The Classical Academy of Arms podcast, supporting the training and credentialing of fencers and trainers who teach fencing using the technique of the classical period 1880-1939.
All three weapons, both pointe (foil and epee) and contre-pointe (sabre), depend on scoring touches by having the point of the weapon arrest on the opponent's target. Attacks that do not arrest as they slide by the target or are slapped on as flat are a wasted opportunity. This episode address how to train to fix the point on the target.
This episode discusses the classification of fencing actions as taught by classical fencing Schools. Classification groups like actions together, identifies similarities and differences, helps establish curriculum, and provides a view into the doctrine and practice of a School.
It is an article of faith among classical fencers that classical fencing can only be done with French or Italian grips. In reality during the classical period (1880-1939) there was widespread experimentation among fencing masters and prominent fencers with various orthopaedic designs to improve control and accuracy in weapon use. This episode also provides suggestion as to how you can incorporate orthopaedic grips in your classical fencing.
This episode discusses the varying sizes of the terrain, planches, and pistes on which classical fencers fenced.
A School is a collective body of fencers and Fencing Masters who approach the problem of combat with the sword in a similar manner based on a common doctrine. This episode describes the characteristics of Schools of fencing in the classical period (1880-1939).
There is little agreement of the time period that can be used to identify classical fencing. In order to develop a credible basis for the training of classical fencing fencers and trainers, the Classical Academy of Arms has examined the factors which define the classical period as an evolutionary prelude to modern Fencing. This episode presents the evidence-based basis for our credentialing program.
