Workshops

Italian Rapier, Part I: Introduction to Italian Rapier Pedagogy

In this workshop we’ll look at how to take techniques from drill into combat with a focus on the one-on-one coaching environment. We’ll explore how to setup drills that have the highest level of combative relevance, how to adjust difficulty in cueing, and how to target specific weaknesses. Time permitting we'll look at how to add complexity to tactical exercises to bring in aspects of distance, timing, and choice.

Equipment appropriate for rapier play (rapier, gloves, and mask) are required for this class.

Italian Rapier, Part II: Lunge Mechanics and Pedagogy

Want to know how to lunge better? Or how to teach the lunge to others? This workshop is for you. In this workshop, we'll take a look at the classical/sport fencing lunge, identifying the core pieces, and work through a series of constraints based exercises to teach it. We will identify common errors and look at exercises to address them. Once we've got a foundation in the classical lunge, we will take a look at hip driven lunges from Fabris and Marcelli. Time permitting we'll also look at the the rear toe forward lunge from Kendo and sport saber.

No equipment is required for this class.

Kevin Murakoshi is a certified Master at Arms in Classical Fencing from the Sonoma State Fencing Masters Program, holds a Prevot d’Epee certificate from the USFCA, and is currently ranked #2 in the world on HEMA Ratings in Rapier and Dagger. He has instructed at the Sacramento Sword School; the Davis Fencing Academy and UC Davis fencing club; Sacramento Historical Fencing Academy; the Hokuto Dojo; and the Rapier and Saber Pedagogy Symposium (RASP). Kevin is adjunct faculty at the Sonoma State Fencing Masters Program, and has taught seminars at multiple HEMA events including VISS, WMAW and SoCal Swordfight.

Kevin’s research interests include methods of applying modern and classical pedagogy to HEMA, and the evolution of fencing theory within the Italian tradition. As a fencer, Kevin’s primary systems are 17th century Italian rapier, Destreza, and late 19th century Italian saber.

Presenting The Time

The right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. Even a new fencer comes to understand this rather rapidly, as a technique so earnestly practiced in the drill fails utterly in the chaos created by an uncooperative opponent. The smallsword, with its extreme maneuverability and deceptive qualities, is often an even greater magnifier of poor timing. The abstract nature of timing in our fencing can make us feel like we are learning by trial and error, and suggestions for improvement can feel cryptic and conflicting. While much is gained from simple practice and experience, the goal of this class will be to present a series of structural tools and strategies to give better understanding and more consistent results in our pursuit of fencing ‘In tempo’. We will specifically be looking to late period sources and examining the unique qualities and challenges of timing with the smallsword compared to heavier weapons.

Smallsword, mask, lightweight leather gloves, lightweight fencing jacket or equivalent are required for this class.

Isaac Humber first stepped foot in a historical fencing salle at the age of twelve and has been studying the art ever since. His particular focus is the Baroque era rapier and smallsword, colorized by the elegance and efficiency of the French school. Learning from a previous generation of instructors that took their trade seriously, Isaac strives to promote fencing as both a martial discipline and a cultural tool with relevance in the modern world. Working to develop his skills in hiltmaking, bladesmithing, and cutlering since 2007, Isaac also has a strong fascination with the sword as an object and mythical symbol. He launched a line of handmade smallswords in 2023 with assistance from senior student Daniel Aldridge. Beginning in 2020, Isaac worked alongside his school to develop and host Rose & Thorns Historical Fencing Symposium, a multi-region event especially for rapier and smallsword fencers. Isaac has been ranked as an Instructor through the Diamond Rose Academie D’Armes in northern California since 2014, proudly continuing to serve the school now in its 26th year of teaching historical fencing. 

Getting Funky

There's a lot of elements in the depiction of 15th century longsword sources that seem particularly odd to modern eyes. Oddly straight legs, feet sticking at weird angles, improbably twisted positions. In this workshop, we are going to examine how diving into these seemingly counterintuitive positions can actually unlock new options in power generation and movement.

Mask, gloves, and sword are required for this class, though full fencing kit is encouraged.

Jack Gassmann started HEMA in 2008. He has been teaching and competing internationally for over a decade using his competitive experience to pressure test his understanding of Liechtenauer’s 5 words. He has taught on both sides of the Atlantic. He has successfully competed in the US and Europe, formerly ranked 5th on HEMA ratings and taking Bronze at the European games. Jack also researches and publishes on the military background of the Fechtbücher. His teaching style combines his research on historical training methods with modern sports science and his background in game design and horse training. He’s always happy to chat about the historical context of KDF or Rossfechten.