Fencing
I've been fencing since I was fourteen years old and am now in my thirties with my own 'class' of fencers. The term fencing can be rather misleading since there are so many types. Sport fencing is what one might see in the Olympics, Classical Fencing tends to focus on traditional methods of fencing that were popular in the duels of the 18th and 19th century, and Historical Fencing tries to recreate the styles and methods of the Spanish and Italian masters of the 15th, 16th and 17th century. If that wasn't complicated enough there are sub-branches of each of these. The Society of Creatve Anachronisms (SCA) for example engages in what might be considered Historical Fencing (though other Historic Fencers will vehemently deny it!).
What I have been doing falls in the realm of Historical Fencing. I am more realistic than re-creation organizations, but less interested in sticking rigidly with ancient Italian texts as other groups do. For those interested in fencing, be prepared to face scorn no matter what method you choose. Every organization is convinced it is the best: naturally!
Loyal Order of the Sword
The name of the organization I was trained under is Loyal Order of the Sword. The group is based around a single instructor and was originally a part of the re-creation society known as the Adrian Empire. Our instructor, Greg 'Gydion' Hinchcliff, did not fit in with this organization whose interest in sword play was limited and only part of a greater interest in re-enacting other aspects of the Renaissance. Greg seperated from the Adrian Empire, forming the Loyal Order of the Sword. He calls it a duelling society, where as I call it a Western Martial Art, and others may label it as Historical Fencing or simply sword fighting. (See the link below for further explanation).
The Loyal Order of the Sword seeks to teach sword fighting with the rapier. Two things limit us in our pursuit.
First, in the name of safety we wear protective gear. Less than many other organizations, but we still wear some. Wearing this gear breaks from what a 'real' situation would be like. Duels and combat between men with rapiers were not fought with elbowpads and three-weapon-fencing masks for instance. Safety also sets rules upon us. In a real fight, a man might kick another in the groin, or bash the pommel of his weapon into his opponent's face, or try to stangle him. In the Loyal Order of the Sword we do allow 'rough play', but we can't condone actually murdering one's opponent. Again, for safety reasons rubber tips are placed on the ends of our swords. This alters the weight and feel of a blade. It moves noticeably different and is another limit we must endure.
Second, the tools at hand do not match their historic counterparts. Historically, rapiers had blade lengths trending around 45 inches. Historically blades were incredibly rigid (they don't wobble just by picking them up) and were pointed. Some had an edge, others had none at all.
Balanced to the hand of the fighter, they were masterful and beautiful weapons. Today; finding fighting blades that matches the historical ones is not easy. In the interests of sound economics our organization uses a variety of blades ranging from rigid, realistic, cut and thrust rapiers by Darkwood Armory, to the ubiquitous Paul Chen practice rapiers. All of these weapons have drawbacks. Heavy cut and thrust rapiers from Darkwood are fantasitic, but they aren't cheap. They also tend to beat up the inferior blades. The Paul Chen blades are ideal for arming our organization, but their weak metal, flex and smaller blade lengths make them very different than what would have been historically used. (They tend to perform more like a sport sword than a historic rapier).
When looking at the variety of fencing organizations I remind people that what sets them apart are rules and tools. All organizations have rules, for safety reasons and ideology and tools, based on what is affordable and available. These two factors alter how the many organizations fence. Someone using an epee in historical fencing, with the right of way rule in effect, will be very good at what he does. He may not do so well against someone who uses a schlagger blade and allows grappling, and that same fighter would probably be disqualified if he brought his skills to bear in sport fencing.
Use my contact information if you live in the Phoenix area and are interested in the Loyal Order of the Sword. Our meeting schedule is sporadic but constant and we are open to all new fighters; we will also let you borrow equipment while you practice! We have plenty of swords and helmets. You do need a few things if you plan to show up!
1. Black sweater or T-Shirt (I also advise elbowpads)
2. Black long pants.
3. Gloves. Surprisingly enough, most any type will do but the sturdier the better, so long as you can still easily grip things.
4. Men. Wear a cup.
5. Women. Wear some form of chest protection.
6. Common Sense. Every group is different so bear with!
If I am there I try to train new people in the basics and have on this website some tips and hints to help people along. I do have my own 'class', but is reserved for High School Students from where I work (the practice is exceedingly gentle). Because they are underage I won't post anymore information about them. Consider them Loyal Order recruits in training! If you live in the Phoenix area and want a private lesson (for yourself or a small group), feel free to contact me.
My rates are $0.00 an hour. Can't beat that. I focus on history, basic fundamentals of historic fencing and the core basics of Spanish and Italian fencing. I can also show you where to get more in depth information on these two schools if you already are experienced.
Loyal Order of the Sword My Space
What is Loyal Order of the Sword, exactly?
Matt (left) and Greg (right)
Historic and Other Methods
Below are links to the historical methods of sword fighting as well as 'Gydion's' techniques. While other organizations are based entirely on historic text, the Loyal Order of the Sword sees fencing as a Western Martial Art that is continually evolving, incorperating many ideas, from many schools to fit the vast array of fighters. Not all people are built the same, therefore not all fighters will fight the same.