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Stick Fencing Workshop

9/22/2021

 
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For casual observers of a foil or epee demonstration, a question that is often asked is why are there no cutting actions?  For observers of the duelling sabre, the question then becomes why does footwork only take place on a single line?  With Stick fencing, both are employed as integral aspects of the universal theory of defence.  In this workshop which is open to members of the general public, we will be introducing participants to the specific system of the stick which is uniquely practiced within the Martinez Academy of Arms.  Allowing students without previous knowledge to experience the richness of cutting and angular-movement, this class is an excellent introduction to more complex weapons workshops that have been planned for the future.  Please be sure to register early as enrolment is limited by space and the availability of equipment. 

For more information or if you would like to register, please click on the following link to contact us.  

Registration Deadline:  
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 9:00pm
(A late charge will apply to any registration requests received after this time.)

Maestro Ramon Martinez answers questions about Fencing and Fencing History

4/27/2020

 
In early March, Mr. Ben Miller had the opportunity to sit down with Maestro Ramon Martinez for an interview.  Taking questions from both fencers and the general public, Maestro Martinez shares both the breadth and depth of his knowledge on several subjects across the spectrum of classical fencing and history.     

Target Drills & Sale

4/4/2020

 
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Recently Instructor Bowles posted a series of target drills on his website Benjamin Arms.  While the configuration of the target and drills are somewhat different from what we practice in class, practicing these exercises are of great benefit to all of our students.  Currently, Benjamin Arms is having a sale so, if you are considering taking advantage of this time of social distancing to refine your technique, please click on the following link to visit their page for more information: https://www.benjaminarms.com/fencing-target-practice-at-home/?fbclid=IwAR3rT626IEYgDuI0KFpWx1LW5fEn-TgZPagvwytR4WcjUmg4c7IO35ZZJXs

Martinez Academy of Arms Video - The Lunge with Maestro Kirby

3/29/2020

 
In the above video, Maestro Kirby both demonstrates and emphasizes the key points in the lunge as practiced in the Classical French school.  Focusing on these elements while training will certainly improve one's efficacy when employing the lunge.   

French Smallsword Workshop with Maître Longino

2/18/2020

 
On Saturday, February 8, 2020, we were fortunate enough to have Maître Longino instruct our fencers in the French Smallsword.  With the French Foil being the traditional training tool for the smallsword, practicing this weapon with a traditional master is certainly a beneficial experience for any serious student of the classical French school. 

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the students who participated in this workshop as well as Maître Longino for taking the time to provide us with this unique learning opportunity!     

Beginners Course: Starting Thursday, January 31, 2019

1/25/2019

 
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Offered four times a year, this weekly course (spanning four evenings) is required for all new students. Participants in this class will learn how to form the Classical French Guard followed by the Advance, Step Back, Lunge, and Subterfuge. Students will also be introduced to the French Foil (click for video) and be instructed in how to grip and carry it while in the Salle d'Armes (Fencing Hall).  The dates for the next beginners’ course are as follows:
 
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Thursday, February 7, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Thursday, February 14, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Thursday, February 28, 2019
Children (Under 14) 5:30-6:15pm
Adults (14 & Above) 7:45-8:30pm

Registration:  
For Adults (ages 16+) online registration, click here.

For Children (ages ages 7-15) online registration, click here.

Cost:  $55 for 4 lessons

Equipment:  Sweatpants, long-sleeve shirt, indoor cross-training or court shoes

(Please do not wear outdoor street shoes in the Salle d'Armes)

Lightsabre Workshop at Salle Saint-Georges

9/30/2018

 
​Having trained with Maître Longino at the Salle Saint-Georges for over half-a-decade, I continue to be amazed by both the breadth and depth of knowledge that he is able to convey.  This weekend, I attended a workshop on the Lightsabre.  While this weapon never existed historically, I was struck by the balance of fun and learning the workshop was able to achieve.  For many of us with childhood memories of playing as Jedi saving the galaxy, we were able to live out a small part of that fantasy among good friends and cinematic reveries.  On the other hand, for the classical fencer in me, it was fascinating to see how a ‘fantasy’ weapon is—fundamentally—still a weapon.  Maître Longino was not only able to explicate but also demonstrate how the principles which keep one safe in Poignard, Longsword, and Grand Bâton equally applied to the Lightsabre.  After grasping the concepts presented, it was truly memorable to feel the effortless safety and control that one possess when applying leverage and geometry to one’s defence.  I imagine that if there were Sith, Jedi, and the Force in this world, wielding a Lightsabre with confidence would feel much like the experience that I had.  For myself, moments like this past weekend’s workshop reminded me why I train at the Salle Saint-Georges and continue to be grateful for the opportunity.  

Public Trial & Exhibition: Ms. Caroline Barton & Ms. Bianca Lok

6/22/2017

 
​After years of dedicated study and training, two of our longtime members, Ms. Caroline Barton and Ms. Bianca Lok, are testing to become formal students of the Renaissance Fencing Club. A formal student is an individual who is well-versed in the fundamental philosophy, concepts, and skills of the art and science of defense. She is both a representative of our school and of Classical Fencing as a whole. As such, after showing a long-term commitment to learning our martial art, clear fencing ability, and demonstrating manners and behaviours congruent with a respected member of polite society, a candidate must undergo a three-stage testing process.
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​The testing process includes three parts: a private verbal examination, a private practical examination, and a public exhibition. Caroline and Bianca have worked hard to complete their verbal and practical exams. It is here at the public exhibition where we require the help of friends, family and fellow fencers.  The public exhibition is the final stage and is both test and celebration of a fencer’s training thus far. Akin to a recital for a classical musician, the public exhibition gives the exhibition candidate a chance to demonstrate the artistry which she has acquired over the course of her training. Since the spotlight is placed squarely on the candidates and they will only be fencing senior fencers who have been invited to participate, they will be held to a standard even higher than on an average day.
​Family, friends and the fencing curious are encouraged to attend these exhibitions so they can support the exhibition candidates and take part in the potential celebrations immediately following the ordeal. During the public exhibition, hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be available. Should guests care to bring any special or favorite dishes, they are welcome to do so.

The Public Exhibition for Caroline and Bianca has been scheduled for Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 2:00-5:00pm.  As this is an important event in the fencing lives of these two young women, please wear suitable Semiformal attire (click here for further guidelines: www.emilypost.com/advice/attire-guide-dress-codes-from-casual-to-white-tie/ ).  
​The exhibition will take place at the Aberthau House at 4397 W.2nd Ave.  Please RSVP here to confirm your attendance as this will greatly help us in planning this event.  I look forward to seeing all of you on June 24th!   

Félicitations aux nouveaux Maître d’Armes!

11/18/2016

 
Upon the completion of their Masters' Examination, I am happy to report that the Martinez Academy has recently promoted three new masters to its lineage.  They include Maître Cecil Longino, Maître Antone Blair, and Maître Jared Kirby.  We would like to take this opportunity to send our congratulations to the new Maîtres d'Armes.  We certainly look forward to continuing learning from and working with them for many years to come. 

Félicitations Maîtres!
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Classical Fencing Demonstration at UBC

9/11/2016

 
On Thursday, September 15th, 2016 at 12pm, the Renaissance Fencing Club and Salle Saint-George will be presenting a demonstration of Classical Fencing in the Agora of the AMS Nest.  This is a unique opportunity to observe a tradition that is a descendant of the martial arts of Europe.  A variety of weapons ranging from the Foil to Spear will be demonstrated showing how scientific principles were employed consistently through history to survive serious encounters.  This event will provide a glimpse into the Foundations of Classical Fencing course offered by UBC Recreation on Saturday, October 15, 2016.

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