Classes
Current Sessions
The Dawn Duellists Society is always keen to welcome new members, especially those new to the study of historical fencing. The aim of the society is to allow its members to study the aspects of European swordmanship that appeal most to them. However, in order to start these studies you will need to understand the fundamentals of fencing principals - one cannot study Shakespeare until one can read, after all.
It is for this purpose that we provide classes every Wednesday from 6.30-8.30pm in Harry Miller Hall, Kirk O'Field Church, Brown Street, Edinburgh, to which all members and newcomers are most welcome. These classes are designed over the period of a year to provide a newcomer to the art a foundation in the DDS core weapons: longsword, sabre, rapier and wrestling/dagger.
There is also a taught session on Tuesdays, from 7.30-9.30pm specifically training German Longsword in a rolling syllabus - see below for details.
We have two weekly study group sessions, where members work together to study treatises and hone their skills. These sessions take place at Kirk O'Field Church on Mondays from 7.30-9.30pm and Wednesdays from 8.30-10.30pm, after the 6.30pm classes.
If you are new to the arts we strongly advise that you attend Wednesday classes first - see below for details.
Prices for these sessions run at £4 for members and £5 for non-members. If you attend both sessions on a Wednesday, the cost is £6 for members and £7 for non-members. Membership is set at £30 per annum. These costs go to cover the hire of the hall and insurance. We are a non-profit organisation and instructors teach for their love of the art not financial payment.
Please note that for insurance reasons the DDS cannot accept members or attendees to its classes under the age of 18.
Classes for 2010
Study groups
Longsword
Rapier
Medieval Dagger
German Longsword Drill Class
Train and fight using the medieval German Longsword system!
Evolved during Germany's violent Middle Ages, the system focuses on attacking first and blitzing your opponent with a barrage of simple yet elegant techniques.
Probably the best documented medieval martial art, German Longsword is applicable to all European swords used in two hands, including longsword (aka "bastard sword"), greatsword, claidheamh mòr/claymore and two handed sword.
We welcome any level from absolute beginner to veteran. There are no term dates; the classes roll through the syllabus continuously, so you can drop in and out without losing track. But, if you want to get good, you'll need to come regularly...
Each session is self contained and includes a 30 min free play slot for more experienced students.
Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm, September - December, 2010 (dates to be confirmed).
Combat with the sword, by Joachim Meyer - taught by Ben Halliwell.
This new class is an introduction to the Longsword of 16th Century combat master Joachim Meyer. Written in 1570 at the twilight of the longsword as a weapon of war, Joachim Meyer's excellent treatise encapsulates all the brutal efficiently won over centuries of Medieval experience welded to a detailed and logical layout born of the Renaissance.
The aim of this course is to ensure all students gain a complete foundation in the fluid and decisive style of fighting that characterises Meyer's system of combat.There should be something for everyone in this course from beginners to experienced fencers alike, not least the added attraction that once mastered this system can be applied to a variety of weapons including the single handed sword, rapier, dagger, staff, halberd and pike.
Minimum requirements for the class are: Comfortable clothing and gloves. For those who have attended the DDS before a 1600N fencing mask, padded jacket and of course a Longsword. Enormous plunderhosen trousers are not at this stage a requirement but will impart the correct martial bearing and ensure the students extra kudos throughout!
Spare equipment will be available for loan to newcomers.
Study groups & Freeplay Pit
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