Classical & Historical Fencing Links

Scholarly societies

• Academy of European Medieval Martial Arts - "The mission of A.E.M.M.A. is to resurrect the combat skills, philosophies and principles of an accomplished European Medieval martial artist and to achieve a state of which would be consistent with that of a medieval warrior in both technology and ideal."

• British Federation for Historical Swordplay - "a national, non political, umbrella group for all individual UK societies involved in the research, study and practise of historical fencing and the European Martial Arts."

• Association for Historical Fencing - "The AHF exists to encourage and preserve the arts of classical and historical fencing."

• Journal of Western Martial Art

• Schola Saint George - "To study, practice and refine the arts of swordsmanship and horsemanship as they might have been practiced in the Middle Ages, supporting and incorporating the rich corpus of materials left to us by our ancestors in the medieval fechtbuchs. To encourage our students to develop their bodies and their spirits by practicing their art with training in all manner of medieval weapons and techniques, then applying these skills in various medieval feats of arms. We charge our students and our teachers to become worthy exemplars for others, offering fellow students of the sword respect before derision, and more importantly, to adopt a chivalric philosophy that encourages the knightly virtues and cultivate a sense of personal responsibility through which our modern society can be improved."

• The Knighthood, Chivalry, & Tournaments Library - Focused primarily on the medieval martial arts, this site has articles and book reviews.

• The Midwest Historical Fencer's Project - "The participants in the Project are Historical Fencing enthusiasts from different backgrounds and groups who are all interested in advancing the study of historical weapons and fighting skills."

• European Historical Combat Guild - "The Guild aims to bring together individuals and groups who share the principles and philosophies advocated by John Waller whilst learning or teaching historical combat."

• Chicago Swordplay Guild - "The Chicago Swordplay Guild gives its members the opportunity to train and engage in controlled and competitive combat with padded, wooden, and steel weapons. By combining practical knowledge gained through drills and sparring, with scholarship in the teachings of the historical Masters, the Guild seeks to explore methods of practical swordsmanship that are consistent with the methodology of the ancient fencing school."

• Mid-Atlantic Society for Historic Swordsmanship - "a group of dedicated enthusiasts and practitioners who come together to study, analyze, and practice Historical European Swordsmanship and Western Martial Arts."

Personal pages

• Video Di Grasse - "A Video-Enhanced Rapier Tutorial"
  

• Sword Play - "...descriptions of fencing methods, including techniques, tactics and strategy for both inexperienced and experienced fencers. In addition, you will find recent historical information about some U.S. fencers and fencing masters."

Living History & Re-enactors

• Les Compagnons du Grand Veneur - "Fighters and actors from the Association of Artistic and Theatrical Fencing."

• Brotherhood of Eagles' Nests - "Our aim is to recreate the living in 1320-1380 period on one of the Polish castles. This involves martial arts, dancing, feasting and other period activities. In fulfilling this aim we organise trainings, cultural meetings, festivities, seminars and shows."

Fencing Studios

• Order of the Seven Hearts - "The Order of the Seven Hearts’ mission is to research, analyze, practice and teach the fencing and dueling arts of the Italian Renaissance. Our main emphasis is on the work and style of the incomparable rapier Master Salvator Fabris (1544-1618). Under the guidance of Tom Leoni, a long-time researcher of Fabris’ 1606 treatise Scienza d’Arme, we strive to rediscover and practice the lost art of the Italian rapier as faithfully to the original as possible. We also research and practice other types of Italian swordsmanship, such as the flamboyant Bolognese cut and thrust style of the 1500’s." (Alexandria, VA) [Tom Leoni, Steven Reich]

• Stoccata School of Defence - "dedicated to the study of European swordsmanship using replicas of historic weapons, and techniques drawn from manuals of the period. We conduct regular classes in rapier and sword, including the use of companion weapons." (Sydney, Australia) [Andrew Brew, Stephen Hand, and Peter Radvan]

• Martinez Academy of Arms - "a unique school that preserves the tradition of fencing as the study of the sword in its realistic application in personal combat." (New York) [Ramón Martínez, Maestro de Armas]

• San Jose State University Fencing Master's Program - "the only university program in the United States that offers professional training and certification for fencing teachers." (San Jose, CA) [Dr. William Gaugler, Maestro di Scherma]

• Classical Fencing - "Dedicated to preserving and promoting in classical fencing and historical swordplay, the true art, science and spirit of the sword." (Ithaca, NY) [Adam Adrian Crown, Maitre d'Armes]

• La Spada Nimica - "a fencing school for both competitive and recreational fencers. Pedagogy, theory, and technique governing instruction are Italian. The school is operated by a professionally trained, fully certified fencing master." (Marin County, California) [Frank Lurz, Maestro di Scherma]

• Classical Fencing Society - Fencing instruction in St. Louis, MO and Milwaukee, WI in the tradition of the great European salles. Emphasis on technical training and form.

• USFA Coaches College - "The USFA Coaches College is a three week long instructional program housed at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado."

Stage Combat Studios

• The Bankeside Schole of Defense - "an historical stage combat school, located in Southern California, that is dedicated to the study of European swordsmanship with an emphasis on Italian 16th century rapier fighting."

• Blackfriars' Journal - "On-Line Journal for Stage-Combat and Historical Swordfighting" (California)

• TTG - School of Stage Combat - "The Thrown Gauntlet has directed fight and battle sequences for film, theatre and opera throughout The United States in addition to lecturing and giving workshops for many theater festivals and conventions. The *TTG* offers the finest, most comprehensive stage combat training school in Southern California."