What happens in a training session?

If you've been reading about us and you're interested in trying historic swordsmanship, you may be asking yourself, "I wonder what can I look forward to at a training session?"

The Structure of a Session

A typical training session at Vier Leger is comprised of:

• A warm up, focused on joint mobility in preparation for wielding a sword;
• Unpartnered drills - including stepping, guards, cuts and transitions;
• Partnered drills with the sword; and,
• Strength and conditioning exercises.

Each session will range from 1 to 2 hours in duration.

What will I be doing in my first few sessions?

As a beginner, the first thing you will practice is how to stand, hold and move with the sword.

Then you will work on the four principle guards and the basic cuts and thrusts.

These practical elements will be interspersed with sword terminology and an introduction to the Liechtenauer tradition. You will also receive an overview of how we approach further training and what you have to look forward to in the future.

This will fill up your first couple of sessions and should be enough to help you decide if this is the martial art for you.

Where to from there?

Your initial training is about familiarising yourself with the sword and getting acquainted with how to properly hold and move with it.

Once you are comfortable with the sword and can demonstrate a reasonable understanding of basic movements, you will begin practicing partnered drills, which will facilitate your entry into our general curriculum.

What's with the Strength & Conditioning?

We at Vier Leger believe that fitness is an essential part of practicing any martial art. While our overall approach is in developing general fitness for our participants, our strength and conditioning training for swordplay gives particular attention to the core, rotator-cuff, and the grip.

The ARMA have posted an excellent article titled The Role of Fitness in Historical Fencing which is well worth the read. We share their views on the importance of physical fitness.

Our current approach to strength and conditioning will be covered in an upcoming post.

Do I need a sword?

We will make training weapons available for use by beginners. You will only be required to purchase your own sword if you decide to continue training with us.

All training is delivered at a level appropriate to your skill and needs, and always with a safety first approach.

How do I start?

Please contact us for information on attending your first session.