FRIDAY
10:00 AM
Weapon: Knife, Buckler, Spear and everything in-between
Source: Shastar Vidiya
In this session, we will cover some foundational principles that are crucial to understanding the evolution of battlefield combat. We will start by examining the close combat principles that stem from knife fighting, which inform our general movement. Then, we will delve into the geometry of omnidirectional combat and explore how to create angular advantage through movement.
Skill level of Participants: Any skill level
Needed Equipment: Buckler/dahl Optional: Training Knife, Spear.There will be some limited lending equipment available, but please bring it yourself if you have it!
Most of what we do in HEMA, be it drilling, sparring, or competing, is focused on the fencing hall. But what happens when we leave the safety of the salle and step out “On The Streets”? Inspired by the classes of modern self-defense experts like Craig Douglas and Ryan Hoover, this course, a beloved annual tradition at WSTR, aims to take what we know about historical dagger techniques and apply it in a variety of historical scenarios. It is designed to test not just your knowledge and skill, but your ability to think quickly and adapt to new situations on-the-fly. Be prepared for lots of role-playing, (playful) aggression, loud shouting, and a substantial amount of chaos.
Required Equipment: Fencing mask, light hand protection, no bare skin. Light jacket or hoodie recommended. Daggers will be provided.
Expected experience level: We will be teaching only the barest bones of any techniques, so, prior familiarity with the dagger (both armed and unarmed) is not required, but HIGHLY recommended. Grappling will also occur, potentially continuing on the ground.
Content Warning: Scenarios can be modified to accommodate any comfort level, but at most, expect aggressive shouting, harsh language, close contact, and open-hand pushes to the chest and shoulders to simulate strikes. Don’t be too put-off by these warnings, though – there’ll be a lot of fun and laughter, too!
12:00 PM
Roll up your sleeves– we’re going back to the source to examine some Liechtenauer techniques with a sword in one hand and a text in the other. By comparing the same sections from Paulus Hector Mair’s Latin and German manuscripts, we’ll get some new perspectives on how the Lew gloss was understood in the 16th century and how small differences in words can make big differences in how we move swords around.
We’ll be using texts describing Liechtenauer longsword techniques, but students of any weapon or tradition are welcome.
Participants should bring a sword (two-handed is best), mask, and light protective equipment for slow technique work.
One of the possible, if not likely, outcomes of coming into a grapple with a weapon (such as a dagger), is the sudden and rapid collision with the Earth. We usually call this falling, or a take down, or being thrown. Falling is easy, falling without injury takes practice and being mindful of yourself and your partner. This class will be all about practicing falling and being thrown in the context of the Rondel Dagger.
Requirements: Mask, Gloves, Rondel Dagger if you have one (we will have several provided), Mouthguard recommended. Jacket suggested. All experience levels welcome.
Learn to make a bowstring from a professional bowyer
A workshop where we will go over the methods I use when constructing a fencing game. Topics include: This is not a drill! What are the goals. And how do we make it fun, challenging, and rewarding all at once???
This one is primarily for those either planning to instruct others or who are already instructors.
Mask, jacket, gloves, and sword required – full sparring gear recommended
1:30 PM
Lecture: It’s Just War – Edward Meyers
A lecture on the concept of just war in medieval Europe with a look at how rulers justified wars to their subjects and on the international stage. The lecture will also examine connection between the concept of a just war and dueling as both arose from the belief that violence was not only justified but required in certain situations from a righteous individual. No expectations from participants except a willingness to learn.
5:30 PM
The catoccio, sbasso, sottobotta, the night-thrust… the passata sotto (a counterattack while voiding the body low) has gone by many names over the years. And it has just as many variations and iterations, too! So which one is “the best”? The one that works for you, of course! In this workshop, fencers will learn about various variations of the passata sotto and its uses throughout history. The goal is to help fencers expand their idea of what the passata sotto is, its tactical use, and find a version that works for their body.
GEAR: A rapier or smallsword. Mask, gorget, fencing jacket, gloves.
In this workshop, students will learn tools and mechanisms to develop as a competitive fencer, this workshop is divided into 2 parts:
The first part will cover the physical part of becoming competitive by learning how to build a successful training program and learn how to learn in order to improve.
In the second part, we will cover the psychological part of becoming competitive, where we will explore basic topics like stress and adrenaline, how it presents and how to cope with it by developing mental structures to better perform in these scenarios. We will also talk about self-talk, building confidence, and developing a “competitive persona” when lacking one.
This is an inclusive workshop and will explore gender-specific scenarios and challenges.
This is a high-intensity workshop. Students are required to bring water and full gear.
All weapons encountered in tournaments are welcome as long as there are at least 2 people using said weapon (Aka: no quarterstaff, sickle, or specialty weapons, for safety reasons)
Utilize games and low intensity sparring to develop particular skill sets and techniques that high intensity/highly competitive settings preclude, as well as being able to sustain sparring/action for extended periods of time.
Mask and Light gloves, no previous experience required
This will be a lecture on a 17th century military artillery manual. A discussion of the materials used, chemistry involved, interesting devices and cultural insights from the manual. A background in chemistry is not required for listening to this lecture just an interest in the topic.
8:00 PM
Lecture: Primary Source Storytime: Fiction from History – Kendra Brown
What sorts of things were available to read or hear when our favorite combat treatises were new? Kendra will read aloud from published translations of entertaining fiction from the late medieval period.
SATURDAY
8:00 AM
Lecture: Frequens motus – The Commentary Tradition, Aristotelian Physics, and the “5 Words.” – Robert Powers
The Latin phrase frequens motus appears in codex 3227a, which is otherwise written in Middle High German, as a fundamental principle of KdF. The choice of Latin, along with the (misquoted) reference to Aristotle, indicates that it is being used as a technical term. But what did frequens motus mean as a technical term to a Latin-speaking audience in the 14th and 15th centuries? This lecture does a deep dive into the history of the philosophical problem of motus from the Greek-speaking world, through the Arabic-speaking world, and ultimately into the Latin-speaking world, as well as the use of frequens in Aristotelian physics, to illuminate the meaning of this phrase and how it is fundamental to KdF.
This lecture, while virtually or habitually practical, also serves as a preface to the workshop: Frequens motus – How to exercise this ancient principle in your KdF today. Attending one does not require attending the other. However, each presentation will cover different and complementary aspects of the same principle, and the most benefit will come from attending both.
10:00 AM
A workshop on fencing in minimal gear akin to the Fechtschules of the late medieval and Renaissance. How to do it safely and what are the associated risks, various rules and modifications to help enable the practice, why to do it and what value it generates.
Gear requirements: Mask, Gloves, Steel Longsword/Feder(lighter swords are better!), Gorget, Elbows, Cup (or other anatomy appropriate protection)
Experience requirements: None to attend, but testing for control will be done before any sparring is approved
Frequens motus is a fundamental principle of KdF, according to the codex 3227a. This course will demonstrate how frequens motus can serve as a keystone to KdF fencing according to the 5 words. The workshop’s primary function will be to arm a student of any skill level with a series of drills and games, from beginner to advanced, aimed at incorporating the principle of frequens motus into their fencing. Along the way, we will explore a tactical framework that emerges when one fences strong and weak according to the change (motus) in the qualitative nature (frequens) of the bind.
This workshop is a practical, hands-on companion to the lecture: Frequens motus – The Commentary Tradition, Aristotelian Physics, and the “5 Words.” Attending one does not require attending the other. However, each presentation will cover different and complementary aspects of the same principle, and the most benefit will come from attending both.
Experience Level: Any
Equipment Requirements: Mask, gloves, gorget, and swords (longsword or rapier).
In this workshop Mike will present a collection of tools, games, drills, and philosophical thoughts on how to be a good judge and how to continually improve your judging for competitive HEMA events. At the end of this class you will leave with concrete and usable tools to take back to your club that can give you a framework to help improve and train your judges.
There will be sparring in this class so bring gear accordingly. Any weapons you like as long as you have someone with a similar weapon to fence against. You can also fully participate in the class without doing any fencing.
This class is primarily focused on people who have experience judging events and want to improve and help their club members improve. But if you’re new and want to learn some skills that’s totally fine too.
1:30 PM
Lecture: Chronic Illness In HEMA: Who, Why, and How – Ella Rose
This lecture will contain three sections:
- Exploring the demographics, needs, and roadblocks of chronically ill people.
- Creating spaces for chronically ill martial artists.
- Engaging with martial arts as a chronically ill person.
3:00 PM
Learn how to turn your longsword into a precision tool for close combat. This class focuses on halfswording- gripping the blade like a short spear. While primarily used in armored fighting, these techniques are also invaluable in unarmored bouts when the fight closes in. We’ll explore the fundamentals of halfswording, smooth transitions from a standard grip, and practical plays and counters to use when the pressure is on. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to refine your technique, this class will sharpen your skillset for tight situations.
No experience required
Gear minimum: mask, gloves, jacket
Stepping up and deciding to coach and help out students in your club can be intimidating! This class aims to make this transition from student to coach easier, as well as aiming to offer existing coaches and instructors some practice.
This class is an introduction to working with your fellow clubmates to learn to aid in drills, games, and practice. It is open to all fencers of all skill levels—those who have never been in an instructor or in a senior student role are encouraged to participate, and those who have instructed before will find opportunities to practice. All are welcome to learn and participate! This workshop will go over the basics of starting to coach, and fencing from that mindset. It is a judgement-free space to fence and begin thinking like a coach!
Experience level: All! This class will help new students think about fencing from a different perspective, as well as giving seasoned coaches a chance to practice.
Equipment: Mask/light gloves/boffers are required, a full sparring kit is recommended (any weapon, as long as you can drill with a partner).
Remember how last year was rather cold and rainy? Love yourself some HEMA drip? Want a relaxing workshop to enjoy? I’m here for you!
In this workshop we’ll briefly explore the history of the cloak, what makes a cloak a cloak, and then the bulk of our time will be exploring how to wear one! Specifically, how to wear a blanket as a cloak. (as was done for a large chunk of history)
No pre-requisite experience needed.
We will provide some blankets and broaches to use, but it’s ideal if you bring your own. Blanket should be approximately 60″ by 80″. Ideally wool or blend (min 80%). Broaches can be a large safety pin, or a penannular broach.
SUNDAY
8:00 AM
Lecture: Cognitive Efficient Mechanics – Asante Lawla
This talk will be on the bio-mechanical and tactical considerations that go into optimising movement for minimal cognitive load.
Unlike unarmed, unarmored 1 v 1 combat, where the term efficiency can be highly subjective, and attention is entirely undivided. Historic battlefield combat introduces elements which create a significant increase on cognitive and bio-mechanical load. Not least of all armour and weapons, but also tactical factors that warrant additional scrutiny in regards to integrating that load.
10:00 AM
Wittenwiler presents a unique framework of tactical preferences somewheat distinct from the KdF and Augsburg traditions prevalent further north in German speaking lands. Through choice drills and sparring games, we’ll explore Wittenwiler’s preferred measures and moments to land hits
Experience level: some longsword experience is preferred
Gear Requirement: full longsword sparring kit
In this workshop we will be using movement frameworks from dancing to train and isolate actions that have a rotational aspect to them. We will focus on contrabody movements and the mechanics behind moving body one direction and feet another and also looking at fully rotating actions often associated with anti-group actions in montante, two-swords, jägerstock, or polearms, which require a linear footwork for optimization.
No pre-reqs. Preferably have a 1handed sword, a two handed sword, and a weapon over 5 feet, preferably a montante. But all things can be done with a longsword only.
A sequel to last year’s medieval games workshop. We’ll be looking at different games and sports that were played during the medieval period, reviewing a bit of the context and some sources, considering their crossover with the fencing and wrestling we do today, and then most importantly, playing games!
No fencing equipment or previous experience necessary, just athletic clothes
12:00 PM
DEI: HEMA Style, highlighting simple ways to foster inclusivity in HEMA clubs – Sarah Zordan
This class will educate and highlight variations of needs and give some people real world perspectives on what it might be like to have a disability or be considered part of a minority population. It will explore how to accommodate different skill sets, limitations, or disabilities in a class or tournament setting as well as foster an inclusive club environment. This is a lecture, but there will be activities that require movement, so please dress comfortably.