The Small-Sword Academy 2023 - New York City

June 9th - 11th, 2023

Lunge, J Olivier, Fencing Familiarized: or, a New Treatise on the Art of Sword Play. London, 1771, 1772.
Le croisé d’epeé après la parade du contre de quarte, Olivier, J. Fencing Familiarized: or, a New Treatise on the Art of Sword Play. London, 1771, 1772.
Flanconade, Danet, Guillaume. L’art des armes. Tome premier. Paris, 1766.

A Three-Day Intensive Immersion in the Art and Science

We are pleased to once again host the Small-Sword Academy, a three-day intensive seminar. For students with no previous experience this workshop will serve as an introduction to the art. Experienced small-sword fencers, will benefit from the technical refinements and advanced application of the art and science.

Instruction Focus:

  • Wearing and drawing the sword
  • The Salute
  • Proper posture and body alignment
  • Tirer au mur exercises designed to develop technical skills
  • Understanding measure (distance) and entering it safely
  • How the posture facilitates the offense as well as the defense
  • In depth analysis of the technical aspects of each technique
  • Discerning the appropriate use of time

Lecture and Discussion:

Training and practice in the18th century schools.

Instructor

Location: TBA

    Schedule

  • Friday: 11am-4pm, dinner break, 6-9pm
  • Saturday: 11am-6pm, dinner break, 7:30pm Lecture
  • Sunday: 11am-5pm

Equipment and Weapons Required

Students must bring their own equipment and come prepared with jackets, 3-weapon fencing masks, groin protectors for men, breast protection for women, and gloves for both hands. You will need a small-sword, practice small-sword or a lunette (figure-eight) guard foil with a #2 foil blade. For any question on equipment contact: Maestro Acosta-Martinez

Cost and Deadlines

Registration - Closed

After May 21st no refunds will be made under any circumstances.

Class size is limited, so be sure to register early! Once registered you will receive a confirmation email.

All inquiries should be directed to: Maestro Acosta-Martinez


Participants must be 18 years old and over.

Housing

AirBnB has worked out well for people staying a week. Here is how it works: sign up, build a short profile and contact the host of the place you want to stay with the dates of your travel. Payment is made to AirBnB (they charge a booking fee) so you don't need to hand over cash or credit card numbers to your hosts. We also recommend checking with friends and 'friends of friends' in the area to arrange for housing. Another option is to team up with other participants to share the cost of a hotel room. There are many great hotels in the city. You can also check in Jersey City NJ. There are some hotels within walking distance to the Path trains which go into Manhattan.

Travel

Check fares to all NYC airports as airfares may vary considerably.
If you are staying in NYC, flying into LGA (LaGuardia) or JFK (John F. Kennedy) may be more convenient.
However, also check EWR (Newark, NJ) as there is bus and train service directly into the city and accommodations may be cheaper in New Jersey.