When I hear people talk of Sir William Hope, it is often in conjunction with his fencing treatise, A New Short and Easy Method of Fencing, which is a rather curious treatise on the use of the small-sword. What of Hope’s earlier works? What rules and advice does he set down for the would-be fencer in The Scot’s Fencing-Master, The Complete Fencing-Master and The Swordman’s Vade Mecum? This class is a brief exploration of what Hope records as essential aspects in the art of defense prior to his final work. We will cover in detail his two primary guard positions, the French guard, lunging, binding, disengaging, reposting and parrying. 

 

Equipment: 

Small-sword or foil

Fencing Mask

Fencing Jacket

Gloves

Gorget