Schedule and Rule changes at the Salle
Dear AHFA Family,
Starting in July we shall be changing some of the Rules and Schedule of the Salle. These are both things I have been looking forward to for a while!
Rules:
Starting in July we shall start new rules on Covid as per CDC recommendations. Should you be fully vaccinated then it shall be your choice whether you wish to wear your face mask or not. We simply ask to see your vaccine card as proof of vaccination and then you are good to go. If you are not yet vaccinated you must still wear your face mask at all times in the facility.
Those who are vaccinated shall be allowed to free fence. Due to the added stress, and closeness of participants in this activity we are allowing only vaccinated people to do free fencing at this time. Again if you are vaccinated and wish to continue to wear your face mask doing this activity that is up to you.
These rules are subject to change as per CDC recommendations.
Schedule:
We shall be going to a schedule that opens up more hours and more weapon styles. This does mean that we will be moving some classes from their current spot. However, for the most part it should not adversely affect your ability to take all classes.
From July we will be adding in
Sword and Buckler
Dussack
Open Mat Fencing
More Beginner Classes
Sword and Buckler
This class shall teach you the basics of how to use the small shield called the Buckler. The Buckler is a center gripped shield normally in the 10”-12” diameter range. Our earliest Historical Fencing source is a Sword and Buckler manuscript called I.33
We shall be working from Lignitzer, Mair, and some other sources.
You shall need an Arming or Side sword and a Buckler for this class. We do have loaner items for you to borrow until you can get your own.
Dussack
The Dussack is a Baskethilt sword with both Backsword and Broadsword style blades. You can find examples of this sword from Central Europe into Northern Europe. This was traditionally trained using a Wooden trainer. In class we will use either the modern equivalent trainer, the steel trainers, or the Messer trainers. Mostly our source shall be the workings of Joachim Meyer, although we shall draw from other sources also.
You shall need a Dussack or Messer trainer. Again we have loaners for this class also.
Open Mat Fencing
Free Fencing shall be held 4 days during the week.
Tuesday and Friday sessions shall be unstructured fencing. Wednesday and Saturday will be structured around heavy drilling and fencing games.
To partake in Free fencing you shall need the following -
Generally
Fencing Mask
Gloves
Be vaccinated as we will not be required to wear face masks in this class. If you are vaccinated and wish to continue wearing your face mask that is your choice
Pass our Beginners requirements. I shall detail this in class.
If you fulfill all of the above you will be allowed to Free Fencing using our Boffers.
Steel or Nylon additional requirements
Fencing Jacket
Gorget (Neck/Throat protection)
Back of Head protection
HEMA Gloves
Forearm and Elbow protection
Cup (required for males and recommended for females)
Knee and shin protection
Fencing Pants recommended
Chest protector recommended
More Beginners Classes
We are adding one more Beginners class and changing the week days they are on. The starting at the Beginning of the month is also being phased out. So Beginners can begin whenever they would like. We will still require a minimum of 8 classes before starting the regular class.