Our Oxford students held their regular outdoor sparring event again today, where students gathered to practise skills they have learnt in class, get in some much needed practise, and have some fun along the way.
Today saw our Oxford students’ regular sparring session, whereby students gather to practise new skills they have acquired and fine tune those they already know. There was a good mix of weapon.
When we first learn a new technique we will often drill it at a slower (or “flow”) pace. This is about learning and perfecting the technique. Tonight, however, our Oxford students took some of their drills to the next level by upping them to full (or “sparring”). It’s always interesting to see how drills can become sloppy when done faster, hence the importance of the flow drills.
The recent freeze hasn’t put off our Oxford students who were back out again today to do some open air sparring, practising and refining the skills they’ve learnt in class.
It was a special night in Reading last night, as the school saw not one, but four students rise to the rank of Laureando.
Laureando is the second exam students at the School can take after the initial safety test (to make sure they are safe to spar). This is typically after 200 hours of study and some experience of teaching others.
Daniel and Phil from our Reading chapter were joined by Kristian and Luis from Oxford and untook a number of bouts with a variety of weapons ending in an exchange against a weapon he hadn’t encountered before.
Congrats to all involved. It’s taken a lot of hard work.
Members of our Oxford chapter met up today for some outdoor sparring. It might be the coldest time of the year but that didn’t stop our students working up a sweat as they got some extra practise and sparring in.
It’s not all swords, bucklers and daggers! Members from our Oxford chapter took time to socialise and enjoy a festive meal this evening.
The School of the Sword instructor, Emilia Skirmuntt, will be heading to the Netehrlands this February to teach at Winterkamp 2023
Zwaardkring’s annual international HEMA event will take place on february 10th-12th 2023!
Workshops in different disciplines given by big names but also gives a stage to newcomers in HEMA. Enjoy all kinds of workshops, lectures, free sparring, socializing, eating and sleeping all on one site.
Congratulations to our students who passed their safety test at our Oxford Chapter tonight and rise to the rank of Studente!
We celebrated our 20th anniversary with HEMA clubs from all over the south of England this weekend. It was a wonderful day with lots of smiles, fights, and catching up with friends. Many thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us, we look forward to fencing you again soon!
📸 Richard Sullivan & Charlotte Barlow
