Instructors and Timetable

Monica McAndrew

“When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left”
Saturday 09:30 – 11:10 Main Hall

As we all know life throws a few curve balls and sometimes you just need to swap hands. Left handed and ambidextrous fencers may not be many but they can really throw you off your game and they know it. Especially that fancy hand swap mid fight. Or the more common alternative you do yourself some damage but you still want to keep fighting. This class is about having some fun and making some swings with your non-dominant arm. Whether you want a few little tactics to work against a leftie or want to start introducing left handed fencing to your repertoire. This class hopefully helps you on the start of your journey.

You’ll need a mask, boffer sword, gloves, chest guard (not necessary), but there is potential for some thrusting. More kit for higher intensity as per normal. Not intending it to be a high intensity class! Boffers will be available to borrow on the day.

Adam Tobin

“Very Italian, Very Aggressive🤌”
Saturday 14:00 – 15:40 Main Hall

In this session Adam will be exploring a unique Italian broadsword system by Giuseppe Rosaroll, a system that is heavily influenced by Spanish fencing.

He’ll be answering the question, “what is an Italian broadsword/spadancia/spada large/spadone?” You can expect lunge lunges, aggressive cuts and parries, ways to manipulate your opponent’s sword and lots of stabbing.

Forget what you know about British military style parrying… It’s bad and you should feel bad for using it.

There may also be the odd jump or two…

Dr. Iason Tzouriadis

Sunday 14:00 – 15:40

We’re super happy to announce that Dr. Iason Tzouriadis, Curator of European Edged Weapons at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, is coming to give us a broadsword-related lecture!

Colin Fieldhouse

Saturday 11:20 – 13:00 Main Hall

Tom Ive

“Yoga for Funky Folk”
Sunday 09:30 – 11:10 Training Room

Tom is a great friend of the YSD, of Saorsa, and of all of our events, and we’re delighted to be able to have him as an instructor to help get you all moving again first thing on Sunday morning.

To our delight he’s kindly offered to take you through some Yoga! Tom is the brains behind Barefoot Path, expect a relaxed and welcoming class that focuses on alignment, flexibility and happiness, with chill vibes and excellent music.

Lauren Ireland

“Clubbing for Broadsword Fencers”
Saturday 09:30 – 11:10 Training Room

Not that kind of clubbing! Well… There may be a bit of that. In this session we’ll be using Indian clubs to go through some mobility, flexibility and general coordination exercises and drills that will hopefully make you better with your broadswords!

We have a number of sets of Indian clubs to loan out, along with some skittles so you can start with something VERY light to get the motions correct before swapping them around amongst yourselves to try some of the heavier sets.

Yes, you are welcome to bring glowsticks, and yes, the music will be appropriate for the class.

Matthew Maries

“Getting the Right End of the Stick”
Sunday 11:20 – 13:00 Main Hall

Come frolic in fields of wicker and leather as we explore the history of friendly cudgel play.

Come dance the machocistic tango and learn how to raise welts like nobody else. This may sting a little, but only if you want it too.

Some single sticks provided. Mask, light gloves and a clear understanding of consent required. Groin protection strongly encouraged.

Victoria Clow

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Sunday 11:20 – 13:00 Training Room

Ben Hamilton

“No Time to Waste”
Sunday 09:30 – 11:30 Main Hall

Exploring true times, time cuts and counterattacks in broadsword.

We will be looking at how a few masters (Silver, Page, Lonnergan) teach and understand timing in a fight. During the class we can explore how these differences can change our approach to fencing and how they can let us land strikes faster than our opponent can react, or before they’ve even started.

Chris Halpin

“When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left”
Saturday 11:20 – 13:00 Training Room

No swords needed for this class! Chris is most at home on the mats, and as well as teaching swords he is a qualified catch wrestling and classical pugilism instructor.

In this session we’ll be exploring grappling and how you can use basic principles of motion and mechanics to wrestle and throw your opponent should you find youself closing to grips. Don’t bother with fancy disarms, ditch your sword and take it to the safety of the floor!