OUR PRACTICE: DEFINING THE ART

"THIS SCIENCE TO BE THE GROUND AND FOUNDATION OF THE ARTE MILITARIE"

• DEMONSTRATIONS
• EVENTS
• GROUP CLASSES
• PRIVATE TUITION
• WORKSHOPS

sword	sword & dagger	sword & shield
'classic' pugilism	unarmed combat	staff weapons

Mention the word 'fencing' to anyone today and they immediately think of sports fencing. Beyond that, to movie-goers and even martial artists, the word 'fencing' is synonymous with the sword. However the terms 'fencing'or 'to fence' have their origins simply in the Elizabethan slang word for 'defence' and 'offence' and this is this meaning that we must try to reclaim. Fencing is the art and science of defence.

The 1595. Club's approach to the Art of Fence offers:

• A full martial system: ranging from unarmed combat to the study and practice of historical weapons.
• The study of authentic swordsmanship and the Art of Arms.
• A practical and effective form of self-defence.
• An exploration and study of the co-ordination and harmony of both mind and body, not only as a combat discipline but also as a form of solo practice, that encourages and benefits both physical and emotional well-being.
• The promotion of a philosophy of respect and goodwill:

  "the more skill a man hath of his weapon the more gentle and curteous should he shewe himselfe, for in truth this is rightly the honour of a brave Gentleman, and so much the more is hee to bee esteemed : neither must he be a bragger, or lyer, and without truth in his word, because there is nothing more to be required of a man then to know himselfe"

  Vincentio Saviolo.

Verbania, Italy 2010 - Partizan Lesson

The Art and Science of Defence

The Art of Fence, in its original sense, is not just the use of the sword in the stylised ritual of the duel but an adaptable system of combat; a study of time, tempo and movement; the art and science of self-defence, governed by physical techniques and principles combined with a philosophy of mind, body and spirit.

The sword is an emblem of what has passed; it is, perhaps, the spirit of the thing but not by any means the thing itself. To the modern interpretation of this Art the sword becomes a teacher. Understanding its use teaches us about the movements of the body; of the principles of timing, distance, proportion and measure. In the end it teaches us about ourselves.

As modern people we live in an age where physical activity is defined almost exclusively by sport. Our culture has become obsessed by sport. Martial fencing however can never be one. Although the civilian sword styles of Europe eventually evolved along such a path, fencing is not a game to be played but rather an art to be followed.

The Old Masters knew and described two manners of combat - the 'artistic' and the 'vulgar'. By the term 'vulgar' we mean the disciplines that are based upon instinctive or 'natural' play; they rely on reflex, speed and strength laid on top of simple techniques (disciplines such as many modern combat sports and, historically, the martial arts of the civilian). That is not to say that these disciplines are not effective. They are also, by their nature (and very appealingly so to the modern mind), comparatively quick to learn. However they are not what are to be termed 'artistic' - these of necessity take longer to master, have a wider base of understanding and therefore may build higher and reach towards loftier goals. These are the arts of the warrior not the courtier.

A distinction therefore must be made between the historic martial skills of the warrior (one versed in the arts of war) and those of the civilian. A thin-bladed rapier or a small-sword for example is not a weapon of war and was never intended to be such: they are, in origin, the weapons of the courtier and the merchant. The mechanic of movement is different, the mindset is different. A warrior thinks less to the weapon and more to the situation.

…the soldier differeth from other men, not because he is more skilful in handling the sword or javelyn, but for that he is expert in everie occasion to know the best advantage & with judgement both to defend himself with anie thing whatsoever, and therewithal saflie to offend the enemie : In which & no other thing consisteth true skirmishing.

Giacomo di Grassi