It was my great pleasure to attend the third of the annual Spanish
rapier seminars in Ashland this past April 5th and 6th. Once again
Maestro Ramon Martinez taught an intensive two day workshop on the
techniques of the Spanish Masters and the unique system of rapier combat
they created. As with any class or seminar with Maestro Martinez, this
workshop went beyond a simple "how to" workshop; in addition to expertly
demonstrating and imparting the mechanics of the movements and positions
particular to the style, he gave key insights into principles common to
all forms of fencing, and also discussed the historical and
philosophical context that led to the development of Spanish fencing,
and influenced the way it was taught and practiced.
The first day was mainly devoted to the basic theories of movements
and techniques which serve as the building blocks for more advanced
work. Although the participants came into the workshop with a range of
experience levels, from a few people who had never fenced to a few who
have been rapier fencing for years, everyone was able to perform the
basic techniques with a little hard work and a few adjustments. Even
having attended the two previous Spanish rapier seminars in Ashland, as
well as having taken classes from Maestro Martinez at other symposiums
and at his academy, I still found that there were refinements of the
basic techniques which I had not noticed or understood until this
seminar; Maestro Martinez is one of the few teachers who can teach the
same material several times, but with a slightly different emphasis in
such a way that I still am able to learn something new about familar
techniques and concepts.
Once we had tried a variety of attacks and counters with the single
rapier, we were shown ways of applying similar techniques using the
rapier and dagger. At the end of the first day Maestro Martinez gave a
very informative discussion of the principles and concepts that are
common to all fencing, and essential for a better understanding of the
art of defense in any form. He also mentioned some of the philosophical
aspects of both Spanish rapier fencing particularly and fencing in
general.
The second day was primarily focused on strategic applications of
the mechanics and principles we had drilled the first day. After a
brief overview of the differences between Italian and Spanish rapier
methods, the Maestro gave us a few examples of ways in which the
techniques and principles we had learned could be applied against an
Italian style rapier fencer, then he had us try to work out a few ways
of countering their attacks on our own. We ended the day by trying out
our new skills by fencing against other participants. First we fenced
each other using Spanish methods, with single rapier and then with
rapier and dagger, and after that we fenced against another person while
one fencer used Spanish techniques and the other used an Italian stance
and attacks. The Maestro gave us advice and feedback during and after
our bouts, and I think that everyone learned something from the exercise.
Throughout the seminar and during the breaks Maestro Martinez also
mentioned and demonstrated techniques from several other styles of
fencing, such as Classical foil and sabre techniques which shared
principles with some of the rapier techniques; these proved helpful in
grasping some of the more difficult material. He also shared fencing
anecdotes from his own experiences and accounts from previous centuries,
and was very warm, generous and down to earth in all of his interactions.
The seminar was enhanced by the attendance of Maestro Sean Hayes of
Eugene, who was unfortunately only able to attend the first day of the
seminar. During the time he was able to work with us, Maestro Hayes'
teaching skills and thorough understanding of the principles of fencing
in general served to help everyone learn a little more, and I think
everyone was grateful that he attended as much of the seminar as his
schedule permitted.
Once again, this seminar was worth much more than the price of
attendance, and I learned several things about fencing that are
applicable to other areas outside of Spanish rapier. All of the
participants were eager and enthusiastic, and the instruction was the
very model of how a professional teacher should conduct a class.
The only thing that saddens me about this seminar is that it may be
the last of the Ashland Destreza seminars for some time; I for one am
hoping Jeff changes his mind about that. But in any case, I am very
grateful to Jeff Richardson for having arranged these seminars and made
it possible for all of us to learn from one of the world's finest
teachers. Thanks Jeff!

Last, I hope that this seminar whetted everyone's appetites for the
Rapier camp this July; I look forward to seeing some familiar faces
there...

Antone Blair