Midlands Muster XXXII – Cutting with a sharp sword
Keith Farell of Liverpool HEMA will present a cutting lesson to help people understand more about how to use a sharp sword to cut a target (much easier than it actually is in practice!)
Date and Time
Sat 19th September 2026 12:00 - 17:00 GMT
About this event
Mobile e-Ticket
Five Hours of Open Sparring!
The day is an open hall for all fencers to partake in open practice against other fencers in the room, get your fights in and compete against your friends. Or, even better, make new friends and then fight them!
Instructor seminars and team games will feature within the day, but if these do not interest you, there will be room to continue sparring in the hall.
Seminar Instructor – Keith Farrell, Liverpool HEMA
“I have been asked to present a cutting lesson to help people understand more about how to use a sharp sword to cut a target. It sounds much easier than it actually is in practice!
You will do some solo drills and paired drills with your own blunt sword, to practise the mechanics that I will be demonstrating against cutting targets. I will identify various common problems that people tend to have, and will demonstrate why these problems often result in failed cuts, and how that also impacts our sparring.
I will also demonstrate how to develop your cutting skills beyond the basics, so that your movements in cutting and sparring begin to look more similar, and so that you can learn to apply more structure and control over the effects of your sword when you are sparring and even competing.
Depending on time, and number of participants, there should be some opportunity to try at least one or two cuts with a sharp sword yourself.
You will need a blunt longsword and a fending mask. If you have your own sharp longsword, you are welcome to bring it.”
Required equipment: You will need a blunt longsword and a fending mask. If you have your own sharp longsword, you are welcome to bring it.
Admin Bits
The day is open to all those who have valid insurance for the practice of Historical Fencing. Please be prepared to present evidence of such if asked by a member of staff. Those who do not have insurance will be required to purchase it through the Order for the day, for a £5 surcharge.
After Party
A fter the day of sparring, we will be heading up the road to a pub called the Boat Inn, address below. There we will swap exploits of the day and grab some food and drinks before the drive home!
Boat Inn, 31 Shilton Ln, Coventry CV2 2AB
Buy Tickets
Tickets
Sparring Pass
£30.00
Availability: 43 in stock
Location
Agenda
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12:00 - 12:20Introductions and BriefingsArrivals and kit-drops. Gather in at the Admin Desk for a group briefing, covering all elements safety and expected conduct. First aiders will be pointed out as well as actions on.
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13:30 - 14:15Instructor Seminar - Keith Farrell, Liverpool HEMASeminar Instructor - Keith Farrell, Liverpool HEMA "I have been asked to present a cutting lesson to help people understand more about how to use a sharp sword to cut a target. It sounds much easier than it actually is in practice! You will do some solo drills and paired drills with your own blunt sword, to practise the mechanics that I will be demonstrating against cutting targets. I will identify various common problems that people tend to have, and will demonstrate why these problems often result in failed cuts, and how that also impacts our sparring. I will also demonstrate how to develop your cutting skills beyond the basics, so that your movements in cutting and sparring begin to look more similar, and so that you can learn to apply more structure and control over the effects of your sword when you are sparring and even competing. Depending on time, and number of participants, there should be some opportunity to try at least one or two cuts with a sharp sword yourself. You will need a blunt longsword and a fending mask. If you have your own sharp longsword, you are welcome to bring it." Required equipment: You will need a blunt longsword and a fending mask. If you have your own sharp longsword, you are welcome to bring it.
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14:20Group PhotoGather up for the big group photo and a chance to snag extra photos with your clubmates!
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16:15 - 17:00Combat GamesA hour of combat scenarios and games to test your skills in larger melees. Large scale scraps, scenario games and challenges to enjoy.
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17:00After Party SocialOnce you have cleaned down, we will be heading to the local pub, the Boat Inn, for a drink and meal and swap exploits of the day!