Free Derry sword fighting class welcoming people to try 'something new'

Throughout history, sword fighting had a major impact upon one’s social status, particularly during the medieval period of Europe.

The sword has never been the most deadly weapon to use on the field of battle or the best weapon for defence, but it was the most versatile weapon during this period.

While combat has moved on with the creation and evolution of the gun, there is a club in Derry that is looking to teach the art of sword fighting.

The group learns from Henry Charles Angelo’s "Infantry Sword Exercise," which was used by the Royal Navy to form the base of their cutlass drills and is a really simple start into the world of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA).

As individuals progress in the class through saber to renaissance rapier, moving past the beginning eight attacks and defences of sword fighting, they progress onto Vincentio Saviolo’s 1595 "His Practice".

Leading the teaching of the group is David Bulling, who is an extremely experienced sword fighter, having been part of the 1595 Club for 17 years, seven of which were as an instructor in Letterkenny, with a further two years in Derry.

He said: “We started in Derry because basically one of the lads, Sean, was looking to get back into it as he got into it when he lived in London, and when he came home it was one of the things he missed, so he cast around looking for instructors, and so he approached me and asked us if we would come in and help make sure it was safe, so we transferred all our training into here and went at it together.

“At this moment we have seen a steady influx of new people; I don’t think we have gone a month without someone new coming through the door.”

The club is encouraging people to come along and try something different and something new, with the added draw that the club is free. 

There are a range of people, with those over the age of 16 being welcomed right the way up to those who may feel that their bodies are from 1595.

David said: “Recreational violence is the best type of violence, but I would encourage people to try something new, as it is slightly unusual.

“There is a lot of understanding, and there is no judgment on their ability, age, or anything like that, as we have older people and younger people.

“Any martial art is slow going; there is always a lot of initial interest, as it is considered interesting and different, but then when people realise there is work required for it, like any martial art, as you have to build muscle memory, you have to drill things, you have to learn things, and it is not just waving a sword about, there may be a falloff, but the people that remain are the people that are willing to learn.

“So if you want a chilled, relaxed introduction to something that could be fun, then I would say come and see us.”

Pól Ó Mianáin joined the group when it started just after Covid and has seen the group grow month upon month.

He said: “It is great to have regulars, as we know we have a group that comes consistently, and we know each other’s skill levels, what we are good at, and what we need improvements in, so it is great to train against these partners, but then having new people is great for beginners to try something new and for us too, as it is that old belief that unless you can explain something to a five-year-old, you don’t truly understand it; we can see our understanding of the fundamentals of the sword fighting and build confidence from here in our ability and knowledge.”

The club takes place on a Tuesday night at Twisters Gym in Derry from 8 pm until 10 pm, with everyone welcome at no cost to take part.