What is Historical Fencing?
The current authority on what is commonly referenced as Historical Fencing is probably the AHFI. At Whitman we think of Historical Fencing as the studying of documented methods for using Western weapons prior to the 19th century. However, the main focus tends to be on the 16th-18th centuries, since the majority of available primary sources are from that period. The most commonly studied weapons from this period are the Smallsword, Rapier, Heavy Sabre/Broadsword, Spada de Filo, Backsword, Single Stick, Dusack, and Longsword. So far at Whitman we have only had the opportunity to study the Italian Rapier, but hope to work with some of the other weapons in the future.
Since few people stroll the town commons carrying swords these days, in some sense, ALL fencing is historical. We mark the classical period from 1800, about the time swords ceased to be worn with a gentleman’s daily attire. From that time to this, the sword changed little. All before that we lump into the “historical” category because swords were a bit different in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and so their handling is a bit different too.
The following is the definition of historical fencing, as used by the International Master’s at Arms Federation: Historical Fencing: Early Period (14th and 15th centuries) Though we may trace the art of defense back to the 14th century, it is difficult to talk about fencing before that time since there is simply no surviving documentation, save for anecdotal evidence. The fechtbuch known as I-33, penned circa 1300, is the first known treatise on Western swordsmanship. However, specifics on styles, techniques, or methods that predate this are, due to the lack of documentation, open to speculation. Most importantly, there was no clear distinction between civilian and military use of the sword. The early treatises do, however, contain clear descriptions of timing, distance, binding, engagements, parries, feints, voiding actions, and footwork. The basics of the styles within the “middle historical” period can be traced to this time period. The I-33 fechtbuch is also the earliest known docu
Historical fencing is based on the ancient art of the rapier, called in the Spanish tradition La Verdada Destreza, the true art and skill. It is played in the round, using the full range of the playing field instead of a single straight line. There are a number of weapon forms in historical fencing including Case (two swords), Rapier and Dagger, Buckler or Small Shield, Rapier and Cloak, and a few other forms.
Historical Fencing includes a wide range of sword styles, from the earliest sword and buckler manuals, through German and Italian longsword, Spanish and Italian rapier, British basket-hilted sword, French smallsword through to 19th-century military sabre. It also covers quarterstaff, pole weapons, wrestling and pugilism and even the brutally pragmatic techniques taught to Allied soldiers in the Second World War. Historical Fencers study these arts from period texts and practise as if they were preparing to face an encounter with live blades. An important aspect of training is the use of rebated (blunt) weapons with historically accurate dimensions, construction, weight and balance. This is coupled with the best modern protective masks and safety equipment for the benefit of participants.
