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

For more information about the rapier, see Tom Leoni's well written article "The Rapier Revisited". It is important to have proper safty gear while fighting. We recommend the following places to buy your equipment from: Darkwood Armoury
Triplette
Arms and Armour
The minimum fighting gear we use are the gorget, fencing gloves, and fencing mask. Please talk with your instructor if you have any questions and need help selecting the right gear for you.