Spanish Martial Arts Weekend

May 24 - 26, 2013

May 24th- 26th, 2013

Martinez Academy of Arms and its guest Raven Arts Institute are pleased to host a 3 day Spanish Martial Arts Weekend. The focus this year will be on rapier & dagger, and navaja and cloak.
Spanish bladed martial arts are unique cultural artifacts that incorporate social, philosophical, and aesthetic values of Spanish culture. During the Golden Age Spanish swordsmen were respected and feared as some of the most cold-blooded and dangerous swordsmen in Europe. During the 17th century the Schools of Italian rapier utilized the dagger as an auxiliary weapon. In contrast the Spanish School of rapier considered the dagger as a weapon that was utilized as a primary or secondary weapon.
Maestro Martinez will delve into the most in-depth examination of rapier & dagger fencing offered to date to serious students of the rapier. During this intensive seminar the participants will follow a progression that will demonstrate how these weapons were used in methods that are unique to Spain.
This year three distinct levels of instruction will be offered. In addition, students of all three levels at determined intervals will receive one-on-one plastron lessons with a Master or Instructor for correction.

Level I: Novice
Students in this level are beginners or those with limited experience in Spanish rapier. These individuals will be introduced to Spanish theory, techniques and methods based on understanding the movements of the weapon, arm and body with the single rapier.
Level II: Intermediate
More experienced students will be introduced to some of the more complicated techniques and the usage of time, distance and proportion in entering the combat, breaking the measure and repositioning in accordance with the situation in which the diestro finds himself. The instruction will follow a progression from basic techniques to some of the more demanding combinations of dagger usage both in defense and offense.
Level III: Advanced
This category is for the most experienced students who have received more extensive training in La Verdadera Destreza. Here the instruction will delve into the most sophisticated techniques found within this weapons combination. The progression will follow the more complex use of time, distance and proportion. The expansion and contraction of the combat circle will be studied in minute detail. The instruction will also cover the methods and techniques best utilized in facing swordsmen trained in other systems and the tricksters who follow “Vulgar Fencing” (Esgrima Vulgar) who can be very disconcerting and dangerous adversaries to encounter for those unaware of how to handle them.
Capa y Navaja
The capa y navaja methods practiced in Acero Sevillano are based on the cape-and-knife techniques developed and used throughout Southern Spain and the Mediterranean in the 19th century. While they were almost certainly influenced by the cloak and dagger methods used three centuries earlier, these techniques differed, of necessity, because of the particular weapons that were used. With the navaja as the primary weapon, the cape is used to feint, probe, strike, or distract the opponent. The cape can readily intercept the opponent’s attempts at disarming the navaja. Following a cursory review of rudimentary navaja techniques, all participants will be lead through of series of capa movements and exercises and gradually work toward skillfully using the cape and knife in tandem.
The Capa and Navaja Methods covered in this session will include:

Friday:
330 Broome St. New York, NY 10002
Saturday and Sunday:
Community Educational & Recreational Center (CERC)
180 9th Street Jersey City, NJ 07302
Schedule

  • Friday: 6 pm – 9 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

Equipment and Weapons Required for the Course
Students must bring their own equipment and come prepared with jackets, 3-weapon fencing masks, gorgets, groin protectors for men, breast protection for women, gloves for both hands, rapiers, daggers, cloaks and navaja trainers.
Cost and Deadlines

Registration
$250

After May 1st no refunds will be made under any circumstances.

Class size is limited due to space, so be sure to register early! Once registered you will receive a confirmation email.
All inquiries should be directed to Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez: contact@martinez-destreza.com.Participants must be 18 years old and over.
Housing
For your convenience below are some useful websites. 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. We may be able to help arrange for cheap housing with New Yorkers. This would typically be on a sofa, etc. but it will be cheaper than a hotel. If you are interested in either option please contact Jared Kirby.
Cheapest: Using Hostel will give you a great list of available hostels in and around the city. Please be careful with the area you stay in and feel free to contact us before booking to verify that it is a safe area. Booking thru Hostels.com may give you a cheaper price! Many include breakfast and have links to Airport shuttle services.
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 6 to 12 percent booking fee) so you don't need to hand over cash or credit card numbers to your hosts. More details are in this New York Times article.
There are also many great hotels in the city. If you can spend a little more, here are great places to start looking: Top Cheap HotelsHotels.com
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.
We recommend checking several different services like www.travelocity.com andwww.kayak.com.