Dancing with steel - Rapier workshop with Rob Runacres

Rapier often suffers from a linear style, with fencers attacking and defending ‘straight down the line’ without considering how lateral movement can open up the fight. 

This workshop will introduce delegates to the ‘circle of defence’ and provide dynamic plays as options to expand the fencing repertoire. 

The first day will concentrate on single rapier and consider how to take the attack past the opponent’s guard, using footwork, feints and voids to confuse and evade their defence. 

Day 2 will introduce the dagger as a companion weapon and explore how its addition requires a more cautious, closed play relying on the use of tactics and precision. 

For both days, delegates should have a basic understanding of single rapier mechanics, though knowledge of other weapon forms or sports fencing may suffice.

Rob Runacres

Rob Runacres is a  HEMA instructor from the UK, practicing Rapier since 2008. Before that he practised a variety of martial arts, as well as sports fencing and distance running. 

Prior to ‘selling out’ to an office job, he worked as an archaeologist, with a particular interest in renaissance warfare.

Rob’s main passions are for rapier forms and the Bolognese sidesword, and he has taught a variety of workshops in Europe, of particular note rapier and cloak, rapier and dagger and sidesword and dagger. 

At present he is working with De Taille et D’Estoc to translate a number of French treatises, including L'espée de combat (Dancie, 1623) and Le Maistre D'Arme Liberal (Besnard, 1653).

Rob is a strong believer in Western Martial Arts as a modern discipline with historical roots, rather than simply a recreation of specific treatises. He is perhaps happiest when teaching.

In January 2013, Rob was privileged with honorary membership of De Taille and D’Estoc, a source of immense pride.

In May 2013 Academia artis dimicatoriae produced a video in which Rob tries to present his view on the rapier and fighting with this magnificent weapon.

You can see the video directly on the YouTube site

The workshop is organized by Academia artis dimicatoriae and will take place in Ljubljana on 6th and 7th July 2013.

In the case of bad weather, we shall hold the practice in the gym, otherwise we have a nice spot outside (participants shall be notified well ahead).

For participants who will travel to Ljubljana there is an option to stay at the hostel Dijaški dom Ivana Cankarja (during the school year, it serves as a students' dorm).

Equipment needed: protective mask, gloves, chest protector, gambeson, groin protector. Rapier, dagger. 

In case you are not sure, whether your equipment is suitable, contact us to discuss it.

Costs:

Workshop fee: 40€ (two days), 30€ one day)

Accommodation: 30€ (two nights; 5th, 6th July)

Extra night (7th July): 15€

The fee does not cover the cost of food.

You can register here.