Howdy Pards!
It sure has been a while since the last blog post. Lots has happened; AmSS III, Smallsword Symposium IX in Edinburgh, just to name a few.  Judging by attendance numbers Smallsword is on a roll and gaining momentum.  Not only are more regulars showing up for events but new students and teachers are participating in these events.  The free exchange between a wide diversity of sources, styles and opinions is what the "Smallsword Symposium Movement" is all about.

News about the next American Smallsword Symposium will be announced soon.  In the mean time I want to give a shout out to "Duels at High Noon" a new event in Tucson Arizona.  They are including  Smallsword classes and a tournament in their schedule.  In recognition of their support for Smallsword AmSS has provided one free admission to our next Symposium in Baltimore to be given out as a prize.  So all you Smallswordin' cowpokes and cowgirls ( and other Smallsword practitioners  too) consider heading down to Tucson November 11-12th.

We will be posting videos on the FB Page throughout the weekend!
The Facebook Page

Two days out from the event and the excitement is building.  There is still time to register and participate.  You will be eligible for one of these prizes for the Top Smallsword , Top Rapier, and Overall Champion in the Rapier v Smallsword Challenge.   Prizes BTW were provided through the generous support of Tom Rockwell.  Tom has been a great friend to historical and classical fencers and has always supported this event.  So if you are looking for a new weapon check him out first!

Looking forward to seeing you all  at the event!
 (Now where did I put those rubber Epee tips?) 

Less than two weeks to go and we have some Bad News and some Good News.  First the Bad.  Kevin Cote will not be returning this year. He is extremely disappointed that circumstances  will not allow him to come down from Canada and participate in the event this year.  Good News,  he is committed to returning next year.

More Good News.  We have been able to arrange a suitable replacement. We are very excited to announce that  André Hajjar will be teaching a class on Spanish Rapier and Smallsword.  We will have a full class description up soon. 

This should give any of you who were sitting on the fence about coming a good reason to signup.  For you Rapier purists there is a one day option for $100 that will allow you to come on Sunday look over the original Rapier manuals and participate in the "challenge".  There are still a few openings.  Memories are far better than regrets so sign up now.  

We are just a month out from the event.  So it's time to polish them swords, order some new gloves or other items, and perhaps wash that stale fencing jacket and knickers (PLEASE!)  But seriously there are some necessities that you will need and will not want to forget 

• A Smallsword, or suitable substitute such as a French or Italian foil or Epee.  No pistol grips please!
• A Rapier, if you have one.  This is not required. 
• Fencing kit, Mask,  gloves (pair), jacket, knickers or pants, (no shorts please) Non-marking shoes.  
• Recommended, Gorget, gender specific protection (box/cup and or chest protection)  
• Copy of your registration receipt. 
• Good attitude plus a willingness and desire to learn and share

BTW Registration will end when we reach capacity so please register now to avoid disappointment. 

One of the goals for the this event is to foster international cooperation and exchange of ideas and research relating to the practice of the art of Smallsword.  To help facilitate that end I have committed to paying the admission fee for one individual to attend the original Smallsword Symposium in Edinburgh this October. You are on your own for airfare, food and lodging but admission to the event will be on me and the Am SS. (BTW there are some very cheap flights to EDI being advertised on WOW and Norwegian Air) Nothing compares to a weekend in Scotland in the fall with the company of fellow Smallsword enthusiasts. 

  To be eligible the individual must attend the American Smallsword Symposium where applications will be handed out.  Interested parties will write a short essay, topic to be determined.  Best essay wins. However preference will be given to persons who have never been to the Edinburgh event.   I will make a similar offer to attendees of the Edinburgh event when I am there to attend the American Smallsword Symposium at no charge. 

Yet another reason to come to the event!

Hope to see you all June 9-11 in Baltimore!

Since you asked. You should come if:

1.  You are a Living Historian, an actor, or a dancer and were always interested in learning about the elegant dueling weapons of the 1700's.
2. You are interested in history and culture of the Enlightenment Era.
3. You have begun to study smallsword and want to broaden your exposure to more advanced techniques or different styles or facets of smallsword practice.
4. You would like to see some original weapons and texts close up. 
5. You want to test you smallsword skills against other smallsword fencers
6. You want to test your smallsword  skills against rapier fencers 
7. You fence rapier, maybe in tournaments or in the SCA, and you think smallsworders will be easy pickings.
8. You want to hangout for three days with people who can froissement and not feel guilty about it. 

In all seriousness this is the only smallsword event like this in the US.  There other smallsword events where you may get a couple of days of intensive  classes from one or two instructors who share a very singular vision. That can be a great experience.   There are other events where you can have a weekend in Vegas and get exposed to a tasting of a dizzying array of western martial arts. That can be a great, although entirely different kind of experience too. 

But the American Smallsword Symposium is built on a different model.  We are not an academy built on a hierarchy, or a broad but shallow sampling.   Instead we are a symposium in the true sense of the word  where we foster a collegial atmosphere by sharing our interests and joy in practicing the art of the smallsword.  This is not to say that our instructors are second rate or can point to no accomplishments. All are experienced and most are recognized for their excellence internationally.

 What we offer is big tent that is open to the rich and varied styles and techniques that were practiced in the era when a smallsword was a common side arm for the gentleman. A tent that we welcome everyone into who may have an interest in or something significant to share about the art we love and who may grow as swordspeople by the experience. 
Hope to see you there. 
Early Bird Discount ends 4/15/2017   
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With the event just over 60 days away it seems appropriate to end the period for "Early Registration  Discounts"    APRIL FOOLS! Lets go another 15 days so you can work on your taxes and get your refunds.  The new end date for discounted registration will be 04/15/2017.  NO FOOLING!
In addition I will be adding a "One-day"  option for those who just cant make it for both days.  One day admission will cost $100.
Come on all you Rapier people sign up to fight some Smallsword students  . . . . . . . . . . . . IF YOU DARE!

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.