Trayn'd Bande of the Blackfriars
Study Swordplay
The Blackfriars offers private lessons for any who are interested in studying the way of accurate historical fighting. For times and availability, please contact us.Rapier
Rapier instruction at the Trayn'd Bande of the Blackfriars is researched and taught by Sean Kiernan. Themain influence on the Blackfriars rapier play is the Italian masters of the 16th and 17 centuries. The foundations of the Blackfriars rapier play has come from studying Tommaso Leoni's translation of Salvator Fabris' 1606 treatise Lo Schermo, overo Scienza d' Arme (On Fencing, or the Knowledge of Arms). As well as attending classes with and sponsoring Signore Leoni for a weekend seminar. Other period masters that have contributed to the Blackfriars fencing techniques are:
- Rudolfo Capo Ferro - Gran Similacro dell'arte e dell'uso della Scherma 1610 (The Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing)
- Joseph Swetnam - Schoole of the Noble and Worthy Science of Defence 1617
Sidesword
Sidesword/cut and thrust instruction at the Blackfriars is researched and taught by Sean Kiernan and Chandler Brown. Cut and thrust swordsmanship is taught after a student has had a great deal of rapier instruction usually about two years. The student must understand and be able perform more than just the fundamentals; they must have a true grasp of the concepts laid out by the Masters of historic fencing. Chandler's studies and teaching center in the I.33 Tower Manuscript, an anonymous German treatise that focuses on sword and buckler play. Sean's studies and teachings, come from Giovanni Dall'Agocchie 1572 treatise Dell'Arte di Scrimia.
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Longsword
Longsword instruction at the Blackfriars is researched and taught by Chandler Brown. Chandler teaches Joachim Meyers German treatise from the 17th century. Training and fighting is done with wooden wasters to help minimize the risk of injury. Steel swords are used in full plate armor or in choreographed unarmored bouts. Students must have demonstrated proficiency in the use of the sidesword before advancing to training with the longsword.
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Locating a teacher near you
Through years of study, Tommaso Leoni has developed a guide to help you find a legitimate teacher of historical fencing. Following the "guidelines" and paying attention to the details he explains, you can avoid teachers who will get you nowhere, teach you falsely, or have very little to teach at all. Go to the Salvator Fabris website to read how to find a legitimate teacher of historical fencing.
