Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30pm at Odd Fellows Friendship Lodge | Belmont, MA

Italian Rapier Fencing in Boston

Rapier fencing is the practice of brutal elegance. It’s a civilian martial art with a vigorous array of offensive, defensive, and counter-offensive actions. Our focus with the rapier is on practical combat and self-defense with the sword in a one-on-one duel, not scoring the most points as fast as possible.

In our weekly rapier fencing program, you’ll learn swordplay with the rapier as it would have been used in the 17th Century. You’ll learn how to attack and defend with the sword alone, as well as common companion items, such as the dagger, cloak, and buckler/targa. And you’ll have a blast doing it!

At Boston Academie d’Armes, we focus on the Northern Italian school of fencing. Our rapier training is based primarily on the works of Salvator Fabris, Francesco Alfieri, Nicoletto Giganti, and Ridolfo Capo Ferro. We also take notes from non-Italian fencing masters influenced by the Italian system, such as French fencing master Charles Besnard and German masters Johann Daniel L’Ange and Johann Georg Pascha.

Rapier fencing is an amazingly fun and rewarding system that can be enjoyed by fencers of all ages, genders, shapes, and athletic ability.

If you’re interested in trying rapier, send us a message! We’d love to have you!

Though many of us compete in modern SCA and HEMA rapier fencing tournaments, we train as if we’re preparing for the dueling field. Duels in the 17th Century were often deadly affairs. That means we put an emphasis on the art of defense and learning how to land clean touches against our opponent without being touched in return.

The rapier was primarily used in private, civilian affairs and small street skirmishes. Built for thrusting and cutting, the rapier was light, long, and fast, yet sturdy enough to block powerful cuts from heavier swords. It was wielded with one hand, letting the swordfighter use their “off-hand” to hold another item for protection and offense, such as a dagger, cloak, buckler, or baton. The rapier’s hilt, or guard, came in a variety of shapes and sizes, providing much-needed hand protection as well as a sense of personal flair.

Although we train with the mindset that the weapons are real, we use modern safety precautions. The sword simulators are unsharpened, blunted, and flexible; we also wear protective gear similar to that of modern sport fencing. We also put an emphasis on control to keep both ourselves and our training partners safe.

And just as important, we aim to keep our training as light & fun as possible.

If you want to learn the art of the duel, our Italian rapier program is for you! No experience is needed and we have loaner gear to get you started. Just get in touch!

If you’re interested in later sword-fighting systems, you may be interested in our classical fencing program with the dueling saber and smallsword.

“Never fear quarrels, but seek hazardous adventures.”

If you’re a fan of high-action swashbucklers like The Three Musketeers or the Captain Alatriste series, then our rapier fencing classes are for you!

Learn how to duel and skirmish with the rapier just like they would have in your favorite books and films.

Unlike modern sports fencing, where the goal is to score as many points as possible, historical fencing with the rapier focuses on the art of defense. You’ll learn a robust swordplay system that will both challenge and improve your physical abilities and cognitive skills.

The rapier is a fun and dynamic weapon that can be enjoyed and mastered regardless of age, experience, or physical ability.

Ready to give it a try? Drop us a line and we’ll set you up for your first lesson!

You can also learn more about our school, training methods, and culture here.

Class Info

When: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Odd Fellows Hall – Friendship Lodge #20 IOOF (16 Maple St, Belmont, MA 02478)

Each class begins with a general warmup, a fun agility course to improve footwork and athletic quickness, and a variety of fencing games. We then move onto core drill actions with partners before covering the week’s feature lesson.

The goal of the class is to improve each student’s depth of skill of core rapier actions as well as expand their technical and tactical toolkit with a breadth of knowledge.

This is a mixed-level class and no prior fencing experience is necessary! Loaner gear is available.

New fencers & out-of-town guests are welcome to drop by. Just get in touch with us, so we’ll know to expect you!