Requirements & Details

Weapons and Technique

This year we are focussing on the ‘smallsword era’, roughly 1700 to 1850-ish. The focus is the smallsword, so participants will need something that simulates such a weapon. Ideally they will also have a military-type sword of a similar era. Spadroons, sabres and backswords or similar weapons are all acceptable. Weapons and fencing systems from outside this era are not appropriate.

The intent is to improve everyone’s fencing rather than to show off by getting loads of points using questionable methods. This means participants are expected to fence in a formal and ‘clean’ manner which facilitates good technique on their opponent’s part. If outfenced, participants are expected to ‘lose politely’ and focus on the learning experience they have been offered. 

The symposium is not suitable for beginners

Participants must be competent to execute the strokes and parries of mainstream smallsword fencing. We will be focusing on the subtle nuance of technique and application, fine-tuning what is already there. There will not be time to teach the basics in the main class. However, instruction is available in the secondary area for those who are interested but have not had a chance to study the weapons of the symposium.

A Note on Duelling

The concept of the duel is a broad one. We are defining it as a one-on-one confrontation in which there are some social or conduct rules in place, rather than a desperate scramble outside a tavern in Leith. A duel-like situation can also occur under other circumstances, such as when officers of opposing forces meet on the battlefield and there is no intervention by plebian musket-balls or bayonets.

Mismatched weapons are likely in such a situation. Some militaries favoured smallsword-like weapons as officers’ sidearms whilst others provided sabres. The smallsword might also meet the highland broadsword or a naval cutlass. It is not the weapon that defines a duel but the situation. 

We are assuming a duel or duel-like situation where there is an expectation of fairness and some kind of penalty for winning ‘unfairly’. There were times when unacceptable conduct in a duel could lead to social and financial ruin, and it was therefore necessary to observe the conventions of the time even at the expense of combat capability. 

Participants must have suitable equipment

There may be some items available for those who manage to forget something, but attendees are expected to be at the stage where they have their own kit or can borrow it from their home class. Minimal requirements are:

• A suitable weapon – in other words a smallsword simulator for smallsword classes and possibly a military sword of the general era (for example spadroon, sabre or backsword). Note that no sharp weapons can be permitted anywhere in the training area under any circumstances, and no weapons are permitted in the social area after the fencing part of the event has concluded.
• A fencing jacket with suitable puncture protection – 350N or equivalent is entirely acceptable. 
• A fencing mask – back of head protection and additional reinforcement is entirely optional.
• Gloves – gloves must be worn on both hands. It should go without saying that gloves should not impede dextrous use of the weapon. 
• Suitable footwear and other clothing for physical activity. Note that no bare skin should be showing.  Additional protection is at the user’s discretion, and attendees are advised to err on the side of caution. However, bulky armour is not in keeping with the ethos of the event.