[Jared Kirby]

Weekend of the Dusack

When: June 4 and 5, 2005 -10:00AM-5:00PM
Where: Davenriche European Martial Artes School
650 Nuttman Street Ste.108, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Who: Jared Kirby and the German Dusack
Fee: $50.00 for the weekend if paid before May 15,
$60.00 if paid before May 25, and
$70.00 at the door

HISTORY: Originating in Germany, the dusack was created in the 16th century as a training weapon for single edged swords, primarily the messer. It is a short one handed weapon, designed principally for cutting. The dusack was incorporated into the curriculum of 16th century German fencing and spread even further in the 17th century, becoming a primary choice for many Germans in tournaments and for sport.

WORKSHOP: This seminar will begin by covering the history of the dusack, looking at the transition of training from messer to dusack as well as examining the changes in the design of the dusack. Next, we will go into a detailed look at the masters that incorporated the dusack in their treatises. We will then learn the stance and how to hold the weapon, followed by a comprehension of the body mechanics for the movement and footwork of the dusack. We will start working on offensive actions by studying the cuts in great detail before incorporating them into the theory of dusack fencing by applying it in practical exercises.

Once there is a basic understanding of the strategy and theory, we will study the guards and how use them in practical exercises to create an opening. Finally we will learn disarms and grapples. The seminar will culminate in the students getting an opportunity to use what they have learned in supervised bouts.

The equipment need for the seminar will be a fencing jacket (or equivalent protection), a fencing mask or helmet with face protection, heavy gloves (welding gloves work well), forearm protection as well as elbow protection, and groin/chest protection (male/female respectively). Some weapons will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. There are several stores online that they are available from such as http://www.newstirlingarms.com and http://www.historicalfencing.org/Macdonaldarmory/forsale.htm