This class is an intensive immersion into staging historical combat for the stage and screen. You will learn how a foundation in martial intent helps to create extraordinary fights. Whether your background is in Western Martial Arts, Stage Combat, Stunt Work or Dance you will benefit from exploring how to transfer historical combat styles into safe and exciting performances on stage or screen.

Each day will focus on a different weapon, beginning with Unarmed/Dagger Combat before moving into the Longsword and finishing with the Rapier. As we progress you will find the fundamental principles of safety distance, cooperative energy, planar geometry and the process of developing physical actions are applicable to a variety of weapons. After learning how to work together to create a safe fight, participants will choreograph short fight scenes. We will then dissect each scene in order to apply a strong martial foundation to the actions and see how this makes the fight extraordinary. Suggested equipment: Longswords, Rapiers, Dagger, a fencing mask, jacket, glove and chest (for women) or groin (for men) protectors will be helpful but are not necessary.