Description
In the 1800s, through the Victorian era and Belle Epoque in Britain and Europe, the sword and its user were still held as the martial ideal among the empires and cultures of the world, despite the advances in technology and firepower reducing the likelihood or even need for hand-to-hand combat. Regardless, expert fencers and duellists still persisted, and refined the art of swordplay into its final form – the duelling sabre.
This 4 week course has been designed to get you familiar with the basics of early modern military fencing, so you can get the best start to your career as a historical martial artist! This is not modern Olympic style fencing, but functional combat with one-handed swords based on teachings from historical masters and military training manuals from around 150 to 200 years ago, for self defence, duels of honour, or military skirmishes – most likely for sport between gentlefolk of an adventurous nature!
Basic equipment will be provided by the Vanguard Centre as part of the course, but suitable clothing and footwear must be brought by each participant.
The course will cost ยฃ64 for 4 lessons over 4 weeks, with entrance available for purchase through our online shop.
The lessons are scheduled at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, on the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th of February 2026.
04/02/2026 Week 1: Hungarian Sabre Fencing Of Baron Samu Chappon 1891
11/02/2026 Week 2: Using the traverse and traversing riposte
18/03/2026 Week 3: Thrusting Round Corners
25/04/2026Week 4: The Moulinet
