Beginner Courses – For students who hold the rank of RECRUIT
Cut and Thrust – Beginner
Cut-and-thrust fencing is a classic renaissance style of fencing evolving from the classic medieval arming sword/sword and shield style of fighting. As the name suggests it consists of various cuts and thrusts as strikes on an opponent.
Long Sword – Beginner
The longsword style of fencing was popularized in the German states and later was used throughout Europe. The Longsword (contrary to media and popular belief) is a two-handed sword often seen as somewhere in between a normal greatsword and an Arming Sword.
Sword and Shield – Beginner
Sword and Shield (also known as Arming Sword) was the typical fighting style since the sword was first invented for warfare and remained so until shields began to be phased out and the Side Sword with Cut-and-Thrust fencing was developed in place of the Arming Sword (Bronze Age-Late 15th Century).
Intermediate Courses – For students who hold the rank of PAGE
Cut and Thrust – Intermediate
In the beginner course you learned the typical guard for cut-and-thrust. There are four other guards that can be used in cut-and-thrust when fencing, which changes how one defends and attacks.
Long Sword – Intermediate
With five basic guards, there are five advanced guards to longsword: Inside, Close, Short, Long, and Side. With inside guard, the sword is typically perpendicular to the chest although the blade can be raised towards the head, or lowered towards the hip with hilt close and blade pointed out, flat to the ground, often times the tip pointed towards the opponent’s head.
Sword and Shield – Intermediate
Once the basics are learned, fighters have a tendency to slip into the bad habit of being too relaxed when fighting. This will cause bad posture and positioning which in turn causes bad reaction time and poor attack positions (see figures).
Advanced Courses – For students who hold the rank of Lancepesade
Cut and Thrust – Advanced
Counter-attacks are used after a successful parry. While most fencers starting out will parry and return or attack and return, a skilled fencer will counter after parrying.
Long Sword – Advanced
The murder stroke or Mordhau, as it is commonly referred to by historians and some modern swordsmen, was a German technique designed to combat armored opponents. The murder stroke is conducted by flipping the sword around, gripping the blade, and using the hilt as a blunt weapon similar to a warhammer or mace.
Sword and Shield – Advanced
In Sword and Shield fencing, feinting is a method used to catch your opponent off guard allowing for an opening. A beginning fighter might continuously use feints in his or her fighting but after a time, feinting will become pattern and your opponent will catch on and attack when you feint.
