Search Classes at SoCal Swordfight 2023

This is a certification course where participants will understand not only the psychology and mental makeup of an active shooter but also how to properly respond to, and before, an incident actually happens.

Be prepared to act when emergencies arise. Join the ranks of those who can spring into action when trouble strikes to help people in the “minutes that matter”.

In a HEMA tournament, the forward movement of your sword will probably result in one of three actions from your fellow competitor. Let's start taking care of these scenarios before it is too late and use their decisions against them!

There is much more to a book than just the words printed on its pages. Why and how was it made? Who bought it and what did they do with it? Who read it and what did they think of it? And did anyone in the 16th and 17th centuries actually use the fencing treatises to learn about fencing?

Johannes Liechtenauer, grand master of the oldest known German fencing tradition, recorded his art in a 358-line poem called the Zettel. To unlock the secrets of this poem, we rely on the writings of his students and associates, as well as later masters in his tradition.

A study of various techniques used by Fiore dei Liberi and Fillipo Vadi in armored combat with the sword.

Every mastercut has contexts to explore, and the Schillhau has at least three. In this class, we will dissect this mastercut and explore how to perform it with technical prowess in all its contexts.

We will focus on the context, biomechanics, and application of the Zucken as a way to build up a sense of Fuhlen, looking at both its theoretical place in the Zettel and its practical use in the fight.

Students will learn the most common attacks of the spear and longsword versus shorter weapons as well as the best techniques to defend themselves against longer weapons.

This class will focus on establishing proper spinal posture and how to use that in HEMA and every day life

By the end of the class you'll be fighting like a Frenchman and ready to defend your honor. You'll also have a better understanding of a quick and cunning weapon that is often under-appreciated in HEMA, as well as the physicality involved in 15th century armored combat.

Although the spear is used primarily for thrusting and throwing from long range, those familiar with Asian combat systems know there's a great deal of slashing and close-quarter attacks as well. 

Students will learn the offense-based, close-quarters tactics of sword and dagger from the Filipino martial discipline of Kali and discover its similarities (and differences) with European and other cultural martial arts. 

An introduction to Thibault's rapier, covering his basic theories that are found in his book, 'The Academy of the Sword. 

This class will delve into the usage of the jo staff of the Suio Ryu, which differs from the more modern arts in many ways.

In this course Allan Sherlock will introduce you to a variety of sparring games, how to build them, and how to utilize them to learn and sharpen your own skills and those of your fencers.

In this class, we shall explore the peculiarities of Domenico Angelo's style of fencing, learning from the English translation done by Domenico's son, Henry Angelo in 1787.

Robin Price and Fred Kaye will teach the fighting methods of the Parisian street gangs known as the Apache.

No gloves or wraps in the street, learn how to deliver a punch without breaking your hands! See why the old-time pugilists were so effective.

This class, will go through drills and games that can be helpful to your fencing. We will touch upon how approach, expectations, and physical limitations can affect the results/goals of each drill/game.

This class will discuss what the shield wall is, the equipment in it, and how it changed over time. Reflecting on the change in equipment as tactics evolved. It will then review how elements of Hoplite fighting can be used in our HEMA journey.