Longsword

Our classes draw from both the English and German traditions of unarmored Longsword combat. We extract the principles and techniques developed by the masters, then revive those teachings into practice with structured modern teaching methods. Through drills and sparring, students learn both the theory of historical fencing and its application.

English longsword fencing is preserved in three key sources spanning the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries: Man yt Wol (“The Man that Will”), dating to approximately the early-to-mid 1400s; the Cotton Titus manuscript, generally dated to around 1450–1465; and the Ledall Roll, approximately 1535–1550. Our interpretation explores how the principles throughout these manuals emphasize distance management, fundamentals of fencing, prioritizing defense, and setting up openings.

The German Longsword tradition, Kunst des Fechtens (“The Art of Fencing”), was developed by Master Johannes Liechtenauer in the late 14th century. His teachings were recorded in verse called “The Zettel,” and further explained by later masters, including Sigmund Ringeck. Our classes draw primarily from early KdF through Ringeck’s teachings. This system focuses on gaining the initiative while attacking and defending at the same time.