Non-Profit Organization Gets Medieval in Ellensburg

Dec. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- “Fencing for Fun” will be an entry level sport saber fencing class for ages 10-adult on Monday evenings at the Hal Holmes Center. Saber is the simplest form of fencing to learn with the least number of moves to train. Saber is also the fencing method which most closely resembles what people have seen in TV and movies, particularly pirate-themed ones, making it both accessible and exciting for newcomers. Fencing masks and sabers will be provided, with students providing their own gloves and light jackets. Space is limited. Continuing fencing classes will be offered starting in February.

“Saber fencing is fast and fun! It really challenges the mind and body, and you feel both tired and satisfied at the end of a great match,” says Eric Slyter, Executive Director of Kron.

“Veritas Swordplay Academy” is a martial arts class which is based on a German combat system from the 1300s. Sessions will include longsword, pole axe, dagger, staff, hand-to-hand combat and more. Fencing masks and training weapons will be provided, with students supplying their own gloves. Initial sessions will be 2-hour intensives on specific weapons, with later sessions applying the methods to all the weapons. Classes will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm at the Hal Holmes Center, and will be for ages 12-adult. Space is limited.

“Practicing this art connects a lot of people to a lost part of their cultural heritage,” Mr. Slyter says. “Even hundreds of years later, this is an effective combat art. I think people will be more surprised by the similarities than the differences between this and other forms of martial arts.” Mr. Slyter has been teaching this little-known but culturally important martial art since 2004 and has instructed at classes, conventions and symposia locally, regionally and internationally. He is scheduled to teach for a weekend as a guest instructor in Guadalajara, Mexico in March 2013.

Veritas Swordplay Academy, and its partner program Knights of Veritas, appeared at Ye Olde County Faire at Kittitas County Fairgrounds on August 18th and offered hands-on classes on armoured dueling, as well as a presentation about arms, armour and chivalry.

Kron had already been considering a move to Ellensburg, but decided for certain after working with Kittitas County officials in August and getting a sense of how supportive the community would be for its programming. “People here are really friendly and we’ve been getting a lot of encouraging help from the community,” says Slyter.

For more information about Kron and its programs, please contact Eric Slyter at 509-855-1500 or email info@kroninc.org. To register for Veritas Swordplay Academy or Fencing for Fun programs, please contact Jodi Hoctor at Ellensburg Parks and Rec at 509-962-7210 or hoctorj@ci.ellensburg.wa.us.