SERVICE DETAILS
Located in Edinburgh's Stockbridge, the Macdonald Academy of Arms is dedicated to the study and practice of most forms of European Martial Arts and Historical Fencing. It follows the traditions of the famous fencing academies that flourished in Edinburgh until the late 1800's and aims to replicate the martial arts prevalent in Western Europe from as early as the 13th Century.
Students of the Macdonald Academy have the opportunity to become proficient in a diverse range of weapons forms, including backsword, longsword, smallsword, rapier (Italian and Spanish), quarterstaff and Italian cane...to name but a few. Under the expert tutelage of Maestro Paul Macdonald and Chef du Salle Stephen Kilbane, training in these arts is exciting and intense, working both body and mind to revive a true living tradition.
Class Structure
The singlestick is the primary training weapon for all one-handed sword methods. This is an ash stick equipped with a strong wicker or hardened leather basket to protect the hand and is the same training weapon used extensively by western swordsmen for centuries. All students begin by using the singlestick and are required to follow tuition in the backsword as a single sword form for at least six months before being individually assessed for Free Fencing.
After passing their Free Fencing assessment, students are allowed to employ steel weapons when appropriate and receive more advanced technical backsword tuition. Free Fencing students are also welcome to request lessons in their preferred choice of weapon or martial form, including longsword, smallsword, rapier (Spanish or Italian), quarterstaff, Italian cane or classical foil, as well as off-hand weapon combinations such as rapier/dagger and broadsword/targe.
Every different weapon is a different tool for a different job, with each speaking it`s own specific martial dialect within the language of the Art. Training in any weapon is intensive, exciting and demanding. Each lesson develops the martial artist`s ability to command time, measure and strategy in any encounter by employing specific techniques to control mind, body and weapon effectively.
Class Schedule
Classes take place on Monday nights from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.
The Academy Method of backsword is also taught at the Academy's sister school, The Cat's Glove.
The first class is always FREE and thereafter fees are payable in advance and in accordance with regularity of attendance. A registration fee of £20 is also payable annually.
New students are accepted on the first Monday lesson of each calendar month.
Occasional Membership
Less than four classes per month: £10 per class (or £5 / hour)
Regular Membership
One class per week or four classes in a month: £35 per month (or £3.50 / hour)
