Dear friends,
Tom Leoni and I invite you to attend the National Historical Swordsmanship Convention (NHSC) 2011.
When: April 15-17, 2011
Where: Virginia Academy of Fencing (located just outside Washington DC)
2011 Theme: Must-know Fundamentals and TerminologyThe
NATIONAL HISTORICAL SWORDSMANSHIP CONVENTION (NHSC, pronounced “Nisk”) is a new, 3-day special event bringing professional-level instruction in early-Renaissance European swordsmanship to fencers of all experience levels. NHSC will provide a cohesive, focused approach that will have classes covering body mechanics, unarmed combat, the use of the langes messer (long knife) and single handed sword, the Bolognese sword and shield, German longsword, the Italian spadone (the great 16th century two handed sword), and the use of pole arms.
HOW IS THIS EVENT DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE?Rather than offering a “menu” of unrelated classes spanning various subjects, NHSC is a
cohesive, full-immersion course focusing on the basics and advanced basics of early-Renaissance swordsmanship. From body-mechanics and footwork to unarmed combat, from sword to different weapons, each class builds off of the next so that students will not only gain exposure to different weapon styles, but also develop a stronger level of proficiency and competence as a martial artist.
There will also be talks on historical context, with an opportunity for participants to
handle authentic period swords as well.
INSTRUCTORS AND CLASSES:•
Bill Grandy, Director of Historical Swordsmanship of the Virginia Academy of Fencing. Bill has taught historical European martial arts professionally over the past decade and has been invited to teach across the country for various schools and events, including at the Western Martial Arts Workshop and Chivalric Weekend. He will be teaching
15th century German swordsmanship (Liechtenauer tradition).•
Tom Leoni, founder of the Order of the Seven Hearts and one of the principal Historical Swordsmanship instructors of the Virginia Academy of Fencing. Tom is one of the leading researchers of Renaissance Italian martial arts. He has published some of the top translations of historical fencing treatises, and has taught historical fencing around the world. Tom will be teaching
16th century Italian swordsmanship (Bolognese school).• Guest instructor
Brad Waller, founder of the International Order of the Sword and Pen. Brad is an internationally renowned fight choreographer who brings realistic martial arts to the stage. Brad is well known in the Western Martial Arts world for using the 16th century European arts to teach students proper form and movement for both unarmed and armed combat. Brad will be teaching
body mechanics and historical unarmed combat.WHY ATTEND?All - Understand and accurately perform the “must-know” fundamentals of early-Renaissance swordsmanship
Instructors - Learn how to develop stronger drills and leverage efficient terminology
Fencers/historical fencers - Gain new perspectives on training and application of the arts
Novices - Experience the practice of historical swordsmanship under the attention of professional teachers and coaches
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE NHSC is for both the novice up to the experienced instructor. Age 14 to adult. Minors must have signed permission of a legal guardian.
EQUIPMENT All participants at minimum are required to have a fencing mask, gloves, jacket, and practice weapons. Participants must wear long athletic pants and non-marking athletic shoes. Equivalent historical clothing and protection are acceptable. Equipment is available for purchase on site at the Virginia Academy of Fencing.
LOCATIONVirginia Academy of Fencing, 5401-B Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151 just outside of Washington DC. Easily accessible from Reagan National airport or Dulles International airport.
We will shortly post additional information on preferred hotels conveniently located near the event.
CONTACT INFORMATION E-mail NHSC@yahoo.com or contact the Virginia Academy of Fencing at (703) 321-4922. For more information, please visit our website at
www.vafinc.com/NHSCAlso, please find us on Facebook for updates!
REGISTRATION The cost of NHSC is $289 per person by 2/1/2011. Cost rises afterward. Register here:
http://askfred.net/Clinics/Prereg/prereg.php?clinic_id=12956We Hope To see You There!!!
