After completing the Beginning classes, students are eligible to join ongoing weekly classes in TWO-HANDED SWORD or RAPIER.

IF YOU HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN HISTORICAL SWORDSMANSHIP, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AND VISIT.

Intermediate Two-Handed Sword
Prerequisites: Beginning II or permission of the instructor

Curriculum: Ongoing weekly classes cover all aspects of fencing with the two-handed sword, utilizing discussion, demonstration, partnered and solo drilling, and supervised free fencing. Separate course units spaced throughout the year cover unarmed techniques, disarms and throws; use of the staff, spear, and pole-axe; fighting with the dagger; fighting with the single-handed sword and messer; and techniques of sword-and-buckler fighting.

Equipment: Students provide their own sword simulator (bamboo shinai), fencing mask and fencing jacket. Students will be instructed how to modify their shinai with a crossguard and a thrusting tip for added safety. A wooden practice sword (waster) is optional, as are bucklers and shields. (All equipment is available for purchase from VAF — see "VAF Store.")

Intermediate Rapier
Prerequisites: Beginning II or permission of the instructor

Curriculum: Ongoing weekly classes cover footwork, guards, and techniques of Italian rapier fencing. Separate units spaced throughout the year cover rapier alone; rapier with dagger and other off-hand weapons (including cloak and shield); dagger alone; spada da lato (or sidesword, the precursor to the rapier); Renaissance staff; and 18th-century smallsword.

Equipment: Students provide their own practice rapier, fencing gloves, fencing mask and fencing jacket. A fencing dagger and shield are optional. (All equipment is available for purchase from VAF — see "VAF Store.")

Advanced Two-Handed Sword
(By invitation)
Prerequisites: Intermediate Two-Handed Sword or permission of the instructor

Equipment: Students should own a wooden or aluminum waster and, ideally, a blunt steel practice sword. A heavy cotton or linen gambeson and heavy protective gloves (street hockey gloves or other padded gloves) are also recommended.

Advanced Rapier
(By invitation)
Prerequisites: Intermediate Rapier or permission of the instructor

Equipment: Students provide their own practice rapier with a flexible blade, and a fencing dagger.

Fighting with the Rapier and Dagger, from the 17th-century Rapier manual of Salvator Fabris