American Smallsword Symposium - Blog

New Instructor Sarah Potratz

2/14/2020

Two of the purposes of the American Smallsword Symposium are to present a diversity of perspectives and to give opportunity for new instructors to be introduced, supported and promoted. So it was with great pleasure that added to the ranks of instructors in 2020 is Sarah Portratz.
From the moment that Sarah walked into the Gym at Brass Frog Assault of Arms in June 2019 I could tell that she had tremendous potential. Throughout the weekend as I watched her in other peoples classes and in the Smallsword tournament I saw that she was head and shoulders above the crowd in terms of Smallsword style. In the classes I taught I saw her as an an eager and thoughtful student I became convinced that I wanted her to come to AmSS and that it would be good for her and for the event to have her lead a class. Sarah has generously agreed to come and teach Angelo Pt #1. We are counting on Sarah on her return to Wisconsin to spread the joy of Smallsword to the far reaches of the American Heartland.

Early Registration Rate

1/27/2020

Full Admission paid before April 1. 2020 discounted to $175.00

Angelo and Back to Basics

1/26/2020

Registration Open

Registration is now open for AmSS 2020. The theme this year will be "Back to Basics with Angelo". It is fitting to recall that the beginning of the modern revival of Smallsword began for many of us fifteen years ago with the republication of Angelo's School of Fencing in 2005. Up until that point the only access to many historical fencing manuals was by writing to Patri Puglise for photocopies.
Angelo has a lot to recommend it. He is complete without going into excessive detail. The text is clear and the plates are great. As a result Angelo became the modern standard of reference for all Smallsword and to some degree Western Martial Arts in general. Notwithstanding his official status and Royal patronage in England. one can dispute just how influential Angelo was in its time in the broader context. But in the modern era no one can do without an understanding of Angelo and his method.
The plan is to go through the text in a progressive manner to ensure that new students can get a good grounding and experienced fencers can gain a deeper understanding of some of the finer points.
There will be a tournament where we will judge style points as well as hits. A class on period dance posture and etiquette by a guest instructor is in the works. We will keep the same exceptional convenient and comfortable venue. And we will hold the line on price too. Many of the same quality instructors will return and we have some new and up and coming instructors will get a chance on a bigger stage.
Stay tuned for more details soon.

American Smallsword Symposium 2020

10/31/2019

Registration opens up January 1st 2020. We will retain the single treatise format. In addition we will change up the tournament format to place more emphasis on good technique as well as hitting the opponent. As usual we will have some surprises so stay tuned. More details coming soon!

Last Minute Business

5/27/2019

Friday night please join us 7:00 for drinks at Wits End Saloon 9603 Deereco Rd
Timonium, MD 21093. Saturday Night 7:30 we will gather for dinner at An Poitin Stil 2323 York Rd, Timonium, MD 21093. Looking forward to seeing you all then.

Any revisions to the schedule will be posted on the event page on FB. Urgent communications by Messenger.

For the Discriminating SmS Enthusiast

5/10/2019

Official American Smallsword Symposium
Polo Shirt
Guaranteed to increase the proper level of disdain by 50% Now you do not need to attend in order to share in the American Smallsword Symposium Experience. Available in sizes to fit from the wee nipper on up to the BBWASS (Big Bloke With A Smallish Sword). Comes in every color you could possibly want as long as it is White. (Ok, Black too for all of you Goths out there.) Show yourself as a discriminating swordsperson by supporting Historical Swordsmanship in the United States and beyond. Proceeds go toward financing the annual Symposium.
https://www.zazzle.com/official_american_smallsword_symposium_clothing_polo_shirt-235359560965494126

What to Bring to AmSS

4/20/2019

Standard Fencing Kit
1. Fencing Mask (Three weapon type is fine )
2. Fencing Jacket(or substantially similar upper body protection)
3. Gloves for both hands
4. Fencing knickers (with socks) or trousers (no visible skin)
5. Non -marking shoes
6. Gender specific protection (optional)

i.Plastron
ii.Cup/box

Smallsword trainer with a blunted and reasonably flexible blade

i.or French or Italian Epee or foil
ii.no pistol grips please

Extras
1. Sport Saber, Single stick, Dueling or Military Saber training weapon
2. Cloak, blanket, or large towel to simulate a cloak
3. Quarterstaff, or bayonet or musket trainer.
Absolute Necessities
1. Open Mind
2. Desire to learn and share
Leave at home
1. Excessive Ego
2. "Win or Die" competitive attitude
A copy of Girard

Flashback

3/29/2019

This is a little taste of the fun we had at the first American Smallsword Symposium back in 2015. Join us again or for the very first time in 2019

April Fools . . .NOT!

3/24/2019

Do not miss the deadline for AmSS 2019 Early Registration. April 15,2019.
No excuses.
No exceptions.
The price goes up from $175 to $225.

One Day Rate

3/8/2019

For those of you who can't spend the whole weekend at the American Smallsword Symposium I have added a special One-Day Admission. Don't care for tournaments come on Saturday . Do you live for competition and want to see the Amberger Collection just come Sunday. Come either day for only $125.oo. Keep in mind that the current Early Bird Rate of $175.00 will expire soon and the Regular Price at $225.00 will be in effect.