2026 Workshops
The Pocket: Surviving and Thriving in the Narrow Measure
In this class you will learn about "the pocket". The narrow measure where you are just about close enough to grapple, but can still fight with the sword. Fighting in this measure is quick, relentless, for most fighters uncomfortable, and can be dangerous as it usually ends up in some sort of grapple or degenerates into prison shanking doubles.
This class will cover some fundamental principles and techniques to not only become comfortable in this measure, but thrive by being able to take and hold control of the fight.
Learn how to safely enter "The Pocket", establish a strong defense, keep your sword from getting tangled up, avoid being grappled, and unleash quick, devastating attacks.
Mask, gorget, appropriate gloves, and a single hand sword of any variety are required for this workshop.
Justinder Singh is a travel, sword and history junkie. A lifelong fan of swords, as soon as he found out HEMA existed in 2014 he dived in with both feet and has since taught and fought with multiple schools internationally. He eventually landed in New Mexico as head instructor of Burning Sun HEMA in Silver City. When asked what's his weapon of choice, it's all the weapons! He loves to train, teach, fight and compete in any weapon he can get his hands on, with multiple medals in every weapon set he's competed in. He also loves to make friends and spar so if you see him ask him for a fight!
Fencing For Sport in Longsword
Learn practical applications of historical fencing in a modern, tournament focused context which allows us to simplify actions for ourselves while keeping our opponents guessing. The class will follow a structure of Topic Overview > Paired Drills > Educational Sparring.
Full longsword sparring kit is required for full participation in this class. Those without you may still participate in the Topic Overview, Paired Drills, and observe the sparring and commentary.
Andrew Bradford of the Sacramento Historical Fencing Academy has been fencing for 5 years and competing at a respectable level from the very beginning while being initially recognized for his point forward, thrust-centric style of fencing.
Polish Saber
Learn about the wild and oft times unbelievable Polish republic of the 17th century focusing on their saber swordsmanship. Richard Marsden will give historical as well as practical fencing instruction on the use of the Polish Saber.
Standard saber/longsword fencing equipment are required for those who wish to spar at the end of class. No equipment required for those who wish to learn without active fencing. Some sabers and sticks will be provided, but those who have sabers or similar swords are encouraged to bring them.
Richard Marsden is a long-time HEMA instructor and author of several books, including Polish Saber, Bad HEMA, and HEMA in its Historical Context. He and John Patterson are founders of the successful, Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship. Richard also has a Masters in Land Warfare courtesy AMU!
Pressure and Deception: Schiessen, Durchwechseln, and Effective Use of the Point
This workshop will focus on the use of Schiessen (shooting the point) in Liechtenauer’s art and the way it is used to create pressure on the opponent, pressure that creates openings for follow on actions like Durchwechseln (changing through). This workshop is particularly interested in both the place these actions have in the Zettel’s art and the practical application of these principles in use.
Mask, longsword, chest protection (chest protector, jacket or both), and appropriate hand protection are required for this class.
Sigmund Werndorf has been doing HEMA for ten years with a holistic focus on early Liechtenauer and the scholarship surrounding it. He's a multi-gold medalist in longsword and co-founder of the Los Angeles Historical Martial Arts Society.
Measuring the Moment: Understanding and Using Measure and Tempo to Your Advantage
Why does a "natural" fighter often lose to a "skillful" one? This one-hour, hands-on workshop addresses two major pillars of fencing: Measure (the physical distance between combatants) and tempo (the tactical moments of time created by action and stillness).
Drawing on the wisdom of historical masters like Ridolfo Capo Ferro, Nicoletto Giganti, and Fiore dei Liberi, we will examine historical advice and bridge the gap between ancient systems and modern psychology. The goal is to learn how to control the encounter, making your action more intentional, and to disrupt an opponent's decision-making cycle. You can apply these fundamentals to whatever system or weapon you study.
A fencing mask is required for this class. Additionally, you should ideally bring a full sparring kit and a sparring weapon you are familiar with. We will have a few loaner weapons on hand.
John Patterson is co-founder of the Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship. He is an accomplished fencer with medals in longsword, saber, messer, singlestick, rapier, and sword and buckler (minus a buckler). A few years ago he stepped back from competition to focus on the club. John has also taught several systems at numerous events nationally and internationally. His students have gone on to teach at events and perform well in competition.
Giving and Receiving Feedback
In this interactive workshop, we will learn of the mental health impacts of good and poor sportsmanship, and explore strategies for maintaining a healthy competition mindset.
No equipment is required for this workshop.
Marie Meservy, MD, is a physician with a Psychology degree and long-time passion for sports and performance coaching. Her sports psychology workshop series is part of the Noble Science Academy's "HEMA For Life" initiative and new workshops are presented every year exclusively at FrauFecht and Battle Born.