From the Bronze Age to the First World War, the sword has a rich and diverse history in Europe.
Come to Academie Duello's downtown studio and take a tour through our museuem, where students will spend an hour learning about the evolution of the sword from simple bronze age knives, to the knightly longsword, to the slender rapier, all the way to the sabres issued to cavalry regiments in the first world war. There will also be a look at the way the fighting manual changed, with reproductions and first edition manuscripts, and a chance to try on armour too!
After a short break and chance to handle some swords and armour, students will take to the floor under the tutelage of a senior instructor and an assistant, and learn some swordplay! The lesson will be an hour long, and will cover the basics of stance, movement, attack, and defence, and will conclude with a fencing bout between the instructors.
