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Minneapolis Swordplay Weekend

October 18, 19 and 20, 2002

Crystal Community Center
4800 Douglas Drive, Crystal, MN, 55429
(Where the heck is that? How do I get there? Gimme the right directions this time!)


$125 for the weekend until Sept. 1  $200 thereafter. Please consider yourself warned. <grin>

Enrollment limited to twenty participants.

Bag Lunch and snacks included on Saturday; Continental breakfast on Sunday.

 

Classes and Instructors

Bob Charron

L'ARTE DAGA - The Art of Dagger Fighting in Fiore Dei Liberi's Fior Di Bataglia (ca 1409)
    
This class will cover Fiore's guardia, his nine covers [coverta] against knife attack, and the manifestation of the five masters of the dagger fight within the text and illustrations of his treatise: ferire [striking with the knife], tore [disarms], rompere and rotture [breaking and dislocating arms and legs], applying the three ligadura [locks], and abrazare [wrestling] within the dagger fight. Fiore's system is consistent, cross-referenced, and thematically sound. Also, as he says, it forms the concepts of a great deal of combat with all edged weapons.
   Students should bring wooden dagger wasters or 15" dowels, and a pair of gloves with cuffs is highly recommended.

 

SPADA D'UN MAN - Using the Sword With One Hand in Fiore Dei Liberi's Fior di Bataglia (ca 1409)
    
This class will cover the basic guarda of Fiore's sword used in one hand. Students will be introduced to the simple but effective footwork from this guarda, and the zoghi [plays] done from it. These include scambiar da punta [exchanging the thrust], rebattere [setting aside], coverta [covers], tore [disarms] and prese [grappling].
     Wooden wasters or 36" dowels are recommended. Most reproduction metal rapiers do not have the proper spine to do setting aside techniques, but stouter metal blades when used in conjunction with fencing masks may be approved on an individual basis.

 

Andrew Vorder Bruegge, Ph. D.

SIXTEENTH CENTURY RAPIER SWORDPLAY: A Legacy of In-Fighting Tactics and Theoretical Strategies
     The workshop begins with binding, grappling, disarming, and pommeling techniques with single rapier. These techniques build upon the in-fighting tactics found in fifteenth century wrestling/broadsword manuals. As a courtier's training for combat in war, these techniques equip him with the tactics of "engage and overwhelm." The second half of the workshop offers a contrasting view of rapier swordplay: a strategic (or grand tactical) approach to personal duello combat using case of rapiers. The footwork, wards and attacks build upon the aristocratic sports of tennis and chess. As a courtier's training for military leadership, this mode of engagement equips him with a strategic approach of "maneuver and survival." 
    
Participants should bring rapiers and a normal set of fencing protective equipment, including gloves for both hands. Groin/pelvic protection and knee/elbow pads are strongly recommended for the first half of the workshop.

 

C. Allen Reed

SWETNAM’S RAPIER AND DAGGER 
         
This class will cover the rapier and dagger techniques taught by Joseph Swetnam in his manual The Schoole of the Noble and Worthy Science of Defence, published in 1617. 
    
All participants should have a blunted rapier replica (with at least a schlager blade) and blunted dagger replica.

CUTTING TO THE QUICK: A DEMONSTRATION OF WHAT REAL BLADES CAN DO 
    
This class will demonstrate the effect of real blades against real muscle and bone. Participants are invited to bring their own sharp blades.

 

The Oakeshott Institute

Friday night (October 18), participants in the Swordplay Weekend are invited to view part of the Oakeshott Collection of swords. Ewart Oaekshott, a world-renowned expert on the development of swords in Europe (Records of the Medieval Sword, The Sword in the Age of Chivalry, and many others), has decided to donate his collection to help start an arms and armor museum in Minneapolis. Members of the newly-formed Oakeshott Institute will be on hand to explain their progress in planning a facility to house the collection and the Oakeshott Institute.

Vendors

Vendors of equipment and accessories for swordplay are welcome, although space is limited space -- $50 for the weekend. Contact Andrea Dubnick at GallowglassAcad@aol.com for further information.

 

Enrollment is limited to the first twenty participants to register. $30 registration fee (check or money order made to Gallowglass Academy, Inc.) sent to

Gallowglass Academy
4739 N. Luna
Chicago, IL 60630
Attn: Minneapolis

Please include your name, postal address, email address (if any) and phone number with registration fee. Further information will be mailed when the registration fee is received.

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this workshop.

Please register soon -- With the limited enrollment, we expect this workshop to fill quickly!

 

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Gallowglass Academy, Inc., and The Province of Tree-Girt-Sea
present

Backsword & Sidesword Classes

with Roger Siggs of Tattershall School of Defence, Phoenix AZ
(a/k/a THL Senan O'Faolan of the Kingdom of Atenveldt)

 

Backsword:   Friday, January 17, 2003 (the day before Tree-Girt-Sea's Twelfth Night )

Jefferson Park Congregational Church
 5320 W. Giddings, Chicago IL 60630
map!
9:30am - 5pm
$50 until January 1; $100 thereafter. Thou hast been warned!
Lunch is included on Friday.

Gear

  • Blunted steel backsword replica (see below) or rattan sword with basket hilt
  • Modern 12 kg fencing mask or equivalent
  • Gorget
  • Long sleeved fencing jacket or SCA fencing doublet
  • Elbow and knee protection
  • All men must wear athletic cup

Steel swords: Roger recommends the CAS Iberia practical backsword or basket hilted Scottish broadsword. One source for these is Bill Wilson at gwylym@infomagic.net The swords cost approx. $165 with shipping.

Directions: Take your best route to I-90 just north of the split with I-94 in Chicago.  Exit at Lawrence Ave, first exit on I-90 north of the split with I-94.  Go west on Lawrence Ave to Milwaukee Ave, first stop light.  Turn left (south) on Milwaukee. Go one block south to Giddings. Turn right on Giddings. Church is on north side of Giddings about half a block from Milwaukee. Be aware that parking on streets right around the church is for residents only! You will have to park about a block west of the church.  Entrance to the church will be at the far east side down a flight of stairs. Here's a Mapquest.com map

Two Sidesword Classes: Saturday, January 18, 2003  (during Tree-Girt-Sea's Twelfth Night):

  • The Basics of Sidesword
  • Introduction to Marozzo's Sword and Buckler

The Irish-American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, Chicago
get a Mapquest.com map here

Pre-register for Sidesword classes only to Drew Nicholson, 2351 Emerson Ave, Melrose Park, IL 60164. Price is $15 for each class, or take both for $25. drewski@techsanctuary.org

Special Deal for Western Martial Artists: Pre-register for all three -- Friday’s Backsword and both Saturday Sidesword classes -- through Gallowglass, for only $65 total!  That's an $80 value! (wow!)

To reserve your spot NOW -- send $30 and your name, address, phone,
e-mail addy -- and which class(es) you’re signing up for! to
Gallowglass Academy, Attn: Senan,
4739 N. Luna,  Chicago, IL 60630-3410.

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Gallowglass Academy, Inc., and the Chicago Swordplay Guild proudly announce

A Spanish Rapier Seminar

with Maestro Ramon Martinez

Two full days with Maestro Ramon Martinez, preeminent instructor of Spanish Rapier in the United States.

Where:   Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago, IL
              Here's a Mapquest.com map

Hotel: We've blocked 20 rooms at Holiday Inn Skokie, 5300 W. Touhy.  $89 (plus 9.5% tax!) per night, single or double... do remember to mention Gallowglass Academy when you reserve at 1-800-HOLIDAY or 1-847-679-8900. The hotel is barely west of the Touhy exits from I-94, a couple of miles east of the Touhy exit off I-294, and nowhere near I-90 itself. Mapquest.com thinks it's located here

When:   March 29 and 30, 2003

Cost:   $125 until February 1, 2003; $200 thereafter.

We recommend bringing a sack lunch each day; Maestro Martinez does not siesta during seminars!

Members of Gallowglass Academy and Chicago Swordplay Guild receive a $25 discount.

 Gear

  • Blunted rapier simulator including archery blunt or other tip
  • Blunted dagger simluator (optional)
  • Modern 12 kg fencing mask or equivalent
  • Gorget
  • Long-sleeved fencing jacket or SCA fencing doublet
  • Gloves
  • All men must wear athletic cup

All participants must preregister for this seminar. You must be at least 18 years old to participate. Please send your name, postal address, phone number, E-mail address, and $50 (payable to Gallowglass Academy, Inc.) to hold your place to...
Gallowglass Academy, 4739 N. Luna, Chicago, IL 60630 Att: Martinez

Or use Paypal -- details here

More questions? GallowglassAcad@aol.com

 

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Whatever else you do....

do NOT go home to Momma!

According to TV, criminal investigation seems to be all Roadblocks, Hot Pursuit, and Shootouts (oh, my!).... But that’s not the whole story behind catching the Bad Guys in the real world, of course. There are many other steps in addition to Getting That Hot Tip and Kicking In The Door.

So here's the set-up: Someone convicted of a crime has decided not to show up for his sentencing date. He is now officially a Fugitive. The rest of us – Writers of thrillers and mysteries, Fans of True Crime, and Interested Others – will form up the Armchair Task Force to track down the Bad Guy.

Join us for a lively, interactive 2-hour exploration of the intricacies of criminal investigation and fugitive retrieval from the Federal perspective.

Sunday, February 23, 2pm
The Red Lion Pub (upstairs)
2446 N. Lincoln (773-348-2695)
Admission at the door $5.00

Workshop Leader C. Allen Reed has 20 years experience in pest control, including criminal investigation and law enforcement.

Care for a paper flyer? Here's a PDF filefile_image.cmp

 

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Medieval & American Fighting Arts

Pete Kautz
Alliance Western Martial Arts  
 


Sponsored by Gallowglass Academy, Inc., in conjunction with

  • Northwestern Universty Ju-jutsu Club 
  • Chicago Swordplay Guild

Site: Patten Gym, 2407 Sheridan Rd, Evanston, IL, on Northwestern University's campus

Local Hotels (none of them particularly budget-minded) include:

  • Omni Orrington - 1-847-866-8700
  • Hilton Garden Inn 1-847-472-6533 (or 1-800-HILTONS)
  • Best Western University Plaza 1-847-491-6400 (across the street from Tommy Nevin's Irish Pub)

 

Dates/Times and Sessions:

  • Friday, April 4, 6-10 pm (Modern lock-blade)
  • Saturday, April 5, 9am - 5 pm (Bowie)
  • Sunday, April 6, 9am - 5 pm (Medieval)

 

Fees: $150 all three sessions, $85 Saturday OR Sunday. Until March 15, secure your place with $50 down, balance payable at the seminar.
You must be at least 18 years old to take part in this seminar

Make checks to

Gallowglass Academy, Inc.,
4739 N. Luna,
Chicago, IL 60630
Attn: Fighting Arts Seminar

For further information, call 773-202-9024, or point your browser to any of these sites:  
  
www.alliancemartialarts.com 
   www.chicagoswordplayguild.org 
   
www.nujujutsu.com 
 

Click here for some notes from Pete himself about the classes, including recommended equipment, preparation, etc. In case you cannot read this MSWord file, the Required Gear for Killshot dueling & fighting scenarios (Sat & Sun) includes

  • Padded sparring knives (pvc & pipe foam "boffer style" construction, safe thrusting tip, 18" maximum length)
  • Fencing mask or Hockey helmet
  • Gloves (hockey / lacrosse / fencing / martial arts etc.) No metal gauntlets)

To make more loaner gear available for Killshot scenarios, please bring along any extra you may have.... thank you!

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Gallowglass Academy, Incsponsors

A Scholar’s Weekend of Western Martial Arts

September 27 and 28

at Gallowglass Academy
6372 N. Mt. Morris Rd, Leaf River, IL 61047
(roughly 20 miles southwest of Rockford)

Featuring WMA scholars and enthusiasts from the Great Lakes area, – including Allen Reed (Gallowglass Academy), James Klock (Gallowglass), John O'Meara (Chicago Swordplay Guild), Richard Gilbert (R&D Stage Combat Choreography), David Gregory (R&D), Mark Gipson, Adam Velez, Tim Lyon – this weekend is targeted at novice and intermediate students interested in developing fundamentals of Western historical combat, including medieval and renaissance rapier, dagger, longsword and unarmed techniques.

The mission of the Scholar’s Weekend is:

  • Finding connections between Western historical combat and Asian martial arts training
  • Helping competitive and theatrical combatants use more historical combat in their arts
  • Building foundations on which to explore historical combat through self-study

You must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Admission is $15 (RSVP*) for the entire weekend
(That’s just over $1/hour of classes – and includes *two* lunches!)
$20 for walk-ins, and even that’s not bad! 

 

Tentative Schedule

Saturday
9:30  Welcome, introductions and mission statement 
          (James Klock/Allen Reed)
10:00 Warmups (Allen Reed)
10:30 Safe Violence (Rick Gilbert/David Gregory)
12:00 Lunch and Roundtable Discussion 
          (European philosophy of combat)
1:00  Footwork and movement in WMA (Adam Velez)
2:30  Italian rapier (John O'Meara)
4:00  Close-quarters combat (James Klock)
5:30  Italian Longsword (John Lennox)
7:00  Dinner offsite (tentatively: Italian)

Sunday
9:00  Warmups (Allen Reed)
9:30  Sidesword of Marozzo/Manciolini (Mark Gipson)
11:00 Oriental & Western Martial Arts (Allen Reed)
12:30 Lunch and Rundtable (bridges)
1:30  Hands-on workshop, coached bouts (Tim Lyon)
3:00  Free fencing
6:00  Go home!

Equipment

Recommended equipment:

  • Fencing mask, jacket, gloves and steel gorget
  • Rapier simulator (prefer schlager or Del Tin blade, or equivalent)
  • Dagger simulator (prefer SafeFlex, Flexidagger, or similar blade)
  • Buckler (wooden, aluminum or steel)
  • Wooden, aluminum or steel longsword simulator

Minimum required equipment for classwork only:

  • One 3/4" wooden dowel, 3-4 feet in length
  • One 3/4" wooden dowel, 12-18" in length
Thanks for bringing along your extra gear for use by novices!  

 

Accommodations

Free tent camping on site (with limited amenities). Some indoor hospitality ("crash space") is also available on-site – call 815-738-2970. A few other accommodations options are listed here.  For questions regarding the event, including RSVP, please contact James Klock at 773-354-7261 or jamey@spadaccino.org Send no money now! Just let us know you’ll be there.

Look here or call 815-738-2970 for better directions to Gallowglass Academy. Mapquest is wrong! You’ll end up in a cow pasture – or worse!

Please download a flyer (it's a PDF) and hand it off to a friend... or six.  Or post it at your workplace, dojo, gym, grocery store, cafe, bar, etc....      ---thanx! 

 

Some Extra Details

Of course there's room to picnic, so bring the family/friends/etc.  We've got 2 round grills (and a hibachi... somewhere) or bring your own.  Please no ground fires, but we're working on some alternatives.

We're a "wet" site as far as alcohol, with these 2 caveats:

  • The MANagement will happily (but firmly) take car keys into custody if he considers it in Everybody's Best Interest.  
  • Stores within about 10 miles tend to limit their selections in stocking beers.  There's more Pabst in this county than I've seen in years, though I haven't finished my survey of the entire (hic!) Rock Valley area.  I don't think A.J.s (corner bar) sells package goods at all, but I will find this out in a couple of days.  So BYOB to be safe.  (Safety first, y'know!)  

Lunches  will be a party tray of cold cuts and cheeses (and bread of course), fruit and a soda each day. Possibly cookies, too.  We can include an extra adult on this plan $5 for the weekend.  Or an extra-adult-plus-a-kid-or-two for $5 each day.  Is this confusing enough? 

Coffee shall be available each morning, as well as Something For Breakfast.  We're undecided if this Something will be doughnuts/coffee-cake/etc or some kind of Breakfast Casserole.  (Tea drinkers may be happier packing their own bags.  We "tea" but seldom, and don't have much selection.)

We are a dog-friendly environment.  Our nearly 12 acres are not, however, fenced.  Gretel usually enjoys meeting any of Her People; she is generally submissive (sometimes pathetically so) and, of course, reproduction is not an issue.

Remind any Reluctant Sword Widows that the Rock River Valley area (where we are) is splendid in the autumn, and there are Other Things To Do in the neighborhood -- garage sales, apple picking, riverboat trip (weather permitting), horseback riding, White Pines State Park and other nature preserves, etc.  I've got some tourist flyers, and there are others at local gas stations, etc  

 

Bring chairs! Bring more chairs! We don’t have near enough chairs! For the love of god, bring chairs!

 

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 a Northwestern Illinois Rapier Weekend

Spanish Rapier
with Maestro Ramon Martinez

or
Italian Rapier
with
Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez

March 19-20-21, 2004

Leaf River Elementary School
605 Main Street, Leaf River, IL 61047

For the weekend of March 19 through 21, 2004, Gallowglass Academy, Inc., will host three full days of instruction in the art of rapier combat. Participants may choose to study either the Spanish or Italian school of rapier fencing under the expert guidance of Maestro Ramon Martinez or Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez, two of the world's most knowledgeable historical fencing instructors. All participants will receive hands-on training daily, with an emphasis on proper technique, self-control, and safety.  The following will be covered:
-- The characteristics of the weapon, and how to select a proper rapier
-- The theoretical foundations of the Italian and Spanish schools of rapier, and how they relate to practice and application
-- Time, measure and proportion
--
Training methods
--
Tactical considerations
--
Fencing an opponent who practices another style

This seminar is a great training opportunity for fencers of all skill levels, from complete beginners to long-time practitioners of rapier fencing.  Beginning with basics on Friday, students will continue to more advanced training on Saturday.  Additionally, during the training sessions on Saturday the students will be video taped to give them an opportunity to see themselves in practice. The tapes will be reviewed along with the students to  give them an evaluation of what they need to work on to refine their skills. Sunday will be devoted exclusively to advanced techniques and tactical considerations.

Italian Rapier
Friday the students will begin by learning, the guards, footwork, counter guards, parries, attacks, counter attacks, and voiding actions.  Saturday, the students will build on the skills learned on Friday by applying them depending on the angles created by the adversary's weapon, in the proper time and distance.

Advanced Italian Rapier
Maestro Acosta-Martinez will teach an advanced class designed specifically to build upon the fundamentals learned on the first two days. The students will learn how to apply these skills tactically within combat conditions.
     Anyone one with prior experience can sign up for the Saturday and Sunday class. (No, you do not have to have previously taken an Italian rapier class with us.)

The guidelines for those who want to start on Saturday would be that they must know the guards, footwork, counter guards, parries, attacks, counter attacks, and voiding actions.

Spanish Rapier
Friday the students will cover the basic footwork, stance, walking the circle, engagement and simple blade actions on the attack and defense. Saturday the students will learn cuts, and more complicated blade actions. This will be a good refresher for those who have already taken classes with Maestro Martinez and or familiar with his tapes.

Advanced Spanish Rapier
On Sunday Maestro Martinez will be teaching an advanced class designed to improve and refine the skills of those individuals who are already familiar with the basic concepts and techniques of La Verdadera Destreza, the true art and skill of Spanish rapier fencing. All participants are expected to be familiar with the proper methods of gripping the weapon, the stance, footwork, proper distance, walking the circle, the engagement, simple attacks by thrust and cut, parries and the movimientos. Anyone planning to attend this seminar must have previously
--attended one of Maestro Martinez's weekend seminars, or
--attended a master class on Spanish rapier, or
--watched the Destreza videos and performed all of the exercises therein, or
--attended last July's Rapier Camp.
Please be sure to practice your basic techniques again before coming to the seminar; we will not hold the entire class back for the sake of one or two unprepared individuals, so be ready to take your fencing to a higher level!

Required Gear

  • Blunted rapier simulator including archery blunt or other tip
  • Blunted dagger simluator (optional)
  • Modern 12 kg fencing mask or equivalent
  • Gorget
  • Long-sleeved fencing jacket or SCA fencing doublet
  • Gloves
  • All men must wear athletic cup; breast protection recommended for women

We'll try to have some extra loaner equipment available, but we're sure to have a lot more if YOU BRING YOUR EXTRA STUFF! (thanx!)

$150 for Friday-Saturday (basic class), in either style
or

$150 for Saturday-Sunday (advanced) in Spanish --prerequisites above!--
or

$150 for Saturday-Sunday (advanced) in Italian
or

$200 for all three big days, in either style!

 

Or, how ‘bout a Two-fer deal? $375 for two people, three days

After February 15 or at the door: $275/2 days, $300/3 days


Gallowglass Academy, Inc.
P. O. Box 201, Leaf River, IL 61047-0201

You must be 18 (and be able to prove it) to participate.

No refund after February 15, unless the workshops are cancelled.

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Basic Longsword

Greg Mele, Instructor

of Chicago Swordplay Guild


Sunday, February 1, 2004
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.


Leaf River Elementary School
605 Main Street, Leaf River, IL 61047


$50 until January 15, 2004 – $75 thereafter, & at the door

Gallowglass Academy, Inc.
P. O. Box 201
Leaf River, IL 61047-0201

 

You must be 18 to participate.

No refund after January 15, unless workshop is cancelled.

 

This one-day class will look at the fundamental elements of medieval Italian longsword play as it survives in the Fior di Battaglia (Flower of Battle) of Maestro Fiore dei Liberi (1409) and the related--yet distinct--De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi (Of the Art of the Sword) of Maestro Filippo Vadi (c.1482). The class will focus on the core mechanics, techniques and principles of the art, particularly as it is used in the initial exchange of blows at long distance (gioco largo).

Students should wear comfortable, training clothes, comfortable, low traction footwear and bring a longsword waster or 48" hardwood dowel. A fencing mask and leather gloves is optional, but desirable.

Part One – Technical Material

  1. Historical Overview
    1. Overview of the medieval Italian tradition and its component parts.
    2. The biography and history of Fiore dei Liberi and Filippo Vadi and the distinctions in their works.
    3. Overview of the longsword and its role in the tradition.
  2. Mechanical Fundamentals
    1. Basic stance, balance and leverage
    2. Footwork and the three turns (volte)
  3. The Guards (poste) of the Longsword
  4. The Seven Blows of the Sword
    1. Nomenclature and form of the six cuts and thrust.
    2. Integration of guard and blow: cutting from, through and recovering into a posta.
    3. Compound blows
  5. "Covers" (coverte) – Defensive actions with the sword
    1. Parries (parrate)
    2. Beats (rebeter)

Part Two – Tactical Material

The second part of the workshop will focus on the tactical use of the skills learned in part one. Students will learn a series of set-plays (arranged techniques) that each demonstrate both how the various guards play at long distance (gioco largo) against basic attacks and one of the tactical principles of the overall system. Finally, students will have a chance to see how some of these actions can be naturally strung together when combat moves beyond the first exchange of blows.

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a Day of English Swordplay


C. Allen Reed, Tim Lyon, & Tracy Kopecky
Instructors

Saturday, April 3, 2004 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Leaf River Elementary School
605 Main Street, Leaf River, IL 61047

  • Explore theory and techniques from the 16th- and 17th-century treatises On the Fight of George Silver and the rapier play of Pallas Armata
  • Learn how those Elizabethans and Jacobeans practiced "grasping the sword’s handle and putting the point into the other man."
  • No prior martial arts experience is necessary. Some loaner equipment will be available.

$50 until March 15, 2004 – $75 thereafter, & at the door

Gallowglass Academy, Inc.
P. O. Box 201
Leaf River, IL 61047-0201

Call our new number 815-973-1064 or log on to www.GallowglassAcademy.org for further information

You must be 18 to participate.

No refund after March 15, unless workshop is cancelled.

 

Required Gear
(some spare loaner gear will be available)

Silver class: comfortable workout clothes; Sidesword, wooden single-handed waster, rattan single-handed sword, or three-foot long 1"-diameter wooden dowel; gloves; fencing mask or helmet; blunted dagger simulator or 18"-long 1"-diameter wooden dowel; buckler suitable for sidesword or rattan combat; rigid groin or breast protection.

Pallas Armata: Fencing doublet or long-sleeved fencing jacket; fencing mask; gorget; blunted rapier simulator, fencing gloves or gauntlets, rigid groin or breast protection.

 

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Gallowglass Academy, Inc., and LEST, Inc., sponsor a 2-day training for Law Enforcement Officers and Security Personnel

Chris Lein Arm Management Program (CLAMP)

April 19-20, 2004

Byron, IL Forest Preserve
Jarrett Prairie Center
7993 North River Road, Byron IL 61010-1074

The CLAMP is one technique that can be used against a non-compliant subject and get that subject to a controlled position so that handcuffs can be applied. The subject can start out standing, kneeling, on his hands and knees, on his stomach with hands tucked under his chest, on his back, on top of the officer while on the ground, grabbing officer from rear, in vehicle with seat belt hooked, in spread position on wall, car, etc. or resisting a jail forced cell move.

It is the highest percentage technique being taught today. By that we mean, more officers can use the technique against more subjects successfully. The technique is a mechanical technique versus a purely pain compliant technique. The mechanics of this technique allows for rapid application and control of a subject. It will work on subjects who might be combative due to the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For more information, please contact Larry Lein at
LAW ENFORCEMENT & SECURITY TRAINERS, INC.
9757 N. INDIANA AVE., KANSAS CITY, MO 64156
TEL/FAX 816-734-9141
E-mail:
lestinc@worldnet.att.net

Here's a download-able .PDF version of the application to mail or FAX file_image.cmp

Call us or check here for lodging info in our area.

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Get Your Irish Up!
punchin', wrasslin' and stick-fightin'
...in the traditions of the Auld Sod

June 12-13, 2004

@ Gallowglass Academy
6372 N. Mt. Morris Rd.
Leaf River, IL 61047 

Ken Pfrenger is a well known WMA instructor in traditional folk wrestling, Irish stick fighting and pugilism. 

The weekend's  pugilism covers from Mendoza's 18th century method to Dempsey's 20th century method, and all points in between, including methods of striking and defending, and grappling as per the early rules.

Folk wrestling will focus on the Collar and Elbow style, as well as the
material from Sir Thomas Parkyn's "Close Hugg" manual and Zach Wyldes' advice on wrestling.

Irish cudgel play uses a cane-sized cudgel for both self defense and
gang warfare.

Participants should be at least 18, and in good physical condition. Wear comfortable workout clothes; we are not air-conditioned, and may train outdoors.  Men MUST wear athletic cups.  Focus mitts, knee and elbow pads, & a cane sized non-crook stick optional.  We will have wresting mats and some additional equipment available, but more mitts and sticks won't hurt.

Fees are $75 until June 1 and $100 thereafter, payable by check, Paypal, or cash.  Please call 815-973-1064 or
e-mail  
GallowglassAcad@aol.com if you have more questions

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Acupressure & Sports Massage
for Enhanced Performance & Injury Prevention
Sue Michaelsen, instructor

Sunday, July 18, 2pm-5pm
at Gallowglass Academy
6372 N. Mt. Morris Rd.
Leaf River, IL 61047

Learn pre- and post-workout techniques to reduce stress, improve energy, performance and prevent injuries.  Relieve tired, achy necks, backs, shoulders, arms and legs.  A very hands-on session for martial artists of all disciplines, athletes of all sports, exercisers of any ability.  Wear comfortable clothes you can move around in. 

Instructor is an authorized Jin Shin Do® Acupressure teacher, with extensive training in Internal Martial Arts and Sports Massage Therapy. She is certified in Orthopedic Massage Therapy as well.  Ms. Michaelsen is the first U.S. citizen to earn Master Helen Wu's Teaching Certification for Internal Martial Arts for Health and Healing.

Pre-register (by check, Paypal, cash, or phone 815-973-1064) for just $20
Walk-ins $25, please!
Optional text purchase at class $6 -- Fundamentals of Self-Acupressure

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Bowie Knife Workshop

Saturday, September 11, 2004

@ Gallowglass Academy
6372 N. Mt. Morris Rd.
Leaf River, IL 61047

When Jim Bowie survived the Vidalia sandbar fight in 1827, he became the best-known knife fighter in American history.  The big knife named for him came to be carried by mountain men, soldiers, Southern gentlemen and politicians alike, becoming the most famous knife in American history.

Students in this workshop will be introduced to the use of the Bowie knife, one of the most powerful and devastating fighting knives ever developed. The workshop will cover the Bowie knife as both part of our American heritage and as a modern fighting knife.

Most, if not all, of the workshop will take place out of doors, rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly. 

Required gear:
   Comfortable workout clothes
   Sports goggles or equivalent eye protection
   Lightweight leather or other protective gloves
   Men MUST wear an athletic cup
  

Recommended gear:
   Blunt practice Bowie knife replica
   Fencing mask
   Rolled-up magazine taped up with duct tape for free play practice

$50 until Sept 1; $75 thereafter, payable by check, Paypal, or cash.  Onsite lunch is included

Must be 18 to participate. 

Please call 815-973-1064 or
e-mail  
GallowglassAcad@aol.com if you have more questions

 

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"Fight Or Flight":
A Day of Personal Combatives

Saturday August 28, 2004

@ Gallowglass Academy
6372 N. Mt. Morris Rd.
Leaf River, IL

Students at this workshop will learn how to defend themselves with just the empty hands or with a cane/stick, and some basic ground-fighting techniques. Students will work against both armed and unarmed attackers. Techniques will be an eclectic mix from both Oriental and Western traditions. Students will learn how to fall safely as well as strikes and throws.

Workshop will take place primarily outdoors, so students should dress appropriately. Wear comfortable workout clothes, and cross-training shoes or boots.

Required gear:
   Sports goggles or equivalent eye protection
   36-inch long, 1"-diameter, hardwood dowel or hardwood crook neck cane
   Men MUST wear an athletic cup

Suggested gear
   Plastic or rubber training knife
   Soft elbow and knee pads
   Karate helmet or other protective head gear
   Mouth guard

$50 until Aug 15; $75 thereafter, payable by check, Paypal, or cash.  Onsite lunch is included

Must be 18 to participate. 

Please call 815-973-1064 or
e-mail  
GallowglassAcad@aol.com if you have more questions

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Abrazare e Daga
Two-Day Wrestling & Dagger Workshop
from
Fiore Dei Liberi’s Fior di Bataglia

Instructor:  Bob Charron, Instructor, St. Martins Academy of Medieval Arms

September 25-26, 2004

Byron Forest Preserve, Jarrett Prairie Center
7993 North River Road, Byron IL 61010-1074

About the Seminar
Fiore Dei Liberi was born in the middle of the 14th century in the village of Premariacco in Northeastern Italy. He studied the art of arms for over 40 years, had experience in military actions, combats in the lists, and duels. Circa 1400 he was retained as the instructor at arms to the household of Niccolo d’Este, the Marquise da Ferrara. His treatise, the Fior di Bataglia (Flower of Battle – circa 1409), is a complete martial arts system which addresses hand to hand combat, knife attack and defense, the use of the sword in one or two hands, armored combat with swords, axes and spears, and techniques for fighting from horseback. 
    
The themes of this system are recurring throughout the text, and they begin with the first topics addressed – hand to hand combat and knife attack and defense. Here the student learns the principles of balance, posture, skeletal alignment, footwork, attack angles, strikes, breaks, locks, throws, and disarms that not only provide him with an admirable defense unarmed or with the knife, but serve as the basis for methods with other weapons that come later in the treatise.
    
This seminar will focus on the basic themes and methods of Fiore’s approach. Even with two full eight-hour days to study, all the techniques in his treatise cannot be covered. However, the basics of Fiore’s system can be grasped and retained for use in further study of the treatise and effective and scientific use of the sword, the spear and the axe.
    
Each day will begin with a lecture and demonstration of techniques to be covered that day. This allows a gentle start to each day (and time for a couple of cups of coffee!) while gaining the critical historical, philosophical and ethical background necessary to understand the art.
    
Students should wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to work up a sweat in warm-up exercises and to fall to the floor in a controlled manner. For dagger training, each student will be provided a suitable dagger mock-up by the instructor for use during instruction.
    
Fiore’s approach is a brutal and effective combat system. Using these techniques at speed or without an overriding regard for the safety of your training partner will result in serious injury. Therefore the training in this seminar is done slowly and in harmony with your training partner. Fiore himself speaks to the necessity of using caution in training. Technique execution will only occur under the direction of the instructor. Any variation from this format or endangering of one’s training partner may result in the student being asked to leave the seminar. Safety and learning is first. Check your egos at the door.
    
Each day will include a full one-hour lunch break. During this break the instructor will remain on-site and available for any questions or comments from the attendees.

Day One
The first day will begin with a lecture and demonstration of the wrestling techniques. This will allow the student to understand the context of Fiore’s art, to become familiar with Fiore’s advice to the combatant and Fiore’s "eight requirements of wrestling" (strength, quickness, grabs, strikes, breaks, dislocations, locks and throws). It also allows the student to see the techniques demonstrated and explained before undertaking them personally. 
    
This lecture and demonstration will be followed by warm-up exercises and drills for establishing balance and footwork, incorporating the four wrestling poste (positions), the four types of stepping and the three types of turning from Fiore’s treatise. 
    
The plays of wrestling will then be undertaken as half-speed practice in context so that the student can understand how these plays come to be used in the flow of an encounter. Grabs, throws, strikes, locks, breaks and counters will be covered.
    
Fiore’s transitional techniques with a short stick (bastoncello) will be covered next as an entry to the dagger play. Locking, choking and hooking with the bastoncello will be learned.
    
The techniques learned will then be re-capped and reviewed. Questions will be welcomed and answered.

Day Two
The second day will begin again with a lecture and demonstration of the techniques of the dagger. This will introduce the student to the "Five Masters of the Fight" (strikes, disarms, breaks, locks and throws), the five poste (positions) used to fight with and against the dagger, and the nine "Remedy Masters" (covers against a dagger attack). 
    
The lecture and demonstration will be followed by warm-up exercises and drills incorporating important aspects of the art of the dagger, including the use of tempo, distance, line and cover to create multiple layers of scientific defense. 
    
The plays of the dagger will then be undertaken as half-speed practice in context so that the student can understand how these plays come to be used in the flow of an encounter. Dagger strikes, covers, disarms, locks, breaks and throws will be covered. The material includes techniques for unarmed defense and for defense while wielding the dagger. 
    
The techniques learned will then be re-capped and reviewed. Questions will be welcomed and answered.

Pre-register before September 1 for $125 by check, Paypal, or cash; $175 thereafter.
Please contact us directly (call 815-973-1064
or e-mail  us at
GallowglassAcad@aol.com) if you have questions. 

You must be 18 to participate.

 

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Capo Ferro and Giganti

Willliam Wilson and Gary Chelak, instructors

October 30-31, 2004 (boo!)
Byron Forest Preserve, Jarrett Prairie Center
7993 North River Road, Byron IL 61010-1074

 Ridolfo Capo Ferro and Nicolettó Giganti comprise 2 of the 3 preeminent published masters of early 17th century Italian civilian swordplay. While both fencing systems rely on time and measure for success, each took a wholly different approach.

Capo Ferro’s 1610 text drew difference between the art & science of fencing. He capitalized on fencing theory that developed in the Dardi school and took it to a new level of civilian combat.

Giganti’s 1606 text is the practical man’s book. Less scientific in word only, multiple layers of concept and intricacy help make easy use of advanced theorem. The result is repeatable and systematic success.

The Capo Ferro & Giganti portions of the seminar build upon each other, using drills to illustrate concepts. Both single sword and sword & dagger are covered. Moderated assaulting at the end of Day 2 provides opportunity to put these concepts to use.

Equipment: Standard SCA rapier gear or WMA equipment including jacket, gloves, mask, gorget, & groin protection for men. Breast protection is recommended for women; notebook and pen(cil) recommended for all. 



Pre-register before October 1 for $125 by check, Paypal, or cash; $175 thereafter.

Please contact us directly (call 815-973-1064 or email  us at GallowglassAcad@aol.com) if you have questions about this -- or any other -- of our seminars. 

You must be 18 to participate.


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For more information, contact:
Andrea Dubnick
815-973-1064

August 30, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

GALLOWGLASS ACADEMY to offer Authentic Rapier Fencing at HCC

European swordplay of the late 16th and early 17th centuries (think Hamlet, Cyrano, ...and Hollywood) is on the schedule at Highland Community College in Freeport this fall. Allen Reed (Leaf River) of Gallowglass Academy, Inc., will teach the basics of the fast-paced martial art of rapier fencing as practiced throughout western Europe 400 years ago. HCC’s Community Education Program will offer "Introduction to the ‘Arte of Defence’" as an 8-week class, based on the instructor’s study of both historic treatises and modern texts, and his work with other scholars of the rapier.

"Arte of Defence" classes begin on Tuesday, September 14, on the lower level of HCC’s Student Conference Center, from 7-8:30 p.m. Community members interested in training with the rapier will include actors and re-enactors interested in the historic combat they portray, martial artists eager to learn more of their European heritage and – of course – anyone who has grown up watching those great swashbuckling movies!

"The ‘Arte’ gives some students an insight into particular points in history," explains Reed. "And training with the rapier can be great exercise. It’s also quite a lot of fun!" No previous fencing experience is required, but Reed requires students to wear comfortable, long-sleeved heavy duty workout clothes and lightweight leather work gloves, available at any hardware or garden center. Men need groin protection as well.

The instructor will provide rapier simulators, fencing masks and throat protection. HCC is located at 2998 W. Pearl City Road in Freeport; call 815-235-6121 to register. Cost of "Arte of Defence" is $45.

Gallowglass Academy was incorporated in 2002 by Andrea Dubnick and her husband Allen Reed to focus and integrate their mutual interests in personal defense, swordplay, firearms, and history. Reed has studied and taught Western martial arts for over 10 years, as well as 17 years of experience teaching Oriental martial arts and self-defense, and over 20 years as a law enforcement firearms instructor. Dubnick is a history buff/re-enactor and fiction writer who insists on authentic historical details. They relocated to Ogle County from Chicago in 2003.

Reed and Gallowglass Academy, Inc., were featured by Freeport’s Journal-Standard in January 2004. Gallowglass Academy will offer a two-session modern defense course for non-martial artists (through Oregon Park District) in October, and two weekends of historical swordplay in September and October, all in Ogle County. For additional information, log on to www.GallowglassAcademy.org

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Highland College "Arte of Defence"  autumn 04

The Final Week -- Trial by Combat!  Each student had to face the instructor one-on-one.  Here are a few highlights, chosen by photographic serendipity...

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We're pleased to announce, however, that everyone Conducted Themselves In Thoroughly Honourable & Gentle Manner, and Survived the Ordeal!
 
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Week #4 -- Andrea's excuse is that she's still getting used to the new digital camera; we're not convinced that familiarity will improve the quality of her work in this class!

 

 

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On the other hand, she's managed to learn how to do this

Now all she has to figure out is why someone would ever want to!

The students, on the other hand, are Progressing Quite Splendidly. And they're already looking forward to Next Semester (and Highland has promised us a better space).

 

 Weeks #2 and #3 -- Miraculously, no one was scared away, and now students finally got to use Actual Rapiers!  

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Week #1 -- We're assigned to a cafeteria room, we've got swords, masks & gorgets (in a spiffy Garden Sword Cart to haul it all around) enough for 10 students... and 11 turn up, too many of 'em small women for our big gorgets.  This picture is the best of the few that Andrea took. 

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Two other examples: These footwork drills, f'r instance, look like the Minister of Silly Walks teaching the Hokey Pokey !

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Leaf River community First Aid & CPR class -- fall 2004

First Aid and CPR 

American Red Cross Standard First Aid and Adult CPR class meets at Bertolet Library
(406 S. Main St., Leaf River)
Saturday, November 27, 8 am-12 noon
and Saturday, December 18, 8 am-12 noon

Enrollment (open to ages 14 thru adult) is limited to 10, so preregistration is necessary by November 1.

$30 covers textbook, skill cards, supplies & equipment rental. Make check payable to
Allen Reed, c/o Gallowglass Academy, P. O. Box 201, Leaf River, IL 61047

Got questions? Get answers! 738-2970 or 973-1064!

January 2005
Dear Members and Friends--

We feel pleased as well as grateful that 2004 saw our first full year for Gallowglass Academy, Inc., in Leaf River, Illinois. We sponsored historical swordplay workshops concentrating on several ethnic flavors of longsword, rapier, and wrestling, with and without dagger. We wowed the Northwestern Illinois citizenry with the Western Martial Arts during our little village’s festival, and at Stronghold Retreat Center’s Olde English Faire. We held sports massage classes and first aid training. We traveled to ISMAC, the WMA gathering in Lansing MI, and to AWSDA (American Women’s Self Defense Assn) in Asheville NC, to preach the gospel of Gallowglass. We started what we hope will be a long and worthwhile relationship with our local Highland Community College, offering "Introduction to The Arte of Defence" classes. In Spring 2005, they’re adding a section for continuing students!

We started with Greg Mele and Jesse Kulla from the Chicago Swordplay Guild teaching Fiore’s longsword. In March, we brought in The Maestros – Maestro Ramón and Maestra Jeannette Acosta-Martinez. April was the month for "A Day of English Swordplay." In September, it was Bob Charron, to teach Fiore’s wrestling plays – the Abrazare techniques; in October, we hosted William Wilson and Gary Chelak to teach two Italian rapier masters.

And we’ve got more planned for 2005, which we plan to kick off with "Fight Like a Pirate" day on January 8. We’re planning a springtime Scholars’ Weekend here at Gallowglass Academy, specifically for folks who’ve heard about this Western Martial Arts thing but don’t have a couple of hundred bucks to sink into a specialized seminar that they might really not enjoy...

And for WMA enthusiasts, we’ll (soon, we hope!) be able to finalize details of seminars from the likes of Brad Waller, Sean Hayes, James Loriega and. Christian Tobler So that’s the news from Leaf River, the little town that doesn’t even have a lake....

Perhaps all we can ever know of the Unknowable Almighty is the glory of the Creation; if that is so, rejoice in that Creation and take comfort in her!

All the best for any and all holidays that you and yours care to celebrate!# # #

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bowie Knife Workshop

Saturday, September 11, 2004

@ Gallowglass Academy
6372 N. Mt. Morris Rd.
Leaf River, IL 61047

When Jim Bowie survived the Vidalia sandbar fight in 1827, he became the best-known knife fighter in American history.  The big knife named for him came to be carried by mountain men, soldiers, Southern gentlemen and politicians alike, becoming the most famous knife in American history.

Students in this workshop will be introduced to the use of the Bowie knife, one of the most powerful and devastating fighting knives ever developed. The workshop will cover the Bowie knife as both part of our American heritage and as a modern fighting knife.

Most, if not all, of the workshop will take place out of doors, rain or shine, so participants should dress accordingly. 

Required gear:
   Comfortable workout clothes
   Sports goggles or equivalent eye protection
   Lightweight leather or other protective gloves
   Men MUST wear an athletic cup
  

Recommended gear:
   Blunt practice Bowie knife replica
   Fencing mask
   Rolled-up magazine taped up with duct tape for free play practice

$50 until Sept 1; $75 thereafter, payable by check, Paypal, or cash.  Onsite lunch is included

Must be 18 to participate. 

Please call 815-973-1064 or
e-mail  
GallowglassAcad@aol.com if you have more questions

 

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"Fight Or Flight":
A Day of Personal Combatives

Saturday August 28, 2004

@ Gallowglass Academy
6372 N. Mt. Morris Rd.
Leaf River, IL

Students at this workshop will learn how to defend themselves with just the empty hands or with a cane/stick, and some basic ground-fighting techniques. Students will work against both armed and unarmed attackers. Techniques will be an eclectic mix from both Oriental and Western traditions. Students will learn how to fall safely as well as strikes and throws.

Workshop will take place primarily outdoors, so students should dress appropriately. Wear comfortable workout clothes, and cross-training shoes or boots.

Required gear:
   Sports goggles or equivalent eye protection
   36-inch long, 1"-diameter, hardwood dowel or hardwood crook neck cane
   Men MUST wear an athletic cup

Suggested gear
   Plastic or rubber training knife
   Soft elbow and knee pads
   Karate helmet or other protective head gear
   Mouth guard

$50 until Aug 15; $75 thereafter, payable by check, Paypal, or cash.  Onsite lunch is included

Must be 18 to participate. 

Please call 815-973-1064 or
e-mail  
GallowglassAcad@aol.com if you have more questions

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