Overview

We specialize in the art of the duel, specifically historical fencing with single-handed weapons and their secondaries from the 17th Century through the end of the 19th Century.

We don’t teach any one particular master, but instead focus on the overarching techniques, principles, concepts, and tactics found across multiple masters and historical swordplay books. Our focus is on the larger Franco-Italian school of fencing, which includes primarily of Northern Italian fencing masters and those influenced by their work in France and the German states.

Currently, we have classes covering our core weapon forms:

• The Rapier
• The Dueling Saber
• The Dueling Sword (aka Smallsword) and Italian Foil

You’ll also find us working and playing with other forms such as the longsword, partisan/spear, and dagger only.

The Rapier | THe Art of the Duel

The rapier was the primary sword used in continental Europe during the late 16th through the 17th Centuries. Primarily built for thrusting, the rapier was light and fast (on average, about 2.5lbs), yet sturdy enough to parry powerful cuts from heavier swords. It was wielded with one hand, letting the fencer use their “off-hand” to hold another item for protection, such as a dagger, cloak, buckler, or baton. It’s long, slender blade ranged between 38-45″ giving its wielder a long offensive reach. The rapier’s hilt or guard came in a variety of shapes and sizes, providing the fencer with much-needed hand protection as well as a sense of flair.

Primarily a civilian weapon, it was during the age of the rapier that the art of the duel began to flourish. The weapon would continue to evolve and by the 18th Century, it became a shorter, lightning-fast weapon known as the smallsword or dueling sword.

Fencing with the rapier often includes “opposing” the opponent’s weapon, allowing the fencer to strike their opponent without being struck in return. The Italian rapier system also includes fun body voiding actions, such as the girata and passata sotto.

At Boston Academie d’Armes, we focus on the Northern Italian school of rapier fencing. Our 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.

Learn more about our Italian rapier fencing program in Boston or get in touch to join us!

The Dueling Saber and Dueling Sword | The Epitome of Historical Fencing

Classical fencing is a martial art that bridges the gap between the Napoleonic and Victorian dueling field and the modern sport fencing piste. It trains not to just land touches, but to not be touched in return. Our program focuses on the dueling sword and dueling saber.

The dueling sword (spada), sometimes called the Italian smallsword, is an incredibly light and maneuverable weapon that evolved from the older rapier fencing systems. It’s a thrust-centric weapon with lightning-fast blade actions, explosive attacks, and dynamic blade exchanges.

The dueling saber (sciabola) is a slightly curved sword designed to cut and thrust. Originally designed for the military, the saber became the primary dueling weapon in the Italian states and kingdom in the 19th Century. Though other saber systems are rudimentary, the Italian dueling saber is a robust system, giving practitioners a wide variety of techniques and tactics to utilize in combat.

At Boston Academie d’Armes, we focus on the Italian school of fencing. Our training is based primarily on Maestro William Gaugler’s book, The Science of Fencing, as well as earlier classical fencing masters, such as Luigi Barbasetti, Pecoraro & Pessina, Scorza & Grisetti, and Masaniello Parise.

Learn more about our classical Italian fencing program in Boston or get in touch to join us!