Coach Tom Leoni, one of the leading researchers
and authors of Renaissance Italian martial arts.

This is one of the fencing manuscripts that our Historical
Swordmanship coaches research. Coach Bill travelled to
Vienna, Austria to examine this.

"Practice knighthood, and learn the art that dignifies you and brings you honor."
-Master Johannes Liechtenauer, circa 14th century

Intermediate and Upper Levels

After completing the beginning classes, students are eligible to join ongoing weekly classes in longsword or rapier.

IF YOU HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN HISTORICAL SWORDSMANSHIP, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AND VISIT.

Intermediate Two-Handed Sword
Prerequisites: Preparatory or permission of the instructor
Curriculum: Ongoing weekly classes cover all aspects of fencing with the longsword, utilizing discussion, demonstration, partnered and solo drilling, and supervised free fencing. Separate course units spaced throughout the year cover unarmed techniques, disarms and throws; use of the staff, spear, and pole-axe; fighting with the dagger; fighting with the single-handed sword and messer; and techniques of sword-and-buckler fighting.

Equipment: Students provide their own sword, fencing gloves, fencing mask and fencing jacket. Additional equipment, such as a buckler or a dagger, is optional. All equipment is available for purchase from VAF.

Intermediate Rapier
Prerequisite: Preparatory or permission of the instructor
Curriculum: Ongoing weekly classes cover footwork, guards, and techniques of Italian rapier fencing. Separate units spaced throughout the year cover rapier alone; rapier with dagger and other off-hand weapons (including cloak and shield); dagger alone; Bolognese swordsmanship (a cutting style related to the rapier); Renaissance polearms; and 18th-century French smallsword."

Equipment: Students provide their own practice rapier, fencing gloves, fencing mask and fencing jacket. Additional equipment, such as a fencing dagger and shield, are optional. All equipment is available for purchase from VAF.

Advanced Longsword (By invitation)
Prerequisite: Intermediate Two-Handed Sword or permission of the instructor

Equipment: Students provide their own sword, fencing gloves, fencing mask and fencing jacket. Additional equipment, such as a buckler or a dagger, is optional. All equipment is ,available for purchase at VAF.

Advanced Rapier (By invitation)
Prerequisites: Intermediate Rapier or permission of the instructor

Equipment: Students provide their own practice rapier with a flexible blade, and a fencing dagger.

What is Historical Swordsmanship?
Youth Program
Teen/Adult Programs
Beginning Levels
Upper Levels
Visitors
Class Schedule