Rubber Band Guns (RBGs)

Rubber Band guns is one of the least common off hand weapons that we use. They are exactly what you think of, except scaled up a bit. We use surgical tubing for the bullets. They make a fun change to scenarios that allow them, and require different tactics to try and overcome the weapon. Points … Read More

Spears

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Case

Case is how we describe fighting with a pair of swords. It gets that name because often duelists back in the day would have a “case” with two identical swords inside so that everything was fair when you’d have a duel of honor. Just because you are holding a sword in each hand doesn’t mean … Read More

Long Sword

A long sword is a sword with it’s length at or above 40 inches. This gives you a significant advantage at range. Though they tend to be heavier, and harder to wield, especially in close quarters. They are very beneficial on the battlefield especially in line fights, or wall of swords, and even kill pockets. … Read More

Cloak

The “Cloak” is a large swath of weighted fabric used as a defensive side. They slow your opponent’s weapon down by enveloping it and surrounding it, making it difficult to move. They are not solid, so they can’t stop a thrust, but they can move incoming blades offline. No matter their size, they cover a … Read More

Buckler

Bucklers can be found in any shape, but are typically a modest small-medium size. A strong handle in the back is the key to good grip and control of this defensive side. While bulkier than most other equipment, it can provide a large amount of defense when wielded properly. Consider it a big off-hand. You … Read More

Dagger

Oh, the dagger. One of the most popular and effective side weapons in a fencer’s arsenal. The dagger, historically termed the “main gauche” which means “left hand” in French, is an offensive side which means it can kill as well as defend. That said, as you learn to incorporate the dagger into your fencing, keep … Read More

Death From Behind (DFB)

Even though running something through the back with our sword would be historically accurate, it is not something you’ll see out on the field. But that doesn’t mean you can kill someone from behind during a melee. You just have to go about it slightly differently. As you learn the proper procedure of performing a … Read More

Draw & Tip Cuts

The design of the rapier lends itself to stabs and punctures. We kill our opponents primarily with the tip of our blades pointing in. But with any sharp-edged sword, they can also cut. Draw & Tip Cuts presents how cuts work for a rapier specifically, and what is allowed or not allowed when using this … Read More

Block/Attack Combos

Being able to block and immediately go into an attack is a great way to kill your opponent, or stop their attacks against you. Every one of our 8 basic blocks has a return attack that can be used. Though block attacks combos do require more control than just a normal block. You need to … Read More

Basic Offhand

Just because you have a sword in one hand, doesn’t mean the other hand is useless. Your offhand is actually one of the most useful tools at your disposal. For consistency’s sake, your offhand will always refer to your non-dominant hand whether it’s holding something or not. Learning to use your offhand is a critical … Read More

Preparing to Be a Swordsman

Throughout the course of your training journey, work with multiple officers and trusted Swordsmen to help prepare you in becoming a Swordsman. Don’t be afraid to take this lesson multiple times. Things to understand Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Tellus in … Read More

Basics of Command

Taking command of a team or a squad is an important role in any Melee. The entire team follows your lead on how to tackle the challenge or scenario placed before them. That leadership requires a more advanced familiarity with how Melees work, the members of your team, and a grasp of potential tactics and … Read More

Theory of Melee

Melees are very different from dueling. The primary difference between duels and melees is in the need to expand your focus. In single combat, you’re able to focus nearly all of your attention on your opponent. In a melee, however, this focus must be divided between multiple opponents, maintaining position within the unit, following orders, … Read More

Range & Placement

Your Range is the maximum distance at which you are able to strike your opponent. Your Placement is where you are in relation to your opponent. Each concept has an impact on your fencing because it can determine available opportunities and how you might go about the fight. It is also, potentially, one of the … Read More