Duelling Weapons Symposium consists of three masterclasses, afternoon tea, exhibition bouts and a gala dinner.

There will be a main training area in which the classes take place and a smaller area for other activities. The first class is specific to the technique of the smallsword, and is aimed at competent smallsword fencers. The second class deals with the formal duel between matched weapons, whilst the third covers the highly dangerous situation where the participants have different weapons.

Instruction is available in the smaller area for anyone who cannot participate in the main class. Please note that freeplay is not permitted during this time.

Please note that details are subject to change at the discretion of the instructors. We will fine-tune and tailor the event according to the participants on the day, which may result in some adjustments to the programme.

09:00 – 09:20

Registration

09:20 – 09:30

Introduction / Salute

09:30 – 10:50

Masterclass: Subtleties of Technique

The event opens with a masterclass on Subtleties of Technique, providing fencers with options a less well-educated opponent might not even know about.

11:00 – 12:20

Masterclass: Subtleties of Tactics

Subtleties of Tactics, dealing with the many and varied ways opponents can be induced to compromise themselves and thereby be safely dispatched.

12:30 – 13:50

Masterclass: Applications of Technique and Tactics

We will examine Applications of Technique and Tactics, presenting a framework for obtaining a favourable outcome in a duel or duel-like situation.

14:00 – 15:00

Afternoon Tea

Everything stops for afternoon tea, served by the hosts.

15:10 – 17:00

Exhibition Bouts and Duels

These bouts are a chance to demonstrate your skills in front of a suitably appreciative audience. Whilst there are some elements of a duel, we are fencing with duelling weapons rather than playing at being duellists. Thus participants will earn more kudos for demonstrating fine skills and humiliating their opponent than for a performing an efficient and socially acceptable ganking.

There is an element of audience participation in these bouts. Cheers and jeers are the norm, along with bribery, corruption and perhaps a little gambling.

17:00 – 17:15

Closing Address and Salute

17:15 – 19:00

A Period of Preparation

The hotel’s bars and social areas are open, but perhaps it might be better to change and shower before installing yourself in one of them.

19:00 – Late

Gala Dinner

Dinner will be accompanied by frivolity and fabulousness, as is only right. There is no dress code as such, but participants are expected to dress and act appropriately for a formal dinner – in whatever era best suits them.