Description
The military sabre, and its related cousins the Scottish basket-hilt broadsword, spadroon and cutlass, are probably the most common swords in the world, thanks to their necessity in the battlefields of the past. From the Jacobite rebellions, to the Napoleonic Wars, on the decks of pirate ships, and all the way into the 20th century, the cut-and-thrust military sword has been romanticised and studied as the finest of weapons. Now, it’s your turn to buckle some swash and see how your foes like the taste of cold steel!
This 6 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 200 years ago, for self defence, duels of honour, or military skirmishes.
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.
29/07/2026 Week 1: Intro to the sword, the first cuts and guards, basic footwork
05/07/2026 Week 2: Further cuts, further guards, drilling with an opponent
12/07/2026 Week 3: The thrusts and their counters, distance, range, and timing
19/07/2026 Week 4: Bearing, beating, and feints – how to get to your opponent
26/07/2026 Week 5: The complete fight, bringing all the basic elements together
02/08/2026 Week 6: Sparring games, and test cutting with a sharp sword
The course will cost ยฃ95 for 6 lessons over 6 weeks, with entrance available for purchase through our online shop.
