Dumnonian Muster I – Warding into Counters – Responding to the opponent in kind
This seminar, delivered by Richard Hughes, Club Founder, will be centred around attacking with the practice of 'warding' according to the Primus Syllabus.
Date and Time
Sun 26th April 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 – Richard Hughes, Club Founder, Order of the Blade
Richard Hughes is the Founder and an Instructor at the Order of the Blade, specializing in battlefield combat and great weapons. He developed the Order’s core “Primus Syllabus” and leads its instructor team. With a focus on skirmish and formation tactics, Richard draws from diverse martial traditions and favors weapons like greatswords and the Naginata. His teaching emphasizes adaptable, personalized approaches to martial training.
This seminar will be centred around attacking with the practice of ‘warding’ according to the Primus Syllabus. This will be used to prepare for a counter by the opponent off the first attack and using the base of the weapon to move into a countering position against the opponents’ provocation, rather than a retreat into defence.
The lesson will be delivered to cover both cuts and thrusts and then work in the act of warding from the end position. The opponent’s counter to this will largely dictate the end result, but this seminar will cover the martial theory underpinning the maintaining of your offensive momentum.
Required equipment: Mask, Gloves, Weapon of Choice
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
After the day of sparring, we will be heading up the road to a pub called the Roundabout Pub, address below. There we will swap exploits of the day and grab some food and drinks before the drive home!
The Roundabout Pub, 2-4 Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AQ
Buy Tickets
Tickets
Sparring Pass
£30.00
Availability: 27 in stock
Location
Agenda
-
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.
-
13:30 - 14:15Instructor Seminar - To be announcedThis seminar will be centred around attacking with the practice of 'warding' according to the Primus Syllabus. This will be used to prepare for a counter by the opponent off the first attack and using the base of the weapon to move into a countering position against the opponents' provocation, rather than a retreat into defence. The lesson will be delivered to cover both cuts and thrusts and then work in the act of warding from the end position. The opponent's counter to this will largely dictate the end result, but this seminar will cover the martial theory underpinning the maintaining of your offensive momentum. Required equipment: Mask, Gloves, Weapon of Choice
-
14:20Group PhotoGather up for the big group photo and a chance to snag extra photos with your clubmates!
-
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.
-
17:00After Party SocialOnce you have cleaned down, we will be heading to the local pub, the Roundabout Pub for a drink and meal and swap exploits of the day!