For the non-runners, jumpers and throwers, West Devon Swords was able to offer an alternative sporting experience for Okehampton College pupils at the annual sports day in July.
A split session of archery and Go Fence foil provided competition of a different sort alongside the usual athletics programme. …
A different target for College Sports Day Read More »
West Devon Swords has a range of classes for the following activities:
Sports Fencing – Juniors • Historical Swordplay
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Essential Info: sessions and venues Read More »
by Robin Catling:
The foil is a descendant of the light court sword formerly used by nobility to train for duels – there is an extended sequence in Le Bossu where the Regent, Philippe Duke of Orléans visits a fencing school of the period. Foil is the weapon most people picture whenever modern sports fencing is mentioned – light, fast and mobile. …
Foil: The Sport of Kings Read More »
By Robin Catling:
Although the use of heavy metal armour during the Middle Ages made swordsmanship virtually obsolete, the development of firearms in the 15th century then made armour obsolete. As the weapon of last resort, close quarters combat and the means for settling disputes among gentlemen, skill with the sword resumed its importance. …
The evolution of sporting weapons Read More »
Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) is the serious study and live application of combat techniques from the early Medieval period, through the Renaissance, to the late Nineteenth century.
HEMA is not a fantasy activity like LARP (Live Action Role-playing), it is not historical re-enactment, nor is it choreographed stage fighting. It should be treated the same as other martial arts such as boxing, karate, ju-jitsu and the like. This means a constant and strict regard for the risk of injury, with appropriate steps (instruction, donning protective gear) to mitigate and minimise such risk. …
HEMA: Safe conduct of classes Read More »
Studying historical combat techniques with heavy weapons is rewarding and fun, but, like most other martial arts, inherently risky. We all have proper jobs to go back to, families to look after, bills to pay; things that are difficult enough without the added burden of trips to A&E, bandages, splints, crutches and the long-lasting effects of concussion (genuinely no laughing matter). We are not 24/7 Medieval or Renaissance warriors. This is a hobby more than a lifestyle choice. …
HEMA – is it safe? Read More »
by Robin Catling.
From Pirates of the Caribbean, to Star Wars and even Transformers, it seems every other movie poster features a character with a sword; there’s been a slew of TV and online ads featuring Olympic fencers in action, TV shows such as Arrow and the Musketeers keep the skill and the romance of the sword alive. It’s no wonder even the smallest children want to give it a try. …
In praise of plastic Read More »
Owing to demand, we continue with a beginners’ short-course in sabre.
To register:
call: 07956 409818
email: contact@westdevonswords.info
Beginners’ Sabre Short-course June 2017 Read More »
HEMA is the acronym for Historical European Martial Arts, also known as Western Martial Arts (WMA), or, less accurately, as Historical Fencing, which doesn’t cover the breadth of disciplines. …
