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Classes
Classes Listed by Class Title
Advanced Rapier and Dagger by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS and HL Giacomo Cavalli
A hands-on class on sword and dagger work for the advanced fighter. Students should be armoured, and bring a rapier & dagger.
Andreas Capellanus' "A Treatise on Courtly Love" by Maitre Wallace le Casse', OP DWS
A discourse upon "A Treatise on Courtly Love" by Andreas Capellanus. A number of other period works and poems will be included regarding the overall topic of courtly love and social behavior, and how it applies (or can be applied) to social interactions within the SCA.
Arbeau Dance Sampler by HE Master Niccolo Gianfigliazzi Genovese, OP DWS
Workshop on social dances from Renaissance France. This class will cover pavane, coranto, galliard, and a variety of bransles. All dances are suitable for beginners, with the activity level ranging from easy to vigorous, depending on the dance. There will be a free handout.
Beading for a 1630's Belt Pouch: Introduction to Right Angle Weave by Lady Gwendolen Wold
This will be a hands on class teaching the basics of right angle weave, using glass seed beads. There will be a $3 fee to cover materials and handout.
Beginning Rapier & Dagger by Tivar Moondragon
Exactly what the title implies -- an introduction to the use of rapier and dagger in SCA rapier combat. Students should bring armour, a sword, and a dagger.
Blackwork for Beginners by Sybil de Warene
This is a hands-on class in blackwork embroidery, suitable for anyone who has an interest. We will be making a blackworked handkerchief, and all materials will be provided. Please bring an embroidery hoop, if you have one.
Blade Flexibility and Testing and the Metallurgy That Makes the Blade Work by Provost Master Malcolm the Scot, OL DWS CSP CFS CES PML
Basic metallurgy sufficient for the student to understand why a blade has memory and toughness - or some possible reasons why it doesn't. What are the different types of heat treating and how they affect the blade. We will discuss blade flexibility and various ways to measure that flexibility. The strengths and weaknesses of each way will be explored. This class is especially recommended for rapier marshalls. There will be a $1.00 charge for the handout. Blade flexibility testers will also be available for purchase at cost of materials - approx. $10.00.
Blow Calling with "the Machine" by Tivar Moondragon
This is a demonstration of what happens when a sharp blade hits skin, and how much force is required to penetrate. Straight thrusts, glancing blows, chops, and draw cuts will be shown. Students will be allowed to participate.
Camillo Agrippa's "Trattato di Scienza d'Arme" by HL Senan O'Faolan, DWS
A brief overview of Agrippa's guards and technique. Students should come armed and armoured.
Case of Rapier from DiGrassi by Baron AElfred of Chester
This class will lead the student through the use of Case of Rapiers as outlined by DiGrassi. Students should bring armour and a case of rapiers.
Courtesy and Grace of a Fighter by Maestro Don Diego de Marulanda
This is a class for both fighter and non-fighter alike. It will enlighten the student with the traditions and courtesies during tournaments, at Court, and throughout the SCA
Creating a Curriculum by Lord Phillip Bell
Discussion of how to create a curriculum to teach rapier activity in the SCA. After a brief lecture and discussion period we will create drills to teach several SCA rapier skill sets, thus demonstrating how to create a drill to teach specific skills. Afterwards, we'll discuss how to format drills into a concrete curriculum. Students should bring armour and a sword.
Cutting to the Chase: Period Style Edge Work for SCA Rapier by Don Christian de Launey
A study of draw, push, and tip cuts and the strategy behind making them work. This class is appropriate for mid-level fighters and above. Students should bring armour & weapons.
Dances From the Inns of Court / Old Measures by HE Master Niccolo Gianfigliazzi Genovese, OP DWS
Workshop on easy social dances from Elizabethan England. No prior knowledge or experience needed. Free handout included.
Do's and Don'ts of SCA Flirting, 101 by Lady Rivka Vladimirovna Rivkina and Don Carrick
This will be a "roundtable" type discussion of flirting in the SCA, with hands-on demonstration and practice. Specific topics will include introductions, bows, hand-kissing, and cloven fruits. This class will focus on propriety and avoiding faux-pas, as well as having more fun. As audience participation is a must, the course of the class will likely veer off into other tangents of interest to those present.
Documentary Evidence on the Use of Weapons Within the SCA and Their Injuries: Results, Trends, and Myths by Maitre Wallace le Casse', OP DWS
A presentation of the data collected from the last 4 years worth of surveys conducted within the Kingdom of Atenveldt and her surrounding neighbore re. the injury and failure/breakage characteristics of the weapons used in SCA rapier.
Duelists at Large, or Rapier for the Rotund by HE Master Niccolo Gianfigliazzi Genovese, OP DWS
Discussion of technique, equipment, and the mental game for unusually large rapierists. Students who have gear or armour adapted for use by the particularly large are invited to bring it & share their "tricks of the trade"
Elizabethan Celtic Costuming by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS
What did the Irish and Scots wear during the Elizabethan period? Was the kilt actually period?
Elizabethan Fencing Masters by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS
Who were the premiere fencing masters of the Elizabethan period, and what did they have to say?
Equipment Safety Inspections by Lord Phillip Bell
How to inspect equipment to ensure that it is safe. Much discussion on how to maintain and teas masks, textiles, leather, and blades. Students should bring their own equipment to test, and are especially encouraged to bring "questionable" pieces.
Experimental Weapons Show and Tell by Maitre Wallace le Casse' and HL Selene O'Malley
This is an open "show and tell" forum for any and all experimental weapons, defensive devices, etc. which the twisted minds of the Known World rapier community can conceive. Please bring physical examples and any paperwork / documentation you can regarding period applicability, construction, field tests, etc.
Glove Affair: Making Gloves by THL Jorunn nic Lochlainn
How to measure one's own hand to make a period pattern for late period gloves, including how to lay the pattern out on leather. Covers the different types of leathers that can be used, the stitches used for sewing them together, and how to make them proper for fighting. Video will be shown of a pair of Queen Elizabeth's gloves. This will be a hands-on class, and you do not need to bring anything. A donation of $2.00 to cover materials is requested, but not required.
Flambouyant Fights and Good Deaths by Lord Malise Athelstan Mackendry
The goal of this class is to establish a working knowledge of dying on the field of combat, with an emphasis on safety, and also to develop a mindset of showmanship for the tourney field. The only prerequisite is the ability to fall down, and you should bring a sword, but armour is not necessary.
History of Rapier in the SCA by Tivar Moondragon
An overview of rapier fighting in the SCA from the First Tournament to the present, by someone who was there for much of it.
History of the Rapier Hilt by Provost Master Malcolm the Scot, LO DWS CSP CFS CES PML
Discusses the development of the rapier hilt from the late fifteenth century through the development of the small sword. There will be a $1.00 charge for the handout.
How to Learn the Noble Science of Defence When You Don't Have Enough Equipment to Go Around by Baron AElfred of Chester
This class is aimed at both the beginning student and the marshal / teacher who does not have enough loaner gear to go around. Basic footwork and distance drills will be emphasized.
Marozzo Technique by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS
This class will introduce the student to the early rapier style of Achille Marozzo, stressing the techniques for rapier & buckler. Terminology and technique will be covered, with a section on how it may be utilized in SCA rapier and armoured combat. Please come geared up to fight.
Melee Tactics for the Beginning / Intermediate Fighter by Don Vilhelm Silberhammer, DWS
This class will involve first a classroom discussion on melee tactics as they apply to SCA style combat, then a hands-on section involving mostly slow work through what was previously discussed.
Men's Elizabethan Costuming for Armour by Don Carrick
This will be a practicum class discussing the general attributes of men's garb from about 1550-1600. Participants will then make a basic pattern to their measurements, for use in patterning their own garb. Details of adjustments needed for a period look and armor quality will be discussed. Students should bring- 2 ½ yards cotton muslin, 45" wide (3 yards if particularly large), small spool of thread, scissors, a pen, and a handful of safety pins. A limited number of sewing machines will be available, but if you can bring one, please do.
Non-Armour Looking Armour by THL Aldgytha of Ashwood and Lord Thomas Dudley
Maintaining appearance of your garb when modifying for use as rapier armor. Main discussion points will include: Good fabric types to make armor from; Armouring trouble areas; Layering - it's not just a good idea, it's your friend; Why you should wear an Elizabethan doublet when your persona is a 12th Century Moor (NOT!!).
Offline Motion in Defense and Offense by Monsesigneur Yvon-Maurice Charon
This class will begin by covering the basic body evasions, techniques by which you defend yourself by moving out of the way of an incoming attack, and how to combine these with parries and ripostes or couterattacks. We will then explore how to use these fundamental concepts and methods to initiate action in offline motion, i.e. passing or "passado" attacks.
On-Field Marshalling by Tivar Moondragon
The basics of how to start, run, and stop a bout. What to look for, when to call hold, how to deal with problems, etc. If you have a marshalling pole, we would appreciate it if you could bring it, but it is not required.
Period Chess by HL James of Penmore
This is a class into all known period chess forms that were played in Europe and the history of chess outside Europe, that preceded European Chess. There will be a $2.00 charge for this class, and students are encouraged to bring a chess board if they have one available.
Rapier and Shield Practicum by Maestro Artimis de Montessori
A combination lecture and hands-on course designed for intermediate fighters wishing to improve their rapier and shield technique by utilizing 15th Century texts. Several historically-based examples of shields and bucklers will be available for trial during the course. Please come outfitted to fight. There will be a $3.00 charge for this class.
Refining Off-Hand Weapons for Mid-Level Fighters by Don Christian de Launey
A practicum on how to integrate one's off-hand weapon into the core of the fight. Please come in full fighting gear, with weapons, particularly a variety of off-hand weapons.
SCA Combat Archetypes by Maestro Artimis de Montessori
A lecture / discussion course designed to understand the sociological role models that SCA fighters base their on-field behaviors and patterns on. Warning: This class will affect how you view SCA Combat and your fellow fighters. If you are comfortable with your current world view, avoid taking this course, and be content. Come prepared to discuss and also to take a self-evaluation exam to assist you in determining who you are on the field. The only prerequisites are an open mind, and some actual SCA combat experience. Please bring note-taking materials. There will be a $1.00 charge.
Techniques of Dagger Fighting by Maistreas Dona Deborah Inis Glas
This is a class structured for those students of Fence who have been introduced to the basics for the use of the dagger, and wish to further their techniques in the use of the single dagger. Please come armed & armoured.
Ten Lessons on the Mystic Circle by HL Albion Robynsson
"Cool, calm, and graceful, they pace elegantly through their duels as though treading a solemn measure of the Dance of Death". This will be a beginner's introduction to the style. First lessons in the Mystic Circle School will be presented, as recorded by Girard Thibault in 1623. Armoured students will be able to try it out for themselves, but observers are also welcome. For those participating, "Long" swords are required to get the complete effect.
"The Book of the Courtier", or a Period Manual for the Making of a Perfect Peer by Maitre Wallace le Casse', OP DWS
A discourse on "The Book of the Courtier" by Baldesar Castiglione. Most especially upon the application of his work to our modern SCA recreations. Ever wondered what it takes to be a Peer? Read Corpora. Ever wondered what a Peer really is and how to behave like one? Read this book.
The Mystic Circle, its Generation and Metaphysical Application by HL Albion Robynsson
The most arcane of swordplay styles, the Mystic Circle was an attempt to apply metaphysics and geometry to the Arte of Defense. It was sstudied by the Spanish in the 16th Century, and later traveled to France. In this class we will draw out the Circle. It will be shown how the body was supposed to be represented on the circle, and some of the geometry that was applied to the circle.
Using the Off-Hand by HL Giacomo Cavalli da Treviso, DWS
This class is a practicum covering effective positioning of the open hand and usage for making parries/redirections, blade grasping, controlling through leverage, and parry transfers into offline attacks. Please bring swords and gear.
Women's Issues Forum by Dona Selene O'Malley, Don Dore, and Don Tivar Moondragon
This will be a panel discussion, open question and answer session covering all aspects of women in combat. This class is not limited to women only, and we encourage those who train and/or fight with women to attend.
Classes listed by Instructor's Name
How to Learn the Noble Science of Defence When You Don't Have Enough Equipment to Go Around by Baron AElfred of Chester
This class is aimed at both the beginning student and the marshal / teacher who does not have enough loaner gear to go around. Basic footwork and distance drills will be emphasized.
Case of Rapier from DiGrassi by Baron AElfred of Chester
This class will lead the student through the use of Case of Rapiers as outlined by DiGrassi. Students should bring armour and a case of rapiers.
Ten Lessons on the Mystic Circle by HL Albion Robynsson
"Cool, calm, and graceful, they pace elegantly through their duels as though treading a solemn measure of the Dance of Death". This will be a beginner's introduction to the style. First lessons in the Mystic Circle School will be presented, as recorded by Girard Thibault in 1623. Armoured students will be able to try it out for themselves, but observers are also welcome. For those participating, "Long" swords are required to get the complete effect.
The Mystic Circle, its Generation and Metaphysical Application by HL Albion Robynsson
The most arcane of swordplay styles, the Mystic Circle was an attempt to apply metaphysics and geometry to the Arte of Defense. It was sstudied by the Spanish in the 16th Century, and later traveled to France. In this class we will draw out the Circle. It will be shown how the body was supposed to be represented on the circle, and some of the geometry that was applied to the circle.
Non-Armour Looking Armour by THL Aldgytha of Ashwood and Lord Thomas Dudley
Maintaining appearance of your garb when modifying for use as rapier armor. Main discussion points will include: Good fabric types to make armor from; Armouring trouble areas; Layering - it's not just a good idea, it's your friend; Why you should wear an Elizabethan doublet when your persona is a 12th Century Moor (NOT!!).
Rapier and Shield Practicum by Maestro Artimis de Montessori
A combination lecture and hands-on course designed for intermediate fighters wishing to improve their rapier and shield technique by utilizing 15th Century texts. Several historically-based examples of shields and bucklers will be available for trial during the course. Please come outfitted to fight. There will be a $3.00 charge for this class.
SCA Combat Archetypes by Maestro Artimis de Montessori
A lecture / discussion course designed to understand the sociological role models that SCA fighters base their on-field behaviors and patterns on. Warning: This class will affect how you view SCA Combat and your fellow fighters. If you are comfortable with your current world view, avoid taking this course, and be content. Come prepared to discuss and also to take a self-evaluation exam to assist you in determining who you are on the field. The only prerequisites are an open mind, and some actual SCA combat experience. Please bring note-taking materials. There will be a $1.00 charge.
Men's Elizabethan Costuming for Armour by Don Carrick
This will be a practicum class discussing the general attributes of men's garb from about 1550-1600. Participants will then make a basic pattern to their measurements, for use in patterning their own garb. Details of adjustments needed for a period look and armor quality will be discussed. Students should bring- 2 ½ yards cotton muslin, 45" wide (3 yards if particularly large), small spool of thread, scissors, a pen, and a handful of safety pins. A limited number of sewing machines will be available, but if you can bring one, please do.
Refining Off-Hand Weapons for Mid-Level Fighters by Don Christian de Launey
A practicum on how to integrate one's off-hand weapon into the core of the fight. Please come in full fighting gear, with weapons, particularly a variety of off-hand weapons.
Cutting to the Chase: Period Style Edge Work for SCA Rapier by Don Christian de Launey
A study of draw, push, and tip cuts and the strategy behind making them work. This class is appropriate for mid-level fighters and above. Students should bring armour & weapons.
Techniques of Dagger Fighting by Maistreas Dona Deborah Inis Glas
This is a class structured for those students of Fence who have been introduced to the basics for the use of the dagger, and wish to further their techniques in the use of the single dagger. Please come armed & armoured.
Courtesy and Grace of a Fighter by Maestro Don Diego de Marulanda
This is a class for both fighter and non-fighter alike. It will enlighten the student with the traditions and courtesies during tournaments, at Court, and throughout the SCA
Using the Off-Hand by HL Giacomo Cavalli da Treviso, DWS
This class is a practicum covering effective positioning of the open hand and usage for making parries/redirections, blade grasping, controlling through leverage, and parry transfers into offline attacks. Please bring swords and gear.
Beading for a 1630's Belt Pouch: Introduction to Right Angle Weave by Lady Gwendolen Wold
This will be a hands on class teaching the basics of right angle weave, using glass seed beads. There will be a $3 fee to cover materials and handout.
Advanced Rapier and Dagger by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS and HL Giacomo Cavalli
A hands-on class on sword and dagger work for the advanced fighter. Students should be armoured, and bring a rapier & dagger.
Marozzo Technique by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS
This class will introduce the student to the early rapier style of Achille Marozzo, stressing the techniques for rapier & buckler. Terminology and technique will be covered, with a section on how it may be utilized in SCA rapier and armoured combat. Please come geared up to fight.
Elizabethan Celtic Costuming by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS
What did the Irish and Scots wear during the Elizabethan period? Was the kilt actually period?
Elizabethan Fencing Masters by HE Meistr Gwylym ab Owain, OL OP DWS
Who were the premiere fencing masters of the Elizabethan period, and what did they have to say?
Period Chess by HL James of Penmore
This is a class into all known period chess forms that were played in Europe and the history of chess outside Europe, that preceded European Chess. There will be a $2.00 charge for this class, and students are encouraged to bring a chess board if they have one available.
Glove Affair: Making Gloves by THL Jorunn nic Lochlainn
How to measure one's own hand to make a period pattern for late period gloves, including how to lay the pattern out on leather. Covers the different types of leathers that can be used, the stitches used for sewing them together, and how to make them proper for fighting. Video will be shown of a pair of Queen Elizabeth's gloves. This will be a hands-on class, and you do not need to bring anything. A donation of $2.00 to cover materials is requested, but not required.
Blade Flexibility and Testing and the Metallurgy That Makes the Blade Work by Provost Master Malcolm the Scot, OL DWS CSP CFS CES PML
Basic metallurgy sufficient for the student to understand why a blade has memory and toughness - or some possible reasons why it doesn't. What are the different types of heat treating and how they affect the blade. We will discuss blade flexibility and various ways to measure that flexibility. The strengths and weaknesses of each way will be explored. This class is especially recommended for rapier marshalls. There will be a $1.00 charge for the handout. Blade flexibility testers will also be available for purchase at cost of materials - approx. $10.00.
History of the Rapier Hilt by Provost Master Malcolm the Scot, LO DWS CSP CFS CES PML
Discusses the development of the rapier hilt from the late fifteenth century through the development of the small sword. There will be a $1.00 charge for the handout.
Flambouyant Fights and Good Deaths by Lord Malise Athelstan Mackendry
The goal of this class is to establish a working knowledge of dying on the field of combat, with an emphasis on safety, and also to develop a mindset of showmanship for the tourney field. The only prerequisite is the ability to fall down, and you should bring a sword, but armour is not necessary.
Arbeau Dance Sampler by HE Master Niccolo Gianfigliazzi Genovese, OP DWS
Workshop on social dances from Renaissance France. This class will cover pavane, coranto, galliard, and a variety of bransles. All dances are suitable for beginners, with the activity level ranging from easy to vigorous, depending on the dance. There will be a free handout.
Duelists at Large, or Rapier for the Rotund by HE Master Niccolo Gianfigliazzi Genovese, OP DWS
Discussion of technique, equipment, and the mental game for unusually large rapierists. Students who have gear or armour adapted for use by the particularly large are invited to bring it & share their "tricks of the trade"
Dances From the Inns of Court / Old Measures by HE Master Niccolo Gianfigliazzi Genovese, OP DWS
Workshop on easy social dances from Elizabethan England. No prior knowledge or experience needed. Free handout included.
Equipment Safety Inspections by Lord Phillip Bell
How to inspect equipment to ensure that it is safe. Much discussion on how to maintain and teas masks, textiles, leather, and blades. Students should bring their own equipment to test, and are especially encouraged to bring "questionable" pieces.
Creating a Curriculum by Lord Phillip Bell
Discussion of how to create a curriculum to teach rapier activity in the SCA. After a brief lecture and discussion period we will create drills to teach several SCA rapier skill sets, thus demonstrating how to create a drill to teach specific skills. Afterwards, we'll discuss how to format drills into a concrete curriculum. Students should bring armour and a sword.
Do's and Don'ts of SCA Flirting, 101 by Lady Rivka Vladimirovna Rivkina and Don Carrick
This will be a "roundtable" type discussion of flirting in the SCA, with hands-on demonstration and practice. Specific topics will include introductions, bows, hand-kissing, and cloven fruits. This class will focus on propriety and avoiding faux-pas, as well as having more fun. As audience participation is a must, the course of the class will likely veer off into other tangents of interest to those present.
Women's Issues Forum by Dona Selene O'Malley, Don Dore, and Don Tivar Moondragon
This will be a panel discussion, open question and answer session covering all aspects of women in combat. This class is not limited to women only, and we encourage those who train and/or fight with women to attend.
Camillo Agrippa's "Trattato di Scienza d'Arme" by HL Senan O'Faolan, DWS
A brief overview of Agrippa's guards and technique. Students should come armed and armoured.
Blackwork for Beginners by Sybil de Warene
This is a hands-on class in blackwork embroidery, suitable for anyone who has an interest. We will be making a blackworked handkerchief, and all materials will be provided. Please bring an embroidery hoop, if you have one.
History of Rapier in the SCA by Tivar Moondragon
An overview of rapier fighting in the SCA from the First Tournament to the present, by someone who was there for much of it.
Beginning Rapier & Dagger by Tivar Moondragon
Exactly what the title implies -- an introduction to the use of rapier and dagger in SCA rapier combat. Students should bring armour, a sword, and a dagger.
Blow Calling with "the Machine" by Tivar Moondragon
This is a demonstration of what happens when a sharp blade hits skin, and how much force is required to penetrate. Straight thrusts, glancing blows, chops, and draw cuts will be shown. Students will be allowed to participate.
On-Field Marshalling by Tivar Moondragon
The basics of how to start, run, and stop a bout. What to look for, when to call hold, how to deal with problems, etc. If you have a marshalling pole, we would appreciate it if you could bring it, but it is not required.
Melee Tactics for the Beginning / Intermediate Fighter by Don Vilhelm Silberhammer, DWS
This class will involve first a classroom discussion on melee tactics as they apply to SCA style combat, then a hands-on section involving mostly slow work through what was previously discussed.
Experimental Weapons Show and Tell by Maitre Wallace le Casse' and HL Selene O'Malley
This is an open "show and tell" forum for any and all experimental weapons, defensive devices, etc. which the twisted minds of the Known World rapier community can conceive. Please bring physical examples and any paperwork / documentation you can regarding period applicability, construction, field tests, etc.
"The Book of the Courtier", or a Period Manual for the Making of a Perfect Peer by Maitre Wallace le Casse', OP DWS
A discourse on "The Book of the Courtier" by Baldesar Castiglione. Most especially upon the application of his work to our modern SCA recreations. Ever wondered what it takes to be a Peer? Read Corpora. Ever wondered what a Peer really is and how to behave like one? Read this book.
Andreas Capellanus' "A Treatise on Courtly Love" by Maitre Wallace le Casse', OP DWS
A discourse upon "A Treatise on Courtly Love" by Andreas Capellanus. A number of other period works and poems will be included regarding the overall topic of courtly love and social behavior, and how it applies (or can be applied) to social interactions within the SCA.
Documentary Evidence on the Use of Weapons Within the SCA and Their Injuries: Results, Trends, and Myths by Maitre Wallace le Casse', OP DWS
A presentation of the data collected from the last 4 years worth of surveys conducted within the Kingdom of Atenveldt and her surrounding neighbore re. the injury and failure/breakage characteristics of the weapons used in SCA rapier.
Offline Motion in Defense and Offense by Monsesigneur Yvon-Maurice Charon
This class will begin by covering the basic body evasions, techniques by which you defend yourself by moving out of the way of an incoming attack, and how to combine these with parries and ripostes or couterattacks. We will then explore how to use these fundamental concepts and methods to initiate action in offline motion, i.e. passing or "passado" attacks.