I am privileged to announce that Ken Mondschein will be returning to The American Small Sword Symposium again this year.  His class last year was very favorably received and we look forward to his contribution this year as well. 

This year he will present slightly more advanced techniques that mark one as an intermediate smallsworder.  Blade actions and feints are a vital and often misunderstood set of tools for the fencer.  Ken will introduce these techniques and place their use into context for the fencer ready to take the next steps to mastery of the weapon.

The class will however be of interest to the beginner as a taste of what is to come and a great review or a different perspective for advanced fencers.

Full instructor list and class descriptions coming soon. In the mean time The Smallsword v. Rapier "Challenge " rules and procedures are up.

In short there will ne a two phase challenge . First participants will compete with in their chosen weapon (rapier or smallsword , but not both) then the best 4 of each weapon will meet to fight to the last to determine who is the greatest fighter and which is the greater weapon.

The bouting rule set will be essentially the same as for the Association for Historical Fencing Smallsword v. Rapier tournaments. No offhand or secondary weapons will be used .

May the best weapon win!

Hope to see you all there.

Please check out this video of the "Challenge" from the 2016 Symposium.  Remember this was not a salle play scenario but one intended to represent the kinds of situations one might encounter in a street fight with smallswords.   

This year the Challenge will involve one on one Smallsword v Rapier. 

Discount rate of $150 will continue till 3/31 then will rise to $200. 
​Hope to see you all there.

We are pleased to welcome several new instructors this year John (Jay) Glenn is a n instructor at MASHS and at Chesapeake Fencing  and will be helping with the anti-rapier tactics and techniques classes. Christopher Treichel teaches at Order of Seven Hearts and is a Guest Instructor at Capital Kunst Des Fechtens.   These along with veterans like Larry Tom, Chris Amberger and Victor Markland will be sure to make an entertaining and edifying weekend.   Detailed schedule and Smallsword vs Rapier Challenge Rules will be up soon.  

I know many of you faithful followers have been asking "Whats going on with The Symposium?   I haven't seen any updates!"  As Many of you know I have had some family business which took precedence.  However I now have a bit more time and energy to update you all on the event. So here goes . .  .

Instructors:
We have a full slate of instructors and guests.  These include Christoph Amberger, Kevin Côté, Larry Tom, John, (Jay) Glen, Chris Treichel and Victor Markland.  

Classes will include:
Intro Smallsword, Rapier Basics, Anti Rapier Techniques from Liancour & Girard, German Smallsword,  and more!

Rapier vs Smallsword Exercise:
After some elimination rounds we will pit Team Rapier against the Team Smallsword  to determine which really is the better weapon. 

Friday Night Fights:
You asked for more time to free fight so we are planning on having an open floor for participants to get in a little practice time on Friday night. 

Features:
Christoph Amberger has once again generously offered to comb his extensive collection for texts and manuals related to rapiers and smallswords. these will be available for viewing on Sunday. 

Early Bird Rate, $150  will continue through 3/31/2017  then will go up to $200.  

Rapierist are encouraged to come and defend their mistaken contention that size matters!  Smallsworders novice and expert will find a collegial  exchange of new ideas and perspectives to inspire their Smallsword studies.