The Barony of Dragonship Haven

Fencing

Welcome to the Barony of Dragonship Haven Fencing page. Below are further details about how to get involved in SCA Fencing activities such as fencing practice and melee fencing.

Want to Become a Musketeer? Here’s How!

If you have ever watched movies like Princess Bride and The Three Musketeers and have thought “Gee, I want to learn how to fence like that!” then our practice is the place for you. In the SCA we teach historically accurate fencing techniques based on the teachings of various Fencing Masters from the time periods ranging from 1400 C.E. to approximately 1650 C.E. We study the techniques of famous fencing masters such as: Capo Ferro, Giganti, Agrippa, Alfieri, Sanct Didier, and more. Based on the teachings of these masters we continue the tradition of one-on-one rapier combat.

Fencing Practice

Weekly practices are held twice a week at the locations below. Contact the Fencing Marshal for more information.

Don’t have any prior experience with fencing or any martial art?

Not a problem. We have qualified fencers at our practice that are capable of teaching fencing basics. We teach everyone, of all skill levels, the fundamentals of fencing including footwork, blade work, and strategy.

Don’t have any gear?

No worries. We have loaner gear that you may use to try out fencing. If and when you find that fencing is definitely the SCA activity for you we can help guide you on how to purchase your beginning gear within a budget. Fencing doesn’t have to break the bank.

How much does the practice cost?

That’s the best part. Our fencing practice is free of charge. No weekly lesson fee, no loaner gear fee, nothing. (Although, we do accept cookies.) Just bring yourself and be ready to learn.

Today we picture fencers only using one blade (epee, foil, or saber) and moving along a narrow strip to fight their opponent, but, historically, fencers needed to know how to use multiple weapons forms in order to survive a duel. We try to replicate that experience within the SCA. Once you are qualified to fence with a single rapier you can move on to study other weapons forms including dagger, buckler, cloak, two rapiers, and two-handed rapiers.

Melee Fencing – Fencing, Braveheart-Style

One of the really cool parts of the fencing community in the SCA is that we are not restricted to one-on-one duels. We also participate in melee field battles that can consist of as few as three fencers versus three fencers to 300 fencers versus 300 fencers! Imagine being on a large grass field ready to fight alongside your fellow fencers against an oncoming army. You could do that within the SCA fencing community.

Who to contact about practice?

The Baronial Fencing Marshal will be able to answer questions you may have and give you further information about the practice.

If you have any questions please email the current Fencing Marshall at fence@dragonshiphaven.eastkingdom.org.

If you have any questions regarding Baronial Lists please email the current Minister of Lists at mol@dragonshiphaven.eastkingdom.org.