Course Description

Bold, flashy and furious, through form and function. These are the stylistic expressions that are invoked in the art of the Bolognese system, which took its cues from the Italian renaissance of that time (between circa 15th to late-16th century). The sidesword was a versatile weapon, which offered a balance between power and maneuverability, making it useful in battle, but even more so in urban and civilian settings. The Bolognese system, for which the sidesword was employed, quite nicely transitions the curriculum of the earlier medieval longsword through to the later renaissance rapier, rounding out the corpus of Italian systems that are taught at Signum Corvus. This course will provide you with a comprehensive approach to both offensive and defensive techniques, based on teachings from recognized Bolognese sources such as Anonimo Bolognese, Antonio Manciolino, Achille Marozzo and Giovanni dall’Agocchie. In this course you will learn sidesword guards, footwork, thrusting and cutting attacks, principles of defense and defensive techniques, solo forms (assalti) and fundamental tactical aspects of combat. Please check out our Tradition page for more information about the sidesword and its history. This course is suitable for both beginners and advanced fencers. Please let us know if you don't have your own equipment, we will get you started. Please bring: - Comfortable sport attire, long sport pants (no jeans) - Comfortable sport indoor shoes with non-marking soles - Water bottle The classes take place at the premises of The Holy Name of Mary College School, 2241 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, L5K2H8. Other terms and conditions: - All the participants in programs at Signum Corvus are required to sign a liability waiver at the first class. - Participants must be of minimum age of 16 years at the beginning of the course. For participants younger than 18 years, the liability waiver must be signed by the participant's legal guardian. - Dates of classes are potentially subject to change if our gym rentals are canceled. In such cases we offer make-up class on the next available date. The early-bird price will be valid until December 29, after that date the price will go up to $160.