Wednesday, September 28, 2011

A Weekend of Iberian Swordplay at Gallowglass Academy

I can't speak to the Destreza material, but I've taken several classes with Eric and Puck at WMAWs in 2007, 2009 and 2011 on the montante, the Iberian greatsword that Allen references.

For those who aren't familiar with it, it's a fascinating weapon and style, IMHO. The primary sources are predominantly centered on tactics, not techniques, so while Eric, Puck, Steve Hicks and others have had to work hard to clarify the techniques involved, the scenarios provided in the sources give us a level of insight into the weapon that we have for few other historical weapons.

For example, there are combinations for fighting in an alleyway that's so narrow you can't swing the sword, combos for use in streets that are *just* wide enough to let you swing the sword, and scenarios for guarding a noble lady, for breaking up a fight between fencers, for fighting on the central walkway of a sailing galley, and more.

Given all the source material available, I have no doubt that Eric could easily fill a day with interesting stuff.

I'm definitely planning on going!

I discussed with Maestro Puck Curtis at WMAW having him come out to do a seminar at Gallowglass Academy (25 miles from Rockford, IL and 90 miles from Chicago) next year. Based on our preliminary discussions we are currently looking at doing a two day event on either April 21 - 22 or 28 - 29, 2012.

Maestro Curtis has suggested he do a one day Destreza seminar with sidesword, rapier or longsword and then Maestro Eric Meyers do a one day seminar on Iberian great sword. This will necessitate we get at least 20 students at close to $100 each for the weekend. I am looking to get feedback to see if we can get enough interest in the seminar to let them know to plan on coming out.

So please talk amongst yourselves and any interested students or friends and get me feedback ASAP so I can let Maestri Curtis and Meyers know what is going on.

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