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.
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.
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 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.
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.
When learning multiple weapon forms in historical fencing, it pays to work off a single, cohesive system. For us, it's traditional Italian fencing.
The Academie's very own Donovan won the first ever SCA Crown Tourney run under rapier rules and conventions. Here's how it happened.
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.
When it comes to defense, too many fencers rely on simple parries. To keep opponent's from being able to capitalize on this, mix some circular parries into the mix.
Fencing through frustration can be... well... frustrating. Alas, that's part of fencing. Here's how you can use frustration to improve your game.
