Looking at Your HEMA or SCA Tourney Performance in Context
It's easy to get down on oneself after a tourney doesn't go our way, but it's important to look your performance in context -- that means more than just the wins and losses -- and how to use that insight into building a roadmap to success.
Celebrating Black History in HEMA
February is Black History Month and to honor the occasion, we’re going to do a quick look at some some fascinating historical figures who picked up the sword with a little Black History of HEMA.
Classical Fencing Class Moving to The Foundry
Our classical fencing class with foil, smallsword, and saber will be moving to The Foundry in Cambridge, MA starting in March.
Boston Academie d’Armes Unveils Commemorative Five Year Anniversary Logo
Boston Academie d'Armes is excited to reveal its commemorative Five Year Anniversary logo which tells the story of the school's growth and progress in it's first half-decade of historical and classical fencing training.
Actions on the Blade and the Beat
This month in classical fencing class, folks will explore Actions on the Blade -- movements to deviate an opponent's weapon off line. This blog is an overview of actions on the blade and a glimpse at the use of the beat.
A Look at the Yielding Glide in Historical Fencing
The yielding glide is a fun blade action in rapier, smallsword, and dueling sword. Here's how it was used in 17th - 19th centuries fencing.
Trick Your Opponents with Your Feet
Footwork is a paramount skill in historical and classical fencing. Here's a couple of ways you can use sneaky footwork to trick opponents.
Cloaktober is Back!
Cloaktober 2025 is here! Here's why so many Renaissance and early-modern fencing masters talked about using the cloak or cape as a defensive arms with the sword.
Using the Off Hand with Single Sword
While we always try to be brilliant in our swordplay, sometimes we need the offhand to help out. Here's a couple of ways of using the offhand with rapier and smallsword.
One Historical Fencing System to Rule Them All
When learning multiple weapon forms in historical fencing, it pays to work off a single, cohesive system. For us, it's traditional Italian fencing.
👑 History. Made.
The Academie's very own Donovan won the first ever SCA Crown Tourney run under rapier rules and conventions. Here's how it happened.
Is Single Tempi the Best Tempi in Historical Fencing?
As we wrapped up our defensive-focused block, we took some time to explore single tempo actions that blend offense and defense together -- the counterattack.