Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Western Martial Art?

A martial art that is based on the remnant teachings of European medieval and renaissance warriors. We have many writings left over from these times, and the modern sports of boxing, wrestling and fencing are descendants of the original arts.

Is it really a martial art, like Kung Fu or Karate?

Yup. It's an effective form of self-defense; it's based on battlefield techniques, and originated in a centuries old tradition of schools and scholarship tested in life-and-death combat.

Weren't the weapons huge, heavy and awkward?

That's an old fallacy. The largest of the medieval swords, the great two-handed war swords, weighed at most 8 pounds and that would be considered a very heavy sword. The average longsword was less than 4 pounds, and the average rapier was about 3 pounds. The momentum of the swords was always accounted for in its techniques, resulting in smooth, efficient, quick and dynamic styles.

How many people do this?

Worldwide, there are a surprising number of rapier fighters, predominately through the Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA. No one really has solid numbers, but it wouldn't be surprising if there were over ten thousand. A good size tournament here on the West Coast will attract between fifty and seventy-five fighters.

Does it hurt? Is it hard?

Being hit can hurt, and blows from the sword can be very hard. But it doesn't have to be. A rapier is a weapon that doesn't require a lot of strength to kill someone, and so we don't emphasize hard hitting in our school. Excessive force is dangerous on the duelling ground, and dangerous to ones training partner. Control is stressed at all times. One should expect as much contact as one would in any other martial art.

What is the age range in your classes?

Our main classes focus on adults and mature youths age 14 and up.  Ages of our members range from in their late teens to late fifties.  We always endeavor to create a comfortable environment for students of any age and at any level of fitness.

Do you run classes for kids?

Classes are available for youths age 8 - 13 at some of our locations and we are working with community centres throughout Greater Vancouver for greater availability.  Private instruction for individuals or small groups is also available for students who do not meet our age requirements.

I've done Kung Fu/Karate/etc and I can kick your butt.

Empty hand combat gets really good press, both in Hollywood and in folk tales. Almost everyone has seen or heard tales of ancient martial artists consistently defeating armed opponents, sometimes even when outnumbered. This is probably why ancient armies never bothered to carry swords, spears, maces, and axes, or wore armour. What was the point?

Training in pugilistic sports can give you a really great understanding of combat the range of the foot and hand, and closer. It can give you great confidence in your abilities but it's important to remember that you spend most of your training time working within that range. This was the big surprise to many martial artists years ago when Brazilian Jujitsu hit the scene. The range went from hand and foot to body-to-body. Martial artists unused to that range discovered that they had become complacent about what combat really was. It involves more than one range, or one set of conditions.

Weapon training adds another range, and proficient duellists know that range intimately. To put it bluntly, you won't kick our butts unless you train like we do, and learn to use our weapons. Which, honestly, is how a lot of us got started. We happily accept challenges in the spirit of friendly competition and mutual scholarship but the Code Duello is in affect in our school. You challenge us; we pick the weapons and conditions of the duel. But, we are nice friendly guys. Come and talk to us, we are open minded and always love friendly discussions and debates.

  

Do you use foils, sabres, or epees?

No. We use bated or practice rapier blades. Ideally, the students' practice weapon should be identical to a renaissance rapier, the only exception being the lack of sharp edges, and the blunted tip. Modern Olympic weapons are too short, too light, and too flexible to enforce proper rapier technique when learning.

I've trained in Olympic-style fencing. Is what you teach similar?

In some ways. Olympic fencing, particularly epee fencing, can build great basics for a rapier fencer. However swordfighting style is predominantly dictated by the weapon used, and a rapier is heavier than an epee. Many, if not the majority, of techniques used in Olympic fencing are inappropriate when used with a heavier weapon.

How many women do this?

Lots. Our competitions are not segregated by sex. Men compete against women, and vice-versa. There are many women champions in rapier combat, and it's not uncommon for classes to be half men, half women.