Hemalogy: Crossing the Line

A rapier workshop with Reinier van Noort on 5-6 July 2014

Academia artis dimicatoriae is proud to invite all rapier aficionados to a two-day rapier workshop led by an internationally renowned instructor and HEMA researcher Reinier van Noort (SHS).

The workshop is suitable for beginners, who wish to be introduced to this majestic weapon, as well as for more experienced rapierists, who want to explore the art of fencing further.
 The workshop is set in Ljubljana with lots of pleasant things to explore and experience in a summer weekend.

After taking a look at footwork, the posture, holding the sword and the lunge, we shall turn our attention to the idea of the line, how to close it in order to approach the opponent in a safe way (strengeren) and how to disengage (caveren).

We shall continue by taking a look at lessons using attacks on a step of the left foot (Passade), voiding by turning the body away and stepping likewise (Volta), using the left hand and many more useful techniques.

Naturally, we will not ignore the parrying.

The workshop will also include grappling (disarms, throws, breaking limbs being just some of the interesting approach to anatomy).

Free play is certainly something we shall include, too!

Reinier van Noort (born 1980) is the main instructor and founder of the School forHistorical Fencing Arts. Though he has always had a keen interest in both knights and martial arts, he did not give in to those interests (except for practicing some Judo and Taekwondo at an early age) until he started modern (Olympic) fencing in 2003. 

In the summer of 2005 he was introduced to Medieval European Martial Arts via a summer-course organised by the Orde der Noorderwind. From 2005 until 2010, Reinier has trained and worked with the Orde der Noorderwind, where he has participated in various stage shows, and two film projects, both as a stunt fighter and a fight choreographer. 

Since 2007 Reinier has increasingly been active as trainer with the Orde der Noorderwind. Through Noorderwind, Reinier also came into contact with Zwaard en Steen, where he has also trained from 2005 to 2008. 

In 2008 he quit Zwaard en Steen in order to train Kadochnikov Systema with Maxim Pipotja in Amersfoort. In October 2009 he made the first English translation of Bruchius' "Scherm- ofte Wapen-konste" (Fencing- or Weapon-Art"). 

Around that time, he also started studying this interesting work more closely, and since January 2010 he has been researching and practising the Fencing Art described by Bruchius in practice.

Reinier van Noort taught at the first HEMA Celje event in 2012.

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

If you need more advise how to get to Ljubljana, please see our blog post here.

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

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

Cost:

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

Accommodation: 30€ (two nights; 4th, 5th July)

Extra night (6th July): 15€

The fee does not cover the cost of food.

REGISTER HERE

Jogo do Pau with Luis Preto, 1 and 2 March 2014

Luis Preto is a renowned instructor.

On 1st and 2nd March 2014 we shall have the opportunity to practice with one of the most renowned Jogo do Pau instructors - Luis Preto.

Jogo do Pau (lit. "game of the stick") is a Portuguese martial art of fighting with a staff in a single combat or against multiple opponents. The original purpose of Jogo do Pau was self-defence (traditional combat staffs had a hidden sharp blade fixed on one end); the 1970s witness the modern revival of this ancient martial art.

Luis Preto was born in the late 1970s in the UK and was raised in Portugal. After having resided in Germany and Canada, he is currently living in Norway.

He holds two Master degrees in Sport Sciences (one on teaching sports' methodologies from ULHT, Lisbon, and the other on coaching sciences from UBC, Vancouver).

Luis' main mission is to promote the optimization of martial skills' development by making specific coaching programmes on martial concepts and teaching & coaching skills.

Luis Preto is the author of a number of books on martial arts:

- Jogo do Pau: The ancient art & modern science of Portuguese stick fighting

- Combat in outnumbered scenarios: The origin of Historical Fencing

- Fencing Martial Arts: How to sequence the teaching of technique and tactics

- Staff, baton & longsword combat series: Functional parrying skill

- Staff, baton & longsword combat series: Understanding and developing footwork

- Optimizing the teaching curriculum of technique and tactics

- Understanding physical conditioning: A movement based approach

- Development of technical & tactical skill

Academia artis dimicatoriae organizes a weekend workshop; we aim to cover many technical and tactical aspects of fighting with staff, exploring conditions of fighting a single opponent, as well as facing multiple opponents.

Requirements:

- a single staff (150 cm, no more than 25 mm in diameter), a number of staffs will be available (if you would like one, please, notify us in the Registration Form),

- gym shoes,

- comfortable wear.

Fee:

- 40 Euros for two days

- 30 Euros for one day

- 5 Euros for one staff

The fee covers the workshop participation and refreshment during the day.

Meals are not included.

Location of the gym:

Osnovna šola Vide Pregarc

Bazoviška ulica 1 

Ljubljana

Map of the venues

Register here

How to get to Ljubljana?

As we started organizing events in Slovenia, we thought it might be a good idea to create a compilation of travelling information.

This page shall be updated periodically (when we announce an event).

Nevertheless, do not hesitate to contact us for further information.




Flights
Due to some inexplicable reasons (well...) there is a decreasing number of direct flights to/from Slovenia.
Nevertheless, airports at Zagreb (Croatia), Venice and Trieste (Italy), and Klagenfurt (Austria) are at easily manageable distance from Ljubljana (we focused on train connections).

Vueling
Barcelona -> Zagreb (approx. 2 hrs by train to Ljubljana)
Barcelona -> Venice (approx. 5 hrs by train to Ljubljana)
Bilbao -> Venice
Barcelona -> Vienna (approx. 5.5 hrs by train to Ljubljana)

Wizzair
Brussels Charleroi -> Ljubljana
London Luton -> Ljubljana

Ryanair
London Stansted -> Klagenfurt (route from Klagenfurt to Ljubljana)
Birmingham -> Trieste
Barcelona (Girona) -> Trieste
Valencia -> Trieste

EasyJet
London Stansted -> Ljubljana
London Gatwick -> Zagreb - train to Ljubljana
Geneve -> Venice (Marco Polo) - train to Ljubljana
Berlin Schoenefeld -> Venice (Marco Polo) - train to Ljubljana
London -> Venice (Marco Polo) - train to Ljubljana
Naples -> Venice (Marco Polo) - train to Ljubljana
Paris -> Venice (Marco Polo) - train to Ljubljana
Toulouse -> Venice (Marco Polo) - train to Ljubljana

Shuttle service from Ljubljana airport to Ljubljana (city), including service to/ from Venice Marco Polo, Trieste airport

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.

Pierced mask at HEMA Celje 2012

DESCRIPTION: 

At Martin Fabian's workshop »With Lichtenauer we Thrust«, a 1600N Leon Paul mask was pierced with a Pavel Marek longsword (which was rigid). 

The unprotected point entered a few milimeters into the mesh as the result of a powerful one-handed thrust from Pflug. 

The wearer of the pierced mask received a minor injury: a bloodied lip and a hypersensitive tooth (for a period of about 2 months) due to the mesh deforming and hitting the lip and the tooth, but it seems that the sword did not make contact with anything other than the mask. 

The thrust was part of the exercise and performed correctly.

INJURY SUSTAINED: 

A bloodied lip with an imprint of the mesh and a hypersensitive tooth. The hypersensitivity lasted for about 2 months.

                

CIRCUMSTANCES: 

Nobody checked the participant's weapons before or during the workshop. The organizers, instructor and both participants of the workshop have all failed in this aspect.

                

CONCLUSION: 

Workshops should have prescribed equipment appropriate to its nature, which should be checked by either the instructor or organizer at least with a question before the workshop starts. The incident happened due to a powerful one-handed thrust with full bodyweight behind it, so it is safe to say that the mask did its job of protecting the wearer. 

A 350N mask would most likely not have protected the wearer sufficiently, and as such, 1600N masks should be the standard gear for HEMA fencers.

THE WEARER'S TESTIMONY: »One of the reasons for the incident was my failure to assess the equipment of my partner before starting the exercise. Usually I take a moment to look at any new partner when switching during exercises, but this time I was fetching a forgotten piece of equipment of mine beforehand and was in a hurry. After quickly putting on the mask and assuming the guard I noticed the unprotected sword tip and immediately had the instinct to stop the exercise, but it was too late as my partner had already started and pierced my mask with the first attack. I would like to point out that the fencer who pierced my mask was not irrational or bloodthirsty, it was simply his opinion and experience  that his gear was safe enough. This even further drives home the lesson that equipment should be checked by several different parties (e.g. the instructor and yourself as participant) before work.«

 Image 1: the pierced mesh (foto: Martin Fabian)

Image 2: The pierced mesh, view from the interior (foto: Martin Fabian)

Image 3: Detail of the sword point (foto: Martin Fabian)

Image 4: The sword re-inserted into the pierced mesh (foto: Martin Fabian)

Image 5: The pierced mask worn (not the wearer at the time of the incident)

International gathering in Celje

Slovenska različica

(Listening to Pearl Jam: Alive)


After taking part at numerous gatherings of HEMA practitioners, we are proud to extend invitation to the first HEMA international gathering in Slovenia.

The event is planned as a meeting ground for research, learning and exchange of HEMA. Furthermore, it offers quality presentations in the context of our rich martial heritage.

Everyone is invited to HEMA Celje 2012.
Not only practitioners of HEMA - beginners and advanced. Everyone who is interested to learn more about our rich martial heritage.

We are honoured to host experianced and renowned instructors:

Cor Kronenburg, Zwaard en Steen (biomechanics)
Martin Enzi, Dreynschlag (messer)
Martin Fabian, Bratislavský šermiarsky spolok (longsword)
Arto Fama, Zwaard en Steen (longsword)
Gregor Medvešek, Schola pugnatoria Celeiana – Celjska borilna šola (ringen)
Igor Sancin, Schola pugnatoria Celeiana – Celjska borilna šola (dagger)
Matija Tomc, Academia artis dimicatoriae (sabre)
Reinier van Noort, School voor Historische Schermkunsten (rapier)
Roman Vučajnk, Academia artis dimicatoriae (staff)
Lea Zavodnik, Academia artis dimicatoriae (conditioning)

Registered participants of HEMA Celje 2012 will have an exclusive privilege of attending “White Gloves Evening” at Celje Regional Museum. Various artefacts of our historical heritage (weaponsand equipment) will be allowed to be examined at a closer look.

The organizers are Slovene groups Schola pugnatoria Celeiana in Academia artis dimicatoriae.
The event shall take place in the Sports hall of Gimnazija Celje Center.

Click for more info.

HEMA gathering in April

Slovenska različica

Photo: Konstantin Rebek

(Listening to The Walkabouts: The Dustlands)

Swords, sabres and rapiers.
Pastry, grilled meat and muffins that most probably rank among Top3 in the world.
Sparring, practice and tons of fun.

These are the keywords I would use to describe the event that took place on the last Sunday in April.

A number of HEMAists gathered on the lawn in front of Miran Krstičić’ house.
In the early afternoon this generous host welcomed HEMAists from Slovenia, Croatia, Italy and Slovakia, as well as some of his acquaintances with their families.
Those observed the HEMAists fighting in bouts and exchanging experience with keen interest.

Photo: Konstantin Rebek

The event was a good opportunity for HEMAists to compare various bits of protective equipment and to discuss possibilities of improving it. Throughout the event, sparring was almost uninterrupted.

At first glance, one might conclude that longsword lost its place to sabre as the weapon of choice, as many participants chose the latter for sparring.
Even the writer of this post is a proud owner of two excellent sabres made by the very host of the event.


Miran Krstičić has designed and produced steel replicas of historical weapons for a length of time. His products are especially suitable for HEMA practice and fighting in bouts.
To achieve high quality of his products, he had to undertake in-depth research, testing, gathering feedback and be very innovative.
We in the AAD are extremely glad to have a very good sabre design at our disposal, which enables safe and efficient practice and sparring.
Miran is currently developing an economic model of 17th Cent rapier, as well as 16th Cent federschwert. 

The guests were given a tour of Miran’s workshop, where processes of replica production were explained. Now we all know exactly how much effort, precision and persistence is needed to produce safe and reliable steel replicas of historical weapons.

Photo: Gregor Rozman

Learning how to use one’s blade in a proper manner is also a part of exercise. Proper use is affected by proper form and proper movement which we could practice a bit using some sharpened blades.

In a safe and controlled environment plastic bottles filled with water and cardboard rolls were at disposal for cutting and thrusting.

Needless to say, it was also a great opportunity for good fun and salves of laughter.

The initiator of the event Alen Lovrič - also an instructor at the AAD - had another idea.
The event could also be viewed as a demonstration of solidarity in our local HEMA community.
 In his invitation to the event he asked the participants to donate to a fund to procure a kiln for Miran’s workshop - an essential tool in weapon production.

The result was fantastic - a total sum of €740 was donated to the fund!

“The great result of our gathering points to members of our little community being closely connected. As the community grows, we also have the responsibility of keeping those closely-woven ties” said Alen.

Miran Krstičić was happy. “It was awesome and I’m very pleased. I hope to see all of them again in the same great atmosphere!”


With the weather getting warmer and days getting longer, we hope for more such events in splendid surroundings with splendid people.
As Alen winked at me saying: “What is best in life? Swords, coffee and good company!”

Photo: Gregor Rozman

“I met new people, had good food, cut some water bottles for the first time, while at the same time helping a new smith make better products. Looking forward to doing it again.” (Ivan Čurić, Ars Gladiatoria from Croatia)