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Forteza is pleased to host an immersive weekend into La Verdadera Destreza, with an overview of the Esgrima Comun (Common Fencing) that preceded and existed parallel to it with four respected instructors: Maestro Puck Curtis, Tim Rivera, Jim Lai and Provost Kaden Wang.SCHEDULE
FRI 5/23
6:30 - 8:30 UNDERSTANDING DESTREZA COMUN (Tim Rivera)
The "Common Fencing" of soldier and duelist in Renaissance Spain, Destreza Comun or Esgrima Comun was an easily learned versatile system taught through "rules" and "plays" much like the contemporary systems of Italy, and like those traditions, taught the use of the sword, alone or with a wide variety of secondary arms, the two-handed sword, and polearms (including the mangual, a two-handed flail with three balls connected to the haft by chains!). In this short course, Tim Rivera will teach a course on Godinho's system of fencing (Destreza Comun) beginning with the basics and ending with Godinho’s rules on the use of two swords and the montante.
8:30 - 10:00 Free-Fencing/Sparring
SAT 5/24
10:00 - 5:00 PACHECO's THREE CONSIDERATIONS: PROPRIO, APROPRIADO and TRANSFERIDO (Puck Curtis)
These terms define a sophisticated system of martial opportunity which functions like a toolkit for understanding tempo, opportunity, and streamlining responses. None of them require reading the opponent's mind or pretending that you did after the fact when you tell the story to your friends. How do we use these tools practically and include them in our teaching? Why is it important to include this understanding of opportunity and timing? We will explore Spanish Timing theory and Pacheco’s treatment of opportunity. How does this compare to the Italian timing system, why is it important for True School fencers to embrace this system, and what can we gain from it.
We will explore Destreza technique together with a focus on facilitating teachers of the tradition. How do we teach the system, how do we help students understand the interlocking parts, and how can we continue to improve our understanding and execution as we empower the next generation of Destreza practitioners?
SUN 5/25
10:00 - Noon USING DESTREZA AGAINST NON DESTREZA FENCERS (Jim Lai)
12:30 - 2:30 FIGUEREYDO's RAPIER & DAGGER (Kaden Wang)
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Puck Curtis began studying historical fencing in 1992 and researching Spanish swordplay in 1994. He is the cofounder of the Destreza Translation and Research Project and the primary author of From the Page to the Practice – Fundamentals of Spanish Swordplay. Currently living in Folsom, California, he has taught historical fencing for over 20 years with a special focus on the Spanish traditions. He tested and received his certification as a Master at Arms before a traditional board of fencing masters with the San Jose Fencing Master’s program in 2008 and has expanded the tradition by examining a number of instructors, provosts, and fencing masters. In addition, he has presented seminars at major HEMA events, fought in numerous public exhibitions, and has served as a guest examiner for schools certifying historical fencing instructors. His current project is uniting the rigorous training and pedagogy of the classical Italian school with the theory and practice of the Spanish True School to preserve the tradition, develop new leadership, and share the art with today’s western martial arts community.
Jim Lai started practicing La Verdadera Destreza as described in From the Page to the Practice in the mid 2000's as a way to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries. Since then he has been recognized as a Master of Defense by the Society for Creative Anachronism and led seminars on the use of LVD techniques in competition. Jim will conduct a workshop on using Destrezs techniques against non-Destreza practitioners.
Tim Rivera has been researching, studying, and translating texts on Spanish swordplay since 2008. In addition, he has practiced and researched various styles of Filipino martial arts since 1995.
Kaden Wang started practicing Destreza in 2015 with Sacramento Sword School and became a Provost at Arms in 2022 under a traditional board examination. He has medaled in open competitions and taught Destreza seminars at Socal Sword Fight and Texas Sword Retreat. Currently he teaches Destreza at Sacramento Historic Fencing Academy. Kaden will be teaching Figuerydo's rapier and dagger system and how other Destreza authors' rapier and dagger techniques fit into his framework.
REQUIRED GEAR
A list of required gear will be forth coming! Please be aware that Forteza will not have any loaner gear available. Students are expected to bring their own gear for the event.
Please reach out to us at [email protected] for any comments, questions, or concerns.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
4437 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60640
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