/ground)
  • the handles
  • the clinch- locks, throws (upper body/lower body)
  • take downs
  • sprawling
  • ground positions
  • submissions
  • escapes

A Modern Biomechanical Perspective on Fencing Techniques ~
Frank Fletcher

The presentation will cover warmup, balance, injury prevention, strength, power and speed training as well as an analysis of how certain minute stance tweaks could make you faster in lunge and recovery. We'll also cover some misconceptions of how to train and warmup - reasons why the methods you might be using right now could make you slower!

Fighting Arts of the Early Frontier: Tomahawk and Longknife ~
Steve Huff

Levels 1 & 2

Longhunter, longknife, frontiersman, woodsrunner, woodsman, backwoodsman, scout, rifleman – these were all words used to describe those early colonists in the Americas who lived their lives at the fringe of civilization. Living off the land, adopting and adapting the survival and living skills of the Native Americans, these men were the epitome of the early American pioneer spirit – free, independent, and possessing an indomitable will and iron spirit, his only companions his trusty rifle, a sturdy knife, and a good hatchet or tomahawk. In a time of single-shot firearms, there was much need for a reliable back up weapon.

While the popular image of tomahawk fighting is that of the weapon being thrown, it is in actuality and extremely effective and devastating close combat weapon, allowing a wide variety of tactics and techniques as the situation dictates.

This class will focus on the use of the tomahawk as a close-quarter combat weapon. Grips, stances, and attack and defense, ranges of combat, as well as fighting theory, will be covered. The second half of the class will examine the use of the knife in conjunction with the tomahawk.

Time will also be spent examining the history and evolution of the weapons, as well as aspects of carriage and drawing in various situations. There will also be an examination of the clothing of the period and how it influences fighting with these weapons. We will also look at some of the other accoutrements carried by the longhunters and irregular military units.

Students are required to bring some form of protective eye wear (a fencing mask is recommended) and it is recommended that they bring some form of padded hand and forearm protection.  A belt or sash will also be needed as some time will be spent on drawing the weapons and bringing them into action.

Some training weapons will be provided but any student who wishes to bring their own weapons may do so. However, they must cover the edge of any live-blade weapons. (Fencing daggers or similar knife trainers are acceptable)

An Introduction to Fabris ~
Sean Kiernan

The theory and practice of rapier combat outlined by Salvatore Fabris is as important to the modern student as it was to a student of the period. Concepts such as contrapostura “counter postures” and Trovare la Spada “Finding the sword” are explained in great detail, as are Guardagnare la Misura “gaining the measure” and Pendere il Tempo “taking the tempo”. These concepts as well as many others make Fabris’ Lo Schermo, overo Scienza d’Arme one of the most important fencing treatises of all time.

During this 3 hour class students will learn Fabris’ foundation concepts of tempo, measure, strengths of the sword, counter postures, finding/constraining the sword, and the cavazione. Further instruction will include how to come on guard, the various hand positions, the lunge, the pass, and both left foot and right foot girata’s all as outlined in Fabris’ text.

Students will need to bring a training rapier, a fencing mask, and neck protection. Comfortable fitting “gym” clothes or fencing attire should be worn.

Fencing and Its Place in the Great Chain of Being
(aka Elizabeth Thought and its Influence on Fencing) ~
Cecil Longino

As modern fencers it is common for us to overlook the philosophical and even metaphysical influence which has had guided the fencing arts from their beginnings. Often we dwell on the specific techniques carefully recorded in the period treatises without giving a second thought on the philosophy surrounding them. The ideas and modes of behavior captured in these texts were not an after thought or page filler but written down with equal weight and as direct a purpose as the fencing techniques that supplement them.

This class will explore the ideals set forth by Plato and their influence which lingered on well past the High Renaissance. The concepts of virtue, order, and universal correspondences will be examined to bolster our understanding of fencing theory. Fixing our focus firmly upon the machinations of the heavens, we will from there build a clear understanding of the cosmos and then apply these founding principles down through the intelligences and man to better understand the truth behind the concepts of art, science, and even practice.

Once we have connected our theoretical musings to physical application we will examine and practice the following specific fencing actions:

  • Guards and positions
  • Movement on and off the right line
  • Movement on the circle and spiral
  • Three crucial measures
  • Time and divisions thereof
  • Offensive use of thrusts & cuts
  • Defensive use of thrusts & cuts

Requirements: Judgment, rapier, gloves, fencing jacket, mask

Body Dynamics for Effective Sword Technique ~
Dave Wilson and Jim Alvarez

Learn how correct body dynamics can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your sword technique. This class will focus on the basic principles common to both eastern and western martial arts that will improve your body movement, sword control, and balance, and examine how these principles relate to using your sword. We will introduce ways for you to apply these principles to your own sword techniques so you gain a better understanding of how to apply them to all areas of your daily practice. These principles can be honed during basic drills in the student's regular classes and then later applied directly to more effective and efficient target cutting.

This class is open to all levels. Students will need to bring either a wooden or blunted metal sword. Sharp swords will not be allowed.

There will be no target cutting during this class. See the special & semi-private lessons page for cutting classes.

Click for more Registration Info.

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