Classes
Current classes
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 £22 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 will soon include a 30 min free play slot. More experienced students will be able to concentrate on drill and loose play.
Wednesdays 6th January - 14th April, 2009 6.30-8.30pm
19th Century Militray Sabre taught by Ian Macintyre
The aim of the class is to give students the skills required to undertake safe freeplay in the art of sabre and provide an overall foundation in the basic principals of historical fencing. There shall be a strong emphasis on core skills and the practice of applying them through a lot of drill and progressing to full freeplay.
Minimum requirements for the class are: Comfortable clothing with a white t-shirt and gloves. For those who have attended the DDS before and already have them; jacket, plastron, 1600N fencing mask and of course a sabre will be useful to bring!
Some equipment will be available for lending to newcomers.
Study groups
Stick
Freeplay Pit
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