After a short week off after American Smallsword Symposium, I was back on the road for WMAW, one of the oldest western martial art events in the US. It just celebrated it’s 25th anniversary! WMAW is every-other-year with a large variety of classes on different weapons and systems, plus a medieval deed!
I taught three classes — Death from Below: Rapier for Short(er) Fencers, Two Heads are Better Than One: Crash Course in Pacha’s Jaegerstock, and Know Your Enemy: Approaching the 4 Temperaments of Fighter.
It was a lot of fun working with a variety of fencers from all over. Each of these classes I’ve taught before to various degrees. The jaegserstock class was at the end of the weekend and was a hoot to run folks through.
The short fencer class had a nice turnout. Anytime I get a chance to help my fellow shorties with techniques and tactics, it’s a good day (flanconade of 2nd for life). And the four temperaments class had a dedicated showing; I’ve taught this class as a lecture before that you can watch online.
I also managed to sneak in some classical fencing lessons with Maestro Kevin Murakoshi and Maestro Ryan Mank, which was nice. The pickups with folks were also super fun. Everyone I met was super nice and just happy to nerd-out about their particular flavor of historical fencing. I hope I can make it out there again.
I love events like WMAW and American Smallsword Symp ‘cause I always go home feeling full and feeling like I made some new friends for life. Can’t wait to see folks again (hopefully soon). 🙂
If you get a chance to make it out to either event, I highly recommend it.
Happy Swording!
—Justin
Head Coach, Instructor at Arms
Boston Academie d’Armes
(he/him)
