Who we are
The Dawn Duellists Society was formed in 1994 to study historical fencing, when several sport fencers decided to study fencing as a martial art rather than sport. Since then membership has grown, attracting many new students who shared the initial desire to learn more about the use of the sword in Europe.
Our aims
The aim was, and still is, to study the use of the sword not as a sporting implement but as a martial instrument. We always train and practice as if the swords were real and with the understanding that ones own defence is paramount.
Our members
Now we number over 30 regular members of differing backgrounds, all united by a common interest in improving themselves through the understanding of the art. We also have a number of members dotted around the world, many of whom continue to study and practise the art of fencing. Visit our links page to find our more about other groups.
What we do
The Dawn Duellists Society continues to study the martial art of fencing and related disciplines. In this we are most fortunate that the group has grown during a wider global renaissance in the study of historical fencing, facilitated in part by the rise of the internet. This enables us to study treatises and manuals that even 15 years ago were almost completely inaccessible, as they where dotted around the world in collections and libraries. Now we and others like us across the world can study manuals and discuss the techniques within them freely.
But the study of the written word of the old masters is only the start of what the DDS does. We strongly believe in training regularly and properly in order to put our knowledge into practice in a manner as closely resembling the training of the duelling arts of the past. To this end, we practise regularly and many senior members travel to receive training from experts across the world.
The ultimate expression of our art is freeplay with the aim not of victory but a true understanding and application of the art. This takes many years of study, practice and training to achieve but when it is, we believe it is as beautiful as any other artist endeavour.
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