La Verdadera Destreza the true art and science of Spanish rapier fence has often been erroneously thought to be ineffective against the common ruffian or accomplished desperado. This workshop will delve into the not so pretty side of the Spanish school in other words, methods employed in less than ideal situations.

The ambush, sudden attack and/or brawl including the immediate surroundings in which the swordsman may find himself will be the main focus of this workshop.

Fighting in close quarters, alley ways, open plazas, doorways, narrow archways and darkness against determined single and multiple adversaries require a specific type of awareness as well as tactical and strategic decision making that is more akin to the battlefield than to the dueling field.  With this in mind we will apply methods that include the single rapier and its auxiliary weapons such as the dagger and cape.

Equipment requirements:

Participants must come prepared with jackets, masks, groin protectors for men, breast protection for women, gloves for both hands, rapiers, daggers and capes/cloaks.