Academy of Historical Fencing

The Academy of Historical Fencing is based in the South West of the United Kingdom and currently includes a club in South Wales (AHF Caerleon) and the West of England (AHF Bristol). The club is run by a group of like minded martial artists looking to develop their skills and knowledge in a safe and relaxed environment whilst also sharing knowledge with like minded people. The club has over 40 members and 4 instructors with a variety of skills, knowledge and expertise in different weapon forms, combat amd research. AHF instructors are all significant writers or researchers and have produced a variety of papers and books on the study of swordsmanship, military history and martial arts. Currently the AHF runs programmes in Italian rapier fencing from the school of Capo Ferro, German longsword from the Ringeck and Meyer traditions as well as broadsword and messer fighting from additional masters.

tructure of Group

Unlike many martial arts, historical fencing has no ‘grading’ system for its members. It is therefore more like modern sport fencing—you are simply as good as you are in battle or duel. This will help to focus members on developing their skills alongside other members of the club rather than aiming to pass a test.

There are three classifications of people in the group:

*Instructor
*Member
*Trainee

Rules on Equipment

For the purposes of free-sparring both period and modern armour may be worn. However, participants are advised against using ‘LARP’ fantasy armour as it is important to see the fencing as a martial art rather than role-playing as LARP equipment does not provide adequate protection against steel weapons.

During free-sparring the minimum requirements are:

*Head protection – You must use an approved fencing mask by a reputable manufacturer. It must be in a safe condition which includes the bib to protect the throat.

*Torso Protection - Period or modern armour may be worn though rapier fencing jackets or gambesons are recommended.

*Hand protection - The minimum requirement for hand protection is thick leather gloves. Police riot gloves, mail topped gloves, or plate armoured gloves are all recommended.

External links

* [http://www.historicalfencing.co.uk Official club website]
* http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/search/display.var.1358189.0.fancy_a_bit_of_swashbuckling.php