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

All three classes are aimed at competent smallsword fencers, dealing with different situations using aspects of the standard body of technique.

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.

The timetable is being worked on an released very soon!

10:00 – 10:20

Registration

10:20 – 10:30

Introduction / Salute

10:30 – 11:30

The Short Fight

The longer a bout goes on for, the more opportunities the opponent has to get lucky or for you to make a mistake. In this class, we examine a number of expedients by which the opponent can be put out of action quickly and safely. We will consider all three stages of the action: set-up, execution and recovery, keeping in mind that the smallsword is lethal – but not necessarily immediately. ‘Getting there first’ does not guarantee safety, so we must ensure we are not hit at all.

Recovery and guard
Creating ambiguity
Disguising intention
Bind and opposition

11:40 – 12:40

The Protracted Bout

Some opponents are too well trained or too wily to fall victim to a simple fight-ending action. It is necessary to ‘feel out’ such opponents in order to discover a weakness, or to ‘train’ them to react the way you want them to. A skilled opponent can be more predictable than a nervous beginner, but on the other hand they are more likely to make effective attacks or ripostes if given the opportunity. We will consider the methods by which we can out-fence a skilled opponent.

Timing vs tempo
Denying opportunity
Creating a pattern – and breaking it
Triggering set-pieces

12:50 – 13:50

Oafs, Ignorants and Epeeists

Not everyone wants to fence like the manuals show, and many are not capable of it. We will consider how best to deal with those who rush in, unconcerned about the threat of the point; those who endlessly retreat; counter-hitters; and those who want to score points by importing techniques from modern fencing.

Detached Actions
Dealing with the endless retreat
Blade-grabbers and counter-hitters
Drawing the intemperate response

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.