THE 1595. CLUB
Founded in Brighton, the 1595 Club is dedicated to the practice, study and rebirth of the ‘lost’ martial arts of Europe. Our primary source is the work of the sixteenth century soldier, philosopher and Master of Fence Vincentio Saviolo and it is from the year of publication of "...[H]is Practise" that the Club takes its name.
Photo: Carlos Oliva
- DEMONSTRATIONS
- EVENTS
- GROUP CLASSES
- PRIVATE TUITION
- WORKSHOPS
| sword | sword & dagger | sword & shield |
| 'classic' pugilism | unarmed combat | staff weapons |
It is impossible to recreate completely the fighting styles of the Old Masters: their disciplines and skills have long since disappeared or, at very best, been so diluted that they are beyond recognition. The school of thought, deed and purpose of which Saviolo was a product and the art that he so eloquently championed was, over time, laid aside and forgotten. What is possible however is to explore the martial questions that he and his peers posed, using the clues that they so fortunately left behind.
This Art, if it is to exist and flourish, cannot simply be a historical curiosity; its practice and customs must have a relevance and benefit to society (as much as do the works of Shakespeare and Cervantes or Caravaggio and Di Vinci, or any of the other great artistic masters of the Renaissance) and in so doing become, once more, a living tradition.
The aim of the 1595 Club is a practical, holistic and innovative exploration of the Art of Fence - its principles, techniques and philosophy; not only of swordsmanship but also of other weapons, weapon combinations and as the basis for a system of unarmed defence and combat.
"...Fencing, which justly forms part of the education of persons of rank: giving them additional strength of body, proper confidence, grace, activity, and address;
enabling them, likewise, to pursue other exercises with greater facility."Domenico Angelo
