(more pictures here) Here is a short review of that. Review by Reinier van Noort: Last weekend, Dave Rawlings visited the School for Historical Fencing Arts, to bring the fencing art of Girard Thibault’s Academie de l’Espée back to life during a two-day seminar, for the first time in the Netherlands since the seventeenth century. 21 historical martial artists, from amongst others Antwerp and Stuttgart, traveled to Delft for a seminar that, to me, was a fantastic experience. On Saturday, the seminar kicked off with an in-depth introduction to Thibault’s system. The basic stance was explained, and from this basic stance the first steps in subjecting the opponent’s blade were executed. After that, we studied various possible reactions the opponent might have to the subjection of his sword, and the correct counter-reactions. On Sunday morning, we started with drawing the sword and assuming the basic stance as shown by Thibault. Next, the techniques and principals studied on Saturday morning were repeated, in order to really let them sink in. This was followed by looking at more possible reactions the opponent might have upon subjecting his sword and approaching. The most prevalent counter-reaction was “stretch out your arm, and stab him in the face”. On Sunday afternoon, once the fundaments were in place, there was time to look into some of the more special actions Thibault shows, such as a volta, and a hilt grab. During the entire seminar, Dave really demonstrated the depth of his research into Thibault’s system. He really made it clear to us how much focus Thibault puts on aspects that might seem mere details at first glance, but he also showed very clearly why these details can be so incredibly important. Additionally, Dave gave the participants ample opportunity to attempt executing the techniques and principles, and to perfect them, so that the importance of the details could also become clear to us. All participants were very interested, and were willing to work hard to give themselves and their partners the best possible training. At the end of the two days of training, we had all learned a lot about Thibault. I myself have also gathered some ideas with which I hope to improve my own training. So, it was a very good weekend, which undoubtedly did Thibault honour. The organisation of this fantastic seminar was almost spotless. This would not have been possible without the help of a few people. First of all, Mark Kloeg put a lot of time and effort into designing the T-shirts at the very last moment, and getting them printed in time. Additionally, he arranged the hall, and made reservations at the restaurant. Without Mark, all that would have been so very nice. Saskia Roselaar helped him with this, and I want to further thank her for standing ready and for the coffee on Sunday morning. Of course, the seminar would not have been possible without my good friend Dave Rawlings, and the short time he spent with us, I once again laughed and learned a lot. Finally, I would like to thank all the participants. You made this seminar possible, and your efforts were inspiring. Only minutes after the seminar ended, the hall was even tidier than we found it on Saturday morning, except for a single lost T-shirt. Thanks so much, all of you! Onwards to the next event!
Thibault is one of the systems I enjoy most, I don't think there is a more thorough one. There are plans afoot to have a one night a week rapier class soon (at the moment I am mostly teaching Thibault to private students).
We have been working through a fair few of the weapon styles we cover in the school. From dagger:
To dussack:
more dussack
To sword and buckler.
More sword and buckler
oh, more sword and buckler
Longsword
um, indeed more longsword
#And some more rapier
This picture is an evasion by the way, not as it appears, me swooning at the sheer joy of training in a most fantastic martial art. There has been a lot more going on, sadly I have been unable to commit to teaching any of the seminars I've been offered as my workload is too great at the moment. But I hope that you can see that it's worth it, every one in the school is working hard and improving greatly.If you want to join us, drop me a line at londonlongsword@gmail.com or call me on 07709639881. you can also find us on facebook
