The French Small-sword Academy

NEW YORK - April 27, 2013 - PRLog -- One week intensive small-sword training Academy May 27th - June 1st, 2013.  

Between 1754 & 1787 alone, NYC was a veritable hub for American fencers, with at least fourteen fencing schools, eleven of which operated in a concentrated area of lower Manhattan. Under the guidance of four expert Instructors, participants will receive instruction suited to their level of experience and ability. Therefore, this workshop will be divided in to two skill levels.

Details:  http://www.martinez-destreza.com/small_sword

Level I:
Designed for students with no previous training in small-sword, this will serve as an introduction to the art & science. Instruction will include:
Proper posture via skeletal alignment for the positioning of the body
Understanding how to establish balance
Proper grip of the weapon
Fluidity of movement and the importance of maintaining the guard position
Fundamental attacks and defense
The importance of maintaining blade opposition
Practical fencing assaults with supervision and individual assessment

Level II:
Designed for students of small-sword. Instruction will cover technical refinements and advanced application of the art & science such as:
How the hand positions facilitate technique
Developing blade sensitivity (sentiment du fer)
Manipulation of the weapon with the fingers (doighté)
Knowing your measure (distance) and entering it safely
How the proper posture facilitates offense as well as defense
Exercises designed to develop technical skills (tirer au mur)
In depth analysis of the technical aspects of each technique
Discerning the appropriate use of time

And for the first time:One-on-one plastron lessons with the masters for individual correction

Both levels will culminate in fencers bringing their technical knowledge to the assault to apply it in an adversarial situation.