Another edition of the grandiose Rapier Vienna event is coming up this summer.
Coming soon...
ATTENTION: We do not organise accomodation!
But we can recommend some hotels that are within a short commute from the hall: More About the Workshops The Rapier and Buckler According to Federico Ghisliero (1587) and his contemporaries (Andrei Xuereb) Weapon: Rapier & Buckler Recommended gear: A Rapier and Buckler ( between 25cm - 30cm diameter ), Mask,Gloves, some kind of chest protection for minimal contact. Experience level: Intermediate and above This workshop focuses on understanding how the use of the buckler and rapier is described by some masters of the late 16th century, and will explore the ways in which we hold the buckler and how to best use it in our defense. We will mainly be focusing on concepts from Federico Ghisliero and referring to some other contemporary masters and see how they applied similar principles into their teaching. This workshop will be fun and an interesting addition to understand certain aspects of defense and attack in our fencing. Capo Ferro’s Scannatura: The Art of Blade Manipulation (Željko Glumac) Weapon: Rapier Recommended gear: mask, throat protector, jacket, chest protector (extended advised), gloves, groin protector (for males), knee protectors Scannatura is a unique move of Capo Ferro. In its name, and to my knowledge in its exact form, it appears only in his book Gran Simulacro. Although scannatura translation „the butchering“ speaks of the techniques violent nature, it may hint about additional depths in what otherwise may be considered a pretty straightforward Italian rapier style. Let us explore Capo Ferro’s scannatura and its implications through exercises and Plates, while we merrily butcher our fencing partners! Vita-lity in Capo Ferro (Željko Glumac) Weapon: Rapier Recommended gear: mask, throat protector, jacket, chest protector, forearm protectors (optional), gloves, groin protector (for males) When we think about using the vita, the center of the body, the first association is often scansi (voidances), which move the torso out of harm’s way. While Scanso della Vita and Scanso del Pie Dritto are indeed a major part of using the vita, they are far from the whole story. In this workshop, we will explore how Capo Ferro uses the vita across different fencing situations, from engages and attacks to feints and, of course, already mentioned scansi. Through engaging exercises without swords and practical application with selected Plates, we will examine how torso is used not only for structure and voidances, but also control, protection and deception. Expect a few core-ctions along the way, as we rediscover how much of rapier fencing is truly in the torso. Stringere - the art of engagement (Pavle Ilijasevic) Weapon: Sidesword Experience level: Beginner Recommended gear: Mask, neck and chest protection, forearm protection and gloves, sidesword if possible (though other one handed weapons with a cutting edge can also work) Stringere is one of the fundamental approaches to Bolognese fencing, constraining the opponent to force them to attack you as you close measure. Such is its importance that Manciolino refers to it as the only method to safely approach an opponent with a sharp blade. This workshop will give an overview of the stringere - how to safely preform it, what to expect and how to succeed - as the basis of measure and form for the Bolognese school. Gioco Larga - the Wide Play (Pavle Ilijasevic) Weapon: Sidesword Experience level: Intermediate Recommended gear: Adequate gear for sparing of light to medium intensity, sidesword if possible (though other one handed weapons with a cutting edge can also work) "The beauty and galantry of the Wide Play is a great delight in the eyes of others, allowing us to make galant cut with the arms completely extended, and follow them with graceful turns of the body and quick steps, and with beautiful turns of the hand, quickly throwing molinetti, tramazzoni and false edge cuts, so that for those who watch such artful actions this will seem a thing most wonderfully done..." Such is the way the Anonimo describes the use of the Gioco Larga, or wide play, which can be used to describe many things in the Art: from the guards one employs, to the openness of the cuts and strikes, and even for the distance one finds themselves at in when preforming such actions. But can such wondrous displays find their use in our modern sport, where more often than not, a close distance and speed determine the outcome of a bout? This workshop will explore the methods to use these galant displays and steps effectively, not only in the practice of the Art, but also how to employ them with success in higher intensity exchanges such as sparings and tournaments. Two Swords Are Better Than One - Bolognese Fighting with a Sword in each Hand (Florian Fortner & Stefan Feichtinger) Weapon: Two Sideswords Experience level: Intermediate Recommended gear: two swords (rapier + sidesword is fine), mask, jacket, gloves, chest protector The pinnacle of weapon combinations in the Bolognese canon, a sword in each hand, either gives you a god-like feeling or complete and utter confusion. We want to lead you to the former. Stefan and Florian will take you step-by-step from the single sword to the basic movement options of two-swords without frying your brain. Fight Conditioning and injury prevention. Crossing the bridge between old and new. (Franco Davies & Anna Wiederänders) Recommended gear: sword, mask, gloves, resistance bands (loops or long) Tapping into his 20 year long experience as 'club mechanic' with the Malta Historical Fencing Association, Franco will be presenting some data from his ongoing research with MHFA academy members on human kinematics with the rapier (impact forces & bodypart forces). Joining forces with Anna, this data will be compared with HEMA injuries they've seen and with related fitness and screening tests they've done in Malta and Austria. On this theme, Franco will show some exercises left to us by the masters from as far back as Galen, to Monte, to Di Grassi along with his personal insights on injury prevention and conditioning for the art. While Anna will be backing this up with her current work on their 'modern' versions for HEMA. More About the Lectures From Galen to di Grassi to today (Franco Davies) Physical training evidence from pre and early modern historical sources such as Galen, Monte, and Di Grassi, and how they translate to today's modern practices. Franco shares his insights through his research of past exercise regimes which would have gone in parallel with the martial practices we study today. Franco delves into this subject through THREE lenses, the physiotherapist, historian and the practitioner to (try) and get as wide a spectrum as possible. Hopefully you will end up as confused as him! 'Ritorniamo all'antico, ma con più acuti pensieri scientifici e le più belle energie moderne.' Agesilao Greco, 1907 (Let us go back to the old, but with sharper scientific thoughts and the most beautiful modern energy.) More About the Instructors Andrei Xuereb↑ Andrei Xuereb is the person responsible for the introduction of Historical Fencing as a martial art in the Maltese islands, having founded the Mithras Swordfight Club in 2005 and the Malta Historical Fencing Association in 2009. From a sport fencing background since 1997, Andrei later totally devoted himself to the research and practice of Historical Fencing and European Martial Arts. Since 2006 he has been a student of the methods taught by his teacher Andrea Lupo Sinclair, founder and technical director of FISAS. After years of regular attendance in events and instructor academies organized by FISAS, in 2014 Andrei earned the title of Master of Arms after passing public examinations under the FISAS system. He is the first non-Italian student to be qualified in the FISAS system and also the first instructor in Malta to be qualified in Historical Fencing. He teaches classes in Longsword, Sidesword, Rapier, Sabre and Polearms as well as weapon combinations with dagger, cape, buckler & rotella. Željko Glumac↑ Željko Glumac is a rapier specialist based in Belgrade, Serbia, who began his fencing journey in 2001. with historical fencing. His early years were shaped by training and teaching in both historical and sport fencing environments, where he gained solid pedagogical experience as an assistant instructor and later as an instructor. In 2014, he co-founded Terca – School of Historical European Swordplay, where he served as president and remains the main rapier instructor. While his research includes various Italian sources and traditions mostly for single-handed weapons, rapier always remains the primary focus of his work. His curriculum is rooted in Ridolfo Capo Ferro’s Gran Simulacro, enriched with material from Giganti, Fabris and broader Italian traditions, with a strong focus on applicability in modern fencing contexts. Željko is an active competitor, international judge and event organiser dedicated to long-term development of the art. His tournament finishes include 13 medals, among most notable being podium finishes at events such as IRS (International Rapier Seminar), Intermezzo and Swordplay. He has judging experience at MHS (Hungary) and Sofia CrossSwords (Bulgaria), regularly teaches workshops at international events, including Ars Ensis camp, Sofia HEMA Gathering and IRS, and has organised major international events such as Swordplay and Sword & Balkan. Pavle Ilijasevic↑ A long time lover of fantasy and medieval stories, Pavle began his journey in HEMA in 2014, and has passionately studied the art of the Italian single sword since. Focusing primarily on the Sidesword, but also dipping into the Rapier and Smallsword, he eventually made his way to become the head Sidesword instructor at Terca - the School of European Swordplay from Belgrade, Serbia. His teaching (and by extension, fencing) is based on the Bolognese tradition, with a particular focus on the work of the "Anonimo Bolognese", as the maestro with most comprehensive and extensive plays for the sword alone. However, Pavle is more than willing to discuss any system, style and weapon combination to great lengths - for he has approximate knowledge of many things. But he still prefers the blade one handed and unaccompanied - after all, you might leave your home without a dagger or buckler, but you would never leave your sword behind! Franco Davies↑ Franco has been around for quite a while. Practicing Traditional Ju Jitsu since 1994, he was always intrigued by the human mechanics of martial arts especially after becoming a physiotherapist in 2001. He stumbled into HEMA (before it was HEMA), through Andrei Xuereb in 2006, becoming a founding member and secretary of the Malta Historical Fencing Association (MHFA), practicing all the weapons of the system. The historical pursuit made him dig deeper which resulted in an MA in Hospitaller Studies, researching the martial aspects of the Knights of Malta, publishing numerous papers and his book on Hospitaller Swords. An established teacher in both physiotherapy and history, he is now a trainee instructor in the MHFA Instructor Academy bringing him ever closer to combine his three passions; the scientific, the historic and the martial. Anna Wiederänders ↑ I am a physiotherapist and ostepath specialising on martial artists, not only from HEMA, but also from kickboxing, MMA, wrestling and ground-fighting. Why? Because I have a long track record in the latter field as a competitor, trainer, & coach. So I have knowledge of what is important and where to unlock potential for more resilience. Florian Fortner ↑ Florian trainiert seit 2011 Rapier nach Salvator Fabris, aber auch italienisches Seitschwert und Langschwert. Er ist unser kompetitives Aushängeschild mit Top-Platzierungen bei Turnieren im In- und Ausland. Er kämpft immer mit selbstgmachten Schwerten, die meist zu schön sind um zerstört zu werden. Stefan Feichtinger ↑ Stefan hat 2011 mit Hofdegen begonnen, ist dann aber beim Rapier hängen geblieben. Die Eleganz und Effizienz der italienischen Fechtschule begeistern und inspirieren ihn. Neben seinem Trainerdasein ist er ein starkes Bindeglied zu unseren befreundeten Vereinen im In- und Ausland. Julian Schrattenecker ↑ Julian trainiert mit dem Schwerpuntk auf Rapier, mit und ohne Beiwaffen, nach Salvator Fabris seit 2011. Später wurde das Training mit italienischen Seitschwert und Zweihandschwert ergänzt. Julian liebt es in Fechtbüchern zu schmökern um sein Wissen zu vertiefen und transkripiert immer wieder Manuskripte um diese für die Allgemeinheit leichter leserlich zu machen. Karl Rapp ↑ Karl trainiert seit 2008 Rapier, Säbel und Schwert & Buckler (I.33), wobei sein Fokus seit 2012 klar beim Rapier liegt. Er ist routiniert und verliert nie die Fassung. Ausserdem mag er Beiwaffen wie Dolch, Mantel, oder auch mal ein nasses Handtuch. Karls größte Freude ist es wenn seine Studenten einen "Aha!" Moment erleben, was ihm aber auch selbst immer noch passiert. Our Sponsors Cancellation Terms ↑ We have introduced our cancellation terms, so we can offer you the best possible experience and we can plan better financially in advance. It is as follows: Up to 40 days before event start you can cancel by mail and get a full refund. Up to 14 days before event start you can cancel, but only get a 50% refund If you cancel closer than that, we can offer you no refund anymore. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our Orga Team: kontakt@rapiervienna.at Back to Registration!
Weapon: Rapier & Buckler
Recommended gear: A Rapier and Buckler ( between 25cm - 30cm diameter ), Mask,Gloves, some kind of chest protection for minimal contact.
Experience level: Intermediate and above
This workshop focuses on understanding how the use of the buckler and rapier is described by some masters of the late 16th century, and will explore the ways in which we hold the buckler and how to best use it in our defense. We will mainly be focusing on concepts from Federico Ghisliero and referring to some other contemporary masters and see how they applied similar principles into their teaching. This workshop will be fun and an interesting addition to understand certain aspects of defense and attack in our fencing.
Weapon: Rapier
Recommended gear: mask, throat protector, jacket, chest protector (extended advised), gloves, groin protector (for males), knee protectors
Scannatura is a unique move of Capo Ferro. In its name, and to my knowledge in its exact form, it appears only in his book Gran Simulacro. Although scannatura translation „the butchering“ speaks of the techniques violent nature, it may hint about additional depths in what otherwise may be considered a pretty straightforward Italian rapier style. Let us explore Capo Ferro’s scannatura and its implications through exercises and Plates, while we merrily butcher our fencing partners!
Recommended gear: mask, throat protector, jacket, chest protector, forearm protectors (optional), gloves, groin protector (for males)
When we think about using the vita, the center of the body, the first association is often scansi (voidances), which move the torso out of harm’s way. While Scanso della Vita and Scanso del Pie Dritto are indeed a major part of using the vita, they are far from the whole story. In this workshop, we will explore how Capo Ferro uses the vita across different fencing situations, from engages and attacks to feints and, of course, already mentioned scansi. Through engaging exercises without swords and practical application with selected Plates, we will examine how torso is used not only for structure and voidances, but also control, protection and deception. Expect a few core-ctions along the way, as we rediscover how much of rapier fencing is truly in the torso.
Weapon: Sidesword
Experience level: Beginner
Recommended gear: Mask, neck and chest protection, forearm protection and gloves, sidesword if possible (though other one handed weapons with a cutting edge can also work)
Stringere is one of the fundamental approaches to Bolognese fencing, constraining the opponent to force them to attack you as you close measure. Such is its importance that Manciolino refers to it as the only method to safely approach an opponent with a sharp blade. This workshop will give an overview of the stringere - how to safely preform it, what to expect and how to succeed - as the basis of measure and form for the Bolognese school.
Experience level: Intermediate
Recommended gear: Adequate gear for sparing of light to medium intensity, sidesword if possible (though other one handed weapons with a cutting edge can also work)
"The beauty and galantry of the Wide Play is a great delight in the eyes of others, allowing us to make galant cut with the arms completely extended, and follow them with graceful turns of the body and quick steps, and with beautiful turns of the hand, quickly throwing molinetti, tramazzoni and false edge cuts, so that for those who watch such artful actions this will seem a thing most wonderfully done..." Such is the way the Anonimo describes the use of the Gioco Larga, or wide play, which can be used to describe many things in the Art: from the guards one employs, to the openness of the cuts and strikes, and even for the distance one finds themselves at in when preforming such actions. But can such wondrous displays find their use in our modern sport, where more often than not, a close distance and speed determine the outcome of a bout? This workshop will explore the methods to use these galant displays and steps effectively, not only in the practice of the Art, but also how to employ them with success in higher intensity exchanges such as sparings and tournaments.
Weapon: Two Sideswords
Recommended gear: two swords (rapier + sidesword is fine), mask, jacket, gloves, chest protector
The pinnacle of weapon combinations in the Bolognese canon, a sword in each hand, either gives you a god-like feeling or complete and utter confusion. We want to lead you to the former. Stefan and Florian will take you step-by-step from the single sword to the basic movement options of two-swords without frying your brain.
Recommended gear: sword, mask, gloves, resistance bands (loops or long)
Tapping into his 20 year long experience as 'club mechanic' with the Malta Historical Fencing Association, Franco will be presenting some data from his ongoing research with MHFA academy members on human kinematics with the rapier (impact forces & bodypart forces). Joining forces with Anna, this data will be compared with HEMA injuries they've seen and with related fitness and screening tests they've done in Malta and Austria. On this theme, Franco will show some exercises left to us by the masters from as far back as Galen, to Monte, to Di Grassi along with his personal insights on injury prevention and conditioning for the art. While Anna will be backing this up with her current work on their 'modern' versions for HEMA.
Physical training evidence from pre and early modern historical sources such as Galen, Monte, and Di Grassi, and how they translate to today's modern practices. Franco shares his insights through his research of past exercise regimes which would have gone in parallel with the martial practices we study today. Franco delves into this subject through THREE lenses, the physiotherapist, historian and the practitioner to (try) and get as wide a spectrum as possible. Hopefully you will end up as confused as him! 'Ritorniamo all'antico, ma con più acuti pensieri scientifici e le più belle energie moderne.' Agesilao Greco, 1907 (Let us go back to the old, but with sharper scientific thoughts and the most beautiful modern energy.)
Andrei Xuereb is the person responsible for the introduction of Historical Fencing as a martial art in the Maltese islands, having founded the Mithras Swordfight Club in 2005 and the Malta Historical Fencing Association in 2009. From a sport fencing background since 1997, Andrei later totally devoted himself to the research and practice of Historical Fencing and European Martial Arts. Since 2006 he has been a student of the methods taught by his teacher Andrea Lupo Sinclair, founder and technical director of FISAS. After years of regular attendance in events and instructor academies organized by FISAS, in 2014 Andrei earned the title of Master of Arms after passing public examinations under the FISAS system. He is the first non-Italian student to be qualified in the FISAS system and also the first instructor in Malta to be qualified in Historical Fencing. He teaches classes in Longsword, Sidesword, Rapier, Sabre and Polearms as well as weapon combinations with dagger, cape, buckler & rotella.
Željko Glumac is a rapier specialist based in Belgrade, Serbia, who began his fencing journey in 2001. with historical fencing. His early years were shaped by training and teaching in both historical and sport fencing environments, where he gained solid pedagogical experience as an assistant instructor and later as an instructor. In 2014, he co-founded Terca – School of Historical European Swordplay, where he served as president and remains the main rapier instructor. While his research includes various Italian sources and traditions mostly for single-handed weapons, rapier always remains the primary focus of his work. His curriculum is rooted in Ridolfo Capo Ferro’s Gran Simulacro, enriched with material from Giganti, Fabris and broader Italian traditions, with a strong focus on applicability in modern fencing contexts. Željko is an active competitor, international judge and event organiser dedicated to long-term development of the art. His tournament finishes include 13 medals, among most notable being podium finishes at events such as IRS (International Rapier Seminar), Intermezzo and Swordplay. He has judging experience at MHS (Hungary) and Sofia CrossSwords (Bulgaria), regularly teaches workshops at international events, including Ars Ensis camp, Sofia HEMA Gathering and IRS, and has organised major international events such as Swordplay and Sword & Balkan.
A long time lover of fantasy and medieval stories, Pavle began his journey in HEMA in 2014, and has passionately studied the art of the Italian single sword since. Focusing primarily on the Sidesword, but also dipping into the Rapier and Smallsword, he eventually made his way to become the head Sidesword instructor at Terca - the School of European Swordplay from Belgrade, Serbia. His teaching (and by extension, fencing) is based on the Bolognese tradition, with a particular focus on the work of the "Anonimo Bolognese", as the maestro with most comprehensive and extensive plays for the sword alone. However, Pavle is more than willing to discuss any system, style and weapon combination to great lengths - for he has approximate knowledge of many things. But he still prefers the blade one handed and unaccompanied - after all, you might leave your home without a dagger or buckler, but you would never leave your sword behind!
Franco has been around for quite a while. Practicing Traditional Ju Jitsu since 1994, he was always intrigued by the human mechanics of martial arts especially after becoming a physiotherapist in 2001. He stumbled into HEMA (before it was HEMA), through Andrei Xuereb in 2006, becoming a founding member and secretary of the Malta Historical Fencing Association (MHFA), practicing all the weapons of the system. The historical pursuit made him dig deeper which resulted in an MA in Hospitaller Studies, researching the martial aspects of the Knights of Malta, publishing numerous papers and his book on Hospitaller Swords. An established teacher in both physiotherapy and history, he is now a trainee instructor in the MHFA Instructor Academy bringing him ever closer to combine his three passions; the scientific, the historic and the martial.
I am a physiotherapist and ostepath specialising on martial artists, not only from HEMA, but also from kickboxing, MMA, wrestling and ground-fighting. Why? Because I have a long track record in the latter field as a competitor, trainer, & coach. So I have knowledge of what is important and where to unlock potential for more resilience.
Florian trainiert seit 2011 Rapier nach Salvator Fabris, aber auch italienisches Seitschwert und Langschwert. Er ist unser kompetitives Aushängeschild mit Top-Platzierungen bei Turnieren im In- und Ausland. Er kämpft immer mit selbstgmachten Schwerten, die meist zu schön sind um zerstört zu werden.
Stefan hat 2011 mit Hofdegen begonnen, ist dann aber beim Rapier hängen geblieben. Die Eleganz und Effizienz der italienischen Fechtschule begeistern und inspirieren ihn. Neben seinem Trainerdasein ist er ein starkes Bindeglied zu unseren befreundeten Vereinen im In- und Ausland.
Julian trainiert mit dem Schwerpuntk auf Rapier, mit und ohne Beiwaffen, nach Salvator Fabris seit 2011. Später wurde das Training mit italienischen Seitschwert und Zweihandschwert ergänzt. Julian liebt es in Fechtbüchern zu schmökern um sein Wissen zu vertiefen und transkripiert immer wieder Manuskripte um diese für die Allgemeinheit leichter leserlich zu machen.
Karl trainiert seit 2008 Rapier, Säbel und Schwert & Buckler (I.33), wobei sein Fokus seit 2012 klar beim Rapier liegt. Er ist routiniert und verliert nie die Fassung. Ausserdem mag er Beiwaffen wie Dolch, Mantel, oder auch mal ein nasses Handtuch. Karls größte Freude ist es wenn seine Studenten einen "Aha!" Moment erleben, was ihm aber auch selbst immer noch passiert.
We have introduced our cancellation terms, so we can offer you the best possible experience and we can plan better financially in advance.
It is as follows:
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our Orga Team: kontakt@rapiervienna.at
