The New Year is well under way and we are back into our routine here at the centre. All the usual archery, sword fighting and blacksmithing goings on as well as private tuition and party bookings. Read on to see what is happening at the Vanguard in February.
Archery
Archery is still one of our most popular activities here at the centre. We have regular scheduled sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All sessions provide full instruction for anyone new to the sport, as well as all the equipment needed. There are a maximum of 10 spaces available at each 90 minute session. We have a good mix of archers from young and old, complete newbies and seasoned archers.
Get yourself booked in to one of our sessions through our online booking system. You can book your slot here.
Blacksmithing
As always, Paul the blacksmith is available to teach you how to manipulate metal into something different. We have a variety of different forging workshops available. Take a look here to see which of out forging sessions you would like to do. If you would like to book a session, you can contact us to arrange a date that suits your schedule.
We will be adding some new forging workshops soon, so keep your eyes peeled to see what Paul has in store for you all.
Scottish Fighting Arts
The Scottish Fighting Arts classes at 8 o’Clock on Tuesday nights takes a different weapon for study each month, and in March we have chosen to explore the sword and buckler.
This flexible combination of one handed straight sword and small shield (typically between 15cm and 30cm) was commonly used for self defence and dueling in the medieval period and beyond, and was known to be popular with the aristocracy of Scotland after an education on the continent.
The buckler was also a common sight in the raiding parties of the border reivers in the 17th and 18th centuries. In these sessions we will be learning the medieval German method shown in manuscript known as 1.33 or Tower Fechtbuch, which shares a lot of concepts with later German fighting traditions, but with some changes in tactics to make use of the shield, and some very fancy footwork! Scottish Fighting Arts (buckler), Tuesday nights in February, at 8.00pm!
HEMA Classes
We have a variety of different HEMA classes happening throughout the week. Tuesdays at 6pm, start off with an Introduction to HEMA class. This is a free class, so just come along and find out if HEMA is for you! All equipment is provided, just wear something comfortable such as a t-shirt, jogging bottoms and trainers and our instructor will give you your first taste of historical European martial arts.
8pm on Tuesdays we have out Scottish Fighting Arts class. This class covers various different weapons systems and changes from month to month.
Wednesdays we have our broadsword sabre class at 8pm and Thursdays we have our German longsword class at 6pm. All of our HEMA classes work on a drop in basis, so no need to book, just turn up and learn some awesome sword fighting!
You can find more information on HEMA classes here.
Private tuition and group bookings
Throughout the week, we have availability for private tuition and group/party bookings. Monday to Friday from noon until 5pm, Jonathan is available for archery or HEMA lessons, either one to one, or perhaps you and a few friends fancy coming along to try shooting or swords? If you are interested in arranging a lesson the get in touch!