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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Max van den Ekart: How to be a puppet master

Level: Intermediate
Weapon: Longsword
Every martial art has many different aspects which are to be used during a match. One of those aspects is the mental state both fencers have during a fight and how to work with that and manipulate that. This is something I am very interested in myself and what we will explore during this workshop.

This workshop will have two main focus points, first how to disrupt the other person’s mental focus during a fight. Secondly how to trick someone’s mental reflexes to set the fight to your own hand.

For this workshop you will need a mask, throat guard, fencing jacket, medium/heavy gloves and a Feder. Later on in the workshop we will do some exercises on a higher intensity so if you have more gear bring it along.

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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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Mykhaylo Skorobogatov: A sabre outside of the parry-repost game

Level: Intermediate
Weapon: Sabre
Most of the saber treaties are focused on the parry-repost framework, when a lot of other exciting options are only briefly mentioned here and there. In my class we will work on expanding our fencing options, learning different ways to deviate from the classic parry-repost game, discussing tips and tricks that can help you to surprise your opponents in competitions and hopefully expand your horizons as a sabre fencer.

Full gear is recommended, sabre is a primary weapon but other one-handed weapons will work.

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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: Let’s fence like a guild master!

Level: All levels
Weapon: Practice sword / longsword
During this workshop, we will take a deep dive into the wonderful world that is Blossfechten. At the core of the workshop we will follow the teachings of the one and only master Joachim Meyer, but we will spice it up a little! We will also show you how to fit his teachings into our way of Blossfechten according to the principles of Flemish guild fencing, just like our ancestors did 500 years ago in Bruges.

The main goal of this workshop is to teach you the very basics of guild fencing, according to our 3 main principles: don’t get hit, hit your opponent while keeping yourself safe and look absolutely fabulous while doing so. It’s not about scaring, hurting or killing your opponent but about showing your mastery of the blade and proving that you are in absolute control of your own weapon.

What do you need? A (practice) sword, light to medium gloves, a mask and the ambition to master the skills. For after all, we will fence like a true master!

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