About this Event
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Love rapier AND smallsword? Well don't we have a weapon for you!Join Boston Academie d'Armes and Boston Armizare as they co-host Maestro Ryan Mank of Red Sun Classical Fencing for a day workshop on the fun and little known Smarra!
The smarra -- a contraction of 'spada di marra' -- the dueling version of which (utilizing a small diamond cross-section blade) is sometimes called a transitional rapier, late Italian rapier or Italian smallsword. This weapon was borne of the lessening of the features of the earlier, heavier rapier while still maintaining similar functionality. Like the foil, this weapon is used for thrusts though tearing cuts with the point are taught. However, this weapon is designed to convey a much more complete martial experience, and as such, the valid target one can strike is the whole body, and in addition, disarms, locks, and grapples, are taught as complimentary techniques.
Actions will primarily revolve around Giuseppe Rosaroll-Scorza and Pietro Grisetti, 'Scienza della Scherma' (an English translation is available thanks to Chris Holzman.
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REGISTER HERE! Spots are limited. https://www.eventbrite.com/.../smarra-workshop-with...
LOCATION. Athena School of Arms. 125 Walnut St. Watertown, MA.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL. Some experience in Italian rapier, classical Italian fencing, or smallsword work.
SCHEDULE
10am-12pm | Transitional Rapier, Part 1
12pm - 1:30 | BYO Lunch!
1:30 - 3:30 | Transitional Rapier, Part 2
GEAR REQUIREMENTS
- Fencing Mask
- Fencing Jacket
- Gorget
- Fencing Gloves (both hands)
- Pants (or skirt)
- Sneakers
- Smarra, Transitional Rapier, or similar*
* Extra sword info: Smarra or Light Dueling Rapier (such as from Castille) are best for this workshop. Italian Smallswords (HF Armory), smallswords, or even Italian Foils also suffice. Loaner swords will be available.If you need any extra safety gear, please get in touch with the event organizers ahead of time!
LUNCH! This is a Bring Your Own Lunch event, however, there are numerous fast food and fast casual options in the area.PARKING. Street parking is free. You'll want to put in 124 Walnut St. however to be brought to the correct street (125 Walnut takes you to a parking lot we can't use).
PUBLIC TRANSIT. Athena is a 5-10 minute walk if you take the 70 or 71 bus.
ABOUT MAESTRO RYAN MANK
Ryan Mank has been fencing since 2000, and teaching fencing since 2006; he has training in classical French and Italian styles. He served as an instructor at Classical Fencing Society St. Louis/Trovare di Spada in St. Louis MO, until July 2012. He then moved to Albuquerque NM, and founded Red Sun Classical Fencing in October 2012.
https://redsunfencing.com/
From boards of Masters at Arms variously consisting of Prof. John Sullins, Eric Myers, Puck Curtis, Frank Lurz, Dr. Greg Hicks, Kevin Murakoshi, David Coblentz, and Dr. Dori Coblentz, he received his certification as Instructor at Arms (July 2011), then as Provost at Arms (July 2013), and finally as Master at Arms (July 2022) through the Sonoma State University Fencing Masters Certificate Program. As such, he is qualified to teach Classical Italian Fencing through that tradition. In August 2024, his Master’s Diploma was recognized by the United States Fencing Coaches Association, granting certification as a Maitre d’Armes in that organization. As a student, he has taken (and takes whenever possible) instruction from the Masters on his board, as well as Maestri Sean Hayes, Ramon Martinez, and Jeannette Acosta-Martinez.
In his capacity as a certified fencing instructor, he as been invited to teach at seminars and workshops across the United States, including the Rapier and Sabre Pedagogy retreat in Atlanta GA, an Italian Sabre Workshop at the Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship in Phoenix AZ, classes at CombatCon in Las Vegas NV, and at the Western Martial Arts Workshop in Racine WI. In July 2024, he returned to the SSU FMCP and served on an Examination Board to certify fencing instructors seeking teaching credentials.
In addition to teaching, he has competed in classical fencing tournaments since 2003 (and continues to compete even as a Master, where allowed), and has won various competitions across the United States, including the Palm Beach Classical Fencing Open (Foil, Dueling Sword, and Dueling Sabre divisions) in Palm Beach FL, the Grand Assault of Arms (Foil, Dueling Sword, and Smallsword divisions, placed in Dueling Sabre division) in New York NY, Fencing on the Frozen Tundra (Foil and Dueling Sword divisions) in Milwaukee WI, and the Redwood Coast Assault of Arms (Foil, Dueling Sword, and Dueling Sabre divisions, placed in Historical divisions) in Arcata CA.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Athena School of Arms, 125 Walnut Street, Watertown, United States
USD 75.00
