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“Specialist” weapons throughout history

“Specialist” weapons throughout history

Class Schedule

Monday evening, class from 19h to 20h30 followed by 30 minutes of free sparring time

The required age for the class is 16

The language used in class is English, but French and Dutch language support is available

Although the classes are taught by advanced students, participation is open for all skill levels

Content of the class

Throughout the ages, there have been many unique weapons that often have only a handful of pages or a single manual devoted to them. Others have more sources, but are not usually considered as ‘core’ HEMA weapons.

Monday class is where advanced students of the club choose one of these neglected weapons, study its secrets, and share their discoveries with their fellow students.

The classes are divided into blocks of 3 lessons, every block covers a different weapon. From the humble German Messer to the sabre of the officers at Waterloo, and from the halberds of the Protestant rebels in the low countries to the scientific approach to the bayonet by Hutton, if it was used on the battlefields of Europe or the alleys of Victorian London, it has a place in Monday class.

Equipment

No equipment is required for trial classes.

Subsequently, we expect participants to equip themselves as soon as possible with a fencing mask specific to the practice of historical martial arts, as well as a pair of light gloves.

For sparring, it is possible to start at very low intensity with minimal equipment. However, the need to equip oneself more fully to avoid injuries and to be able to practice at a higher intensity will quickly become apparent.

The following protective equipment can be useful for all classes:

  • Forearm protection
  • Heavier gloves, suitable for sparring
  • Light chest protector
  • Padded trousers or equivalent protection
  • Knee protection

Optionally and/or for potential competitions:

  • HEMA jacket
  • Shin guards
  • Gorget
  • Groin protection
  • …

We have a series of weapons available for loan, as well as a few masks and pairs of gloves. Before any investment, do not hesitate to inquire with club members to find out what is the right equipment or not, in order to avoid spending money unnecessarily. This applies to protective equipment but also to weapons when you wish to have your own.

Sources

  • The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume I: History and the Canonical Syllabus, Tony Wolf (2005)
  • The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume II: Antagonistics, Tony Wolf (2010)
  • Manuel de Boxe et de Canne, Emile André (1904)
  • L’Art de la Boxe Française: Nouveau Traité Pratique et Théorique, Joseph Charlemont (1899)
  • 100 façons de se défendre sans arme, Emile André (1905)
  • 100 façons de se défendre avec armes, Emile André(1905)
  • Cahier H Baton de Joinville, FFSBF&DA/CNCCB (2018)
  • DVD Bartitsu: Historical self defense with walking stick according to Pierre Vigny, Agilitas.tv (vimeo)
  • L’art de la savate. Michel Casseux (1845)
  • Nouvelle théorie du jeu du jeu de la canne, M. Laribeau (1856)
  • The Cateran System (https://cateransociety.org)
  • Lessons of the Broadswords Masters. C.Thompson (2nd. ed. 2018)
  • The art of defense on foot with the broadsword and the sabre. C. Roworth (1824)
  • Macgregor’s lecture on the Art of Defence. A. Mcgregor (1791)
  • Royal Armories MS i.33 (1320)

Sources à venir:

  • The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III: What Bartitsu Was and What it Can Be, Tony Wolf (2022)
  • The Walking Stick Method of Self Defense, H.G. Lang (1923)
  • Théorie de l’escrime a la baïonette, Joseph Pinette (1848)

Instructors

Benjamin

HEMA practitioner since 2020

Medior in longsword (Ringeck. Danzig), walkingstick (Laribeau, Charlemont, Vigny), staff/polearm (Meyer, Mair), saber (Roworth).

Instructor for staff/polearm & walkingstick and ‘Joint discovery’ lesson in poleaxe & formation fighting

Leyla

HEMA practitioner since 2015

Medior in longsword (Ringeck), walkingstick (Charlemont, Vigny), saber (Roworth), savate (Casseux, Emile André (Lecour), self defence, (Bartitsu,Cherpillod)

Erwin

HEMA practitioner since 2025 Irish Stick Fighting -Shillelagh Level 2

Ralph

HEMA practitioner since 2009

Experience includes longsword, arming sword, messer, dagger, British military sabre, marching drill and formation fighting

Instructor in messer (Lecküchner’s Zettel), co-instructor in sabre and bayonet

Further study resources

Generics:

Acta Periodica Duellatorum: regular publication of scientific articles covering the domains of HEMA
Resources for the Historical European Martial Arts and Sports Community: articles, sources, ressources, informations

Saber:

History Saber Suite youtube channel – offers many interesting videos about saber, its history and its uses
Academy of Historical Fencing videos introducing the bases of saber (Roworth / Angelo)
Example of high level saber sparring (more Polish saber in this instance)
Example of high level saber sparring (Roworth / Ang

Shops