i.33 Sword & Buckler

Service Description

*Based on the Royal Armouries Manuscript I.33 Sword & Buckler is the classic weapon combination. This class is rooted in the i.33 Royal Armouries manuscript which is the oldest known fencing manual in existence. You’ll learn how to strike and weave with the sword looking to control your opponent's blade. The buckler offer protection of the sword hand and a *cone of defense* for the body. ✅ Prerequisites To ensure you're ready for the pace of this class, students must either: - Complete the Longsword Fundamentals course - OR have previous swordplay experience approved by the instructor Required Skills (to demonstrate before joining): Students should demonstrate these basic movements to an instructor, which can be learned during Open Floor or Clinic Hours (typically achievable in a few hours of focused practice): - Cut and thrust from Guards 1–5 - Buckler positions A, B, C, and D - Parry cuts from all quadrants in Half Shield Required Gear: - Mask / Gorget / Padded Gloves (Loaner gear available) 🔁 Rotating Monthly Units Our six-month rotating curriculum dives deep into the core ideas of I.33, helping you explore, refine, and connect your skills across varied scenarios: Recover Control: - Learn to disengage, parry, and cut around to recover the line when your opponent seizes initiative. Maintain Control: - Now that you have control—can you keep it? This unit emphasizes tempo, distance, and cover while denying your opponent recovery. Grappling: - Suppress your opponent’s weapon with your buckler, execute blade grabs, and explore medieval disarms. Legs: - The close distance of sword and buckler fencing makes leg strikes a real threat. Learn how to attack and defend the lower lines with precision and safety. Guards & Forms: - What are the 14 guards of I.33? How do you use them? This unit explores our interpretation of the named and unnamed guards, and how to move between them with purpose. Tactical: - The capstone of the course—learn to tie everything together into cohesive tactics for attack and defense through structured sparring and situational exercises.