Medieval Swordsmanship - Novice (Jason Willis)
Monday, 06:30 - 07:30 PM
Oct 30th - Jan 15th 2007
Contact: Jason Willis

Based on the DVD by Shola Instructor Brian Price, this is a quick course designed to introduce the art and magic of the medieval longsword. Students will, through Fiore de Liberi's Segno, learn basic stances, footwork, cuts, the hierarchy of defense, the importance of stepping off-line, conduct cutting practice and engage in elementary sparring using gambesons, fencing masks and CSG-style longsword simulators. This is the foundational course that ties all future study together, and it focuses on the development of a solid fighting platform with simple, direct footwork, efficient harnessing of the body's large muscle groups to develop power and speed, and solid technique for delivery of effective blows. Fundamental defenses are also covered.

Medieval Swordsmanship - Intermediate (Jason Willis)
Monday, 07:30 - 08:30 PM
Oct 30th - Jan 15th 2007
Contact: Jason Willis

This is the second part of the core course for the Medieval swordsmanship curriculum, drawn directly from Fiore dei Liberi's 1409 treatise, Fior di Battaglia.

After completing the Novice course for the spada a dui mani (the sword in two hands), Intermediate students work through the tactical framework presented in the treatise presented in Fiore's eight zhogo largo plays. Different concepts of time and distance management are also included, and the student increasingly spars to develop tactical skills.

Open Drilling/Sparring Hour (Jason Willis)
Monday, 08:30 - 09:30 PM
Oct 30th - Jan 15th 2007
Contact: Jason Willis

Because the coursework alone is insufficient to fully develop skills this hour is open for breadth work or reinforcement. Some students use this time to explore permutations of this amazing system. Attendance at the Drilling/Sparring hour is optional.