Workshops

Instructors

Arto Fama: <TBA>

Level: <TBA>
Weapon: <TBA>

<TBA>

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Bor Jaspers: The psychic fencer

Level: Intermediate
Weapon: Longsword
Goal of the workshop: Reading and predicting the opponents actions and dealing with it.

The main goal in this workshop is increasing the adaptability of the fencer. We will do this by focusing on external rather than internal signals and commands. So instead of putting the emphasis on what you are doing we will focus on what your opponent is doing and adapt to the situation. Basically this means predicting what your opponent is (often) subconsciously doing by observing their actions and taking advantage of that, hence being psychic, knowing before it happens.

Nothing ever happens in singularity so we will examine multiple scenarios and deal with them accordingly, how the problem is solved is entirely up to you. I will give you some exercises to play around with but in the end you will have to be the one to solve the puzzle. In the end I hope to have helped you expand your toolbox in your fencing arsenal or at least gave you something too think about and discuss with your other fencing buddies.

This workshop is longsword orientated but can be applied to all weapons as it is a principle we are working with, please make sure if you want to attend this class with a different weapon that you find someone as a partner that has and wants to use the same weapon for this workshop. Also it is open for all levels, full gear is recommended but all the exercises can be done with less gear.

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Carl Ryrberg: Turning a maelstrom into a symphony

Level: All levels
Weapon: Longsword
Fencing is hard! Learning to do the (often mechanically complex) motions needed to do historical swordsmanship is difficult, and learning to apply these motions in the chaos that is a free exchange of technique (sparring, competition etc.) is even more challenging.

This workshop breaks down the fight to easy-to-grasp principles to help compartmentalize a very chaotic situation. By creating rules and goals for exchanges with a non-cooperative opponent, the workshop will give the participants a framework to apply to their own technical fencing more efficiently in antagonistic situations.

The workshop is “source neutral” and does not require an understanding of any particular treatise.

No gear besides sword and a mask is required.

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Joris Jacobs: The shadow school of the Sword

Level: All levels
Weapon: Longsword / Katana
For the past 12 years I have been studying several sword traditions from ancient Japan next to the traditional Historical European Martial arts curriculum.

As a martial artist I have a holistic approach to the study of combat and after dedicating enough time into studying de Kage ryu traditions and manuscripts. I think I can finally share some of my observations in the workshop “The Shadow School of the Sword”.

In the workshop  “The Shadow School of the Sword,” we delve into the ancient manuscript of the Kage Ryu, developed by its founder Aizu Hyūga-no-Kami Iko (1452–1538). This workshop offers a rare opportunity to explore the battlefield-tested techniques of Kage Ryu, one of the three ancient styles of katana and spear fighting, alongside Shinto Ryu and Chuko Nen Ryu.

Aizu Iko lived during the same period as Paulus Kal (1420–1485), providing us with a fascinating glimpse into the swordfighting practices of that era from opposite sides of the world. This workshop will focus on the following key elements:

  1. Basic Stances in Old School Kenjutsu:
    • We will begin by examining the fundamental stances used in Kage Ryu and compare them with the stances from the German tradition of swordsmanship. Understanding these stances is crucial for mastering the techniques and strategies of both styles.
  2. Basic Techniques of Kage Ryu:
    • Enpi (“Leaping Monkey”)
    • Enkai (“Circling Monkey”)
    • Yamakage (“Shadow of the Mountain”)
    • Gekkage (“Moon and Shadow”)
  3. Practical Exercises:
    • The workshop is geared towards intermediate and advanced students, focusing on practical exercises that incorporate fencing knowledge from both Japanese and German traditions. Our holistic approach aims to provide students with a comprehensive toolbox to handle various situations during sparring

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Melissa Kleiß: Motivation as a Training Strategy

Level: All levels
Weapon: Longsword
How can we stay motivated in the long run? Why are games so great to train fencing? This workshop is designed for experienced fencers and coaches who want to actively integrate motivational aspects into their training.

We will explore Motivation Theory and its core elements – autonomy, competence, and social relatedness – and develop strategies to apply them in personal training, season planning, and overall training design. Through a combination of theory, reflection, and practical examples, we will create concrete exercises and approaches that help maintain long-term motivation and enjoyment in fencing.

Recommended equipment: full sparring gear

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Nele Vansteenkiste: Introduction to verdadera destreza

Level: Beginners
Weapon: Rapier
Main principles of destreza rapier following Rada. Focusing on body movement and controlling the blade.

Going a little deeper into the Atajo and follow up.

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Sebastiaan Pollet: <TBA>

Level: <TBA>
Weapon: Longsword

<TBA>

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