Curriculum
The Linacre School of Defence teaches historical martial arts according to the writings of various authors of the 16th –19th-centuries. As our name implies, we teach the Art of Defence, after all, anyone without training would be capable of offending (attacking) with a sword. The most difficult, and important part of fencing is to defend oneself from the blows and thrusts of one's adversary, and our training is conducted with this in mind. Self-defence should always be the first concern of a fencer, for if he is killed then he has lost the fight, whether he harms his adversary or not. This attitude is also appropriate to other weapons in addition to the sword. It is worth noting the similarity between the various guards illustrated below; by concentrating our research and training upon those works that utilise similar principles, we teach what we believe can be considered an English system of defence. It is likely that such a system was prevalent throughout Britain rather than restricted to England.
Core syllabus
Smallsword
Students are started on Sir William Hope's New Short and Easy Method of Fencing. They are introduced to the hanging guard in seconde (pictured here) and key concepts such as Time and Distance and the importance of footwork.
The smallsword is solely a civilian weapon, its lightness and lack of bulk making it convenient to carry as a weapon for personal self-defence or for the duel. The carrying of a smallsword was a mark of gentlemanly status in the 18th century, and the modern sport of fencing is derived from the training for this weapon. Being limited to thrusting, a student of the smallsword need only master a small number of defences before becoming proficient. By adhering to Hope's New Method, we can teach a student the importance of the of the True Cross in defence, and in a short time prepare him for what the eighteenth-century gentleman would describe as a serious encounter – a duel with sharps.
Backsword/Broadsword
Building on what they knows of the smallsword, students are introduced to the art of the Backsword, according to the syllabus of the Compay of Maisters – a system based on Silver, Wylde and other C17 & C18 masters.
The basket-hilted backsword or broadsword is a much more complex weapon than the smallsword, being capable of blows on eight different lines, as well as the thrusts of the smallsword. With more elaborate hand protection than the smallsword, it is possible to offer the weapon hand further forward and still remain safe. The high outside ward is pictured here, the hilt protects the hand and forearm from hurt.
The true guardant ward (pictured) is often thought to offer a powerful defence, but it also provides the facility for rapid and versatile offence. Without understanding the true guardant ward, it is not possible to become a master of the backsword.
Pugilism
Alongside the smallsword and backsword we teach the art of pugilism. Punches are delivered with the fist vertical, power is developed by applying the weight of one's body down the extended arm. Daniel Mendoza's lessons in pugilism are an excellent introduction to the art and science of the fist. Mendoza reached the height of his powers is the late 18th century, but was eventually defeated in a novel manner by Jackson. His system provides an simple and effective means of stopping and slipping blows. Background information on Mendoza may be found offsite.
Photographs of techniques based on Mendoza's and related methods are available on the AHFAA site.
