Sabre and Broadsword from George Sinclair

Description

Captain George Sinclair was a career soldier of different regiments of the British army in the 18th century, fighting all over world from the Highlands of Scotland to the Caribbean, Gibraltar, and Canada. He retired to London and authored his fencing text “Anti-pugilism; Or, The Science of Defence, Exemplified in Short and Easy Lessons for the Practice of the Broad Sword, and Single Stick” in 1790 shortly before his death, and this manual became a foundational resource for the study of broadsword fighting for many soldiers and sailors about to bring war to Napoleon on the continent shortly thereafter. Sinclair makes use of several brief but effective lessons in different techniques and tactics with the Broadsword for self-defence as well as military application, with a few stylish tricks to pull off to confound foes and win prizes and admiration in civil competition!

Basic equipment will be provided by the Vanguard Centre as part of the course. Participants should wear appropriate sports clothing and footwear which they can easily move in.

The course will cost £64 for 4 lessons over 4 weeks, with entrance available for purchase through our online shop. Discounts are available for existing members of The Vanguard Centre or Academy of Historical Arts.

The lessons are scheduled at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd of October, 2025, but new attendees who have not been to The Vanguard Centre before are invited to arrive early at 7.15pm on the first day of the course to get an orientation around the centre and get fitted for equipment.

03/09/2025 Week 1:  TBC
10/09/2025 Week 2: TBC
17/09/2025 Week 3: TBC
24/09/2025 Week 4: TBC