Rapier Close Play in the 17th Century: Context, Creativity, and Control
Rapier close play in the 17th century is far more than a clash of blades—it’s a rich blend of traditional cut & thrust techniques, levers, locks, disarms, immobilizations, throws, takedowns, strikes, and even pommel use. This workshop explores not only the dynamic physical tools of close play, but also the cultural and historical conditions that influenced its development—particularly within the unique context of the State of the Church.
Join Silvia Tomasetti for an immersive workshop that brings history to life through movement, theory, and application. This is an opportunity to discover how creativity, necessity, and historical context collide in the fencing systems of early modern Italy.
Required Equipment: Light rapier gear
Head Instructor: Silvia Tomasetti
Location: Newman’s Castle
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: TBD (Classes will begin at 1:00 PM)
Duration: 90 minutes
**Please note: this ticket is for a seat in this workshop only. Participants are still required to purchase admission to the tournament. A fencing/student pass can be found here.
Rapier close play in the 17th century is far more than a clash of blades—it’s a rich blend of traditional cut & thrust techniques, levers, locks, disarms, immobilizations, throws, takedowns, strikes, and even pommel use. This workshop explores not only the dynamic physical tools of close play, but also the cultural and historical conditions that influenced its development—particularly within the unique context of the State of the Church.
Join Silvia Tomasetti for an immersive workshop that brings history to life through movement, theory, and application. This is an opportunity to discover how creativity, necessity, and historical context collide in the fencing systems of early modern Italy.
Required Equipment: Light rapier gear
Head Instructor: Silvia Tomasetti
Location: Newman’s Castle
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: TBD (Classes will begin at 1:00 PM)
Duration: 90 minutes
**Please note: this ticket is for a seat in this workshop only. Participants are still required to purchase admission to the tournament. A fencing/student pass can be found here.
Rapier close play in the 17th century is far more than a clash of blades—it’s a rich blend of traditional cut & thrust techniques, levers, locks, disarms, immobilizations, throws, takedowns, strikes, and even pommel use. This workshop explores not only the dynamic physical tools of close play, but also the cultural and historical conditions that influenced its development—particularly within the unique context of the State of the Church.
Join Silvia Tomasetti for an immersive workshop that brings history to life through movement, theory, and application. This is an opportunity to discover how creativity, necessity, and historical context collide in the fencing systems of early modern Italy.
Required Equipment: Light rapier gear
Head Instructor: Silvia Tomasetti
Location: Newman’s Castle
Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: TBD (Classes will begin at 1:00 PM)
Duration: 90 minutes
**Please note: this ticket is for a seat in this workshop only. Participants are still required to purchase admission to the tournament. A fencing/student pass can be found here.
