For Those Of You In Denver…

… who aren’t going to the Rocky Mountain Bloggers’ Bash (which I regret I shall miss)?

Perhaps you might be interested in this:

“The Rocky Mountain Swordplay Guild has invited Dr. William Ernoehazy to lead a weekend’s training in the Fechtkunst, the German medieval combat art based on the teaching of Johannes Lichtenauer, on July 21-22, 2007.

The first day will be a German view of an Italian tradition. Many Italian masters of defense wrote about how to train a student to survive a duel with but a few days’ work. None of the available German fechtbuchen discuss such a problem; however, Lichtenauer’s precepts are well suited to meet that challenge. The class will train as if the students have but a weekend to prepare for a duel with the signature weapon of the Lichtenauer tradition, the langeschwert or longsword. Training will follow the fundamentals found in the teaching merkeversen, viewed through this unique perspective.

On the second day, there will be training in close quarter combat at the bind. German tactical thought emphasized swift and decisive action when combat “froze” in an impasse. The class will work with a series of techniques designed to break such stalemates and win the fight.

Because of the way this weekend is organized, students need not have extensive familiarity with Lichtenauer’s precepts. However, students should have familiarity with basic historic fencing, and be prepared at times during the weekend to give and receive blows. As close-quarter grappling and blows are an integral part of German fight, students should also be prepared to learn, give and receive such techniques, as the need arises.

Equipment: At a minimum, students should have a stout fencing mask; a protective gorget for the neck; a fencing jacket; good gloves; and groin protection. Wooden longsword and dagger wasters may be helpful. On the second day, sports goggles can be substituted for head protection for many of the drills, and may prove beneficial. Loaner equipment will be available at the event; please contact Mr. Siggs (below) for more information.

Reservations and questions may be directed to Mr. Roger Siggs: rsiggs AT gmail.com .”