17-18-19 april 2026.
Brugge, Belgium.
Registration is open:
Three days of fencing 
, fun 
, food 
, and friends 
(and foolery 
?)!
Fencing workshops and lectures, some local (liquid 
) cultural activities, and a lot of fencing with friends!
Rapier, messer, longsword, sabre, smallsword, side-sword, Destreza, Thibault, …
facebook eventlink: https://fb.me/e/32aQyttDP
There will always be one hall for free fencing.
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Guido Gezelleplein, 8000 Bruges, Belgium
Instructors:
Dr Rob Runacres (Rapier & dagger) 🇬🇧
Vera Martocchia (Sidesword) 🇬🇧
Martin Enzi (Messer) 🇦🇹
David Pascal (Smallsword) 🇪🇸
Thibault Ghesquière (French Rapier) 🇫🇷
Marco Danelli (Italian Rapier) 🇮🇹
Edu Valera (Sword & buckler/ Italian longsword) 🇪🇸
Predrag Agatonović (French Smallsword) 🇷🇸
Thomas Van Hoof (Sabre vs bayonet) 🇧🇪
Yannick De Smet (Longsword) 🇧🇪
Blanca Baranda (Destreza Rapier) 🇪🇸
Mauricio Real (Italian longsword) 🇲🇽
Aitor Blanco (Verdadera destreza Rapier) 🇪🇸
Chris Lee Becker (Lecture: “La Verdadera Destreza – Books & Swords”) 🇩🇪
𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬:
Feather small swords will be displaying and selling some smallswords again and donating this beauty for a tombola!
Preorder your swords with Feather:
https://www.feathersmallswords.com
Coffee shop at the event with a professional barista and locally burned quality coffee!
Saturday evening: Dinner at location with following crossbow initiation. 19:00 h dinner and 20:30 h crossbow schooting.
Met dank aan onze sponsor die ons voorziet van water: https://www.quooker.be/
𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
Hostel Lybeer Bruges (https://www.hostellybeer.com/)
D28 (https://www.d28.be/)
Hotel Groeninghe (https://www.hotelgroeninghe.be/en/)
Hotel ’t Putje (https://www.thehotelputje.com/)
Hotel en Gran Kaffee de Passage (https://www.passagebruges.com/en/)
Blabla Hotel (https://hotelblabla.com/)
Snuffel Hostel Brugge (https://snuffel.be/en/)
All these hotels are very close to the location of the event and the city centre of Bruges. The ones on the end are bit further but better price. Do not wait, prices go up every day 
!
Registration for Bruges Fencing Gathering by Académie de l’espée – Academia da Espada Belgium, April 17th-19th 2026.
Please note that your registration will only be permanent after payment. You have to transfer the correct amount (calculating the correct amount will be explained below) to the following bank account:
Name of recipient: Academie de l’espee
Address: Vuldersstraat 69A, 8000 Brugge
Bank account number: BE34 6512 0998 4390
BIC: KEYTBEBB
Message/communication field: Your full name, BFG26.
Calculating your grand total:
The price for participating in all seminar sessions during all 3 days is €169, this amount includes lunch for all 3 days. When you register for 2 days please pay €160 instead of 2 single days. If you do not want to or cannot join the whole event, these are the prices per day:
– Friday: €85 (lunch included)
– Saturday: €85 (lunch included)
– Sunday: €85 (lunch included)
In addition to the seminar classes, we have also organized a dinner on Saturday evening and a cultural outing on Friday afternoon (guided boat tour and visit at a local brewery). The prices for these (completely optional) extracurricular activities are:
– Dinner on Saturday evening: €30 (only 50 places available)
– Crossbow initiation on Saturday evening before the dinner: €15
-On Friday evening we are going to the rib restaurant from last time please register your attendance, but you can pay at the moment, we just need to reserve enough places.
There is also the possibility to buy a t-shirt and mug of the event (this is also completely optional): €22
Consequently, if you want to join all seminar classes (€169) and participate in all extracurricular activities (€30+ €15) this would result in a grand total of €214. If you want to add a mug and t-shirt, you need to add €22, resulting in a total amount of €236. You are free to pick and make any combination of activities that you prefer.
Instructors:
Workshops:
Working the Angle: varying the lines of attack in sword and dagger.
Sword and cape.
Biography:
Rob is a historian specialising in fencing masters and martial instruction in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries as well as related topics in family history and court studies. He also works on translating fencing treatises from this period and has published extensively in this area. Rob is also the lead instructor of the Renaissance Sword Club, researching and teaching early modern sword and associated weapon forms.
Workshop:
Provocations and Tempi: Tactical Insight into Mastering Offence with Sidesword
In this workshop we’ll explore provocations and their use in strategic attacks within the Italian Sidesword tradition, drawing on Dall’Agocchie and other Bolognese masters. You’ll learn to identify and create the right moments to strike, using tempo and provocation as deliberate tactical tools.
Starting by building flow and strength, the session will focus on practical drills and partner sparring scenarios to gain tactical insight into these concepts and learn how to apply them in encounters. Suitable for all levels.
Biography:
Vera Martocchia is a professional sword fighting instructor with over eight years of experience in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). She trains and teaches a wide range of weapons, including Sidesword, Longsword, Dagger, Sickle, and more drawing on historical sources such as the Anonimo, Marozzo, Meyer, and Huntfeld. Her approach combines historical depth with practical application, emphasising both precision and flow. Known for her dynamic teaching style and thoughtful instruction, Vera makes HEMA concepts accessible to students of all levels. She regularly teaches classes and seminars across London and beyond.
In addition to her martial practice, Vera is a certified fitness professional with over 16 years of experience. She holds advanced certifications in Les Mills BodyCombat™️, BodyBalance™️, Pilates, and children’s fitness, integrating strength, balance, and body awareness into her sword instruction.
Fluent in several European languages, Vera brings a diverse and international perspective to her work. She now lives in London with her family, and her swordsmanship reflects a lifelong passion for movement, teaching, and people
Equipment needed: Sidesword or single-handed sword
Workshop:
Messer
Biography:
Martin Enzi first got in touch with martial arts by practicing classical boxing, but finally found his passion when he switched to HEMA in 2001 to train longsword, wrestling, dagger and polearms.
2003 he got his hands on the first draft of the transcription of Johannes Leckuechners “Kunst des Messerfechtens”, while work was still in progress. This gave him the possibility to be one of the first persons to dig into this manuscript.
Instantly fascinated while reading the first pages of the manuscript, this was when his fascination with and passion for Messer started.
After intense studies and training, he started as a trainer for Longsword, Messer, and eventually also for the so‐called “peasant weapons” like sickle, scythe or flail plus the not so common use of spear in 15th century sources.
2006 he took part in the transcription of parts of Paulus Hector Mair’s manuscript (scythe, sickle and flail) for the Higgins Armory Museum, which will be published by Jeffrey L. Forgeng.
Even though training in Liechtenauer School of longsword and the peasant weapons from PHM has always been close to his heart, his main focus and deep passion lies with the Messer according to cgm582, taking also into account other Messer‐related sources like Talhoffer, von Baumanns Fechtbuch ( Codex Wallerstein), Pauernfeindt, or Falkner.
After teaching for over 20 years now at international events and martial arts gatherings, Martin Enzi was honoured to be the first European HEMA‐teacher to get an invitation to Tokyo, where he held a masterclass in Messer fencing – in fact, the first Messer class based on European sources in the history of Japan.
He was also asked to contribute 3 articles to the book series “Meditations on HEMA”, and writes articles in magazines and does surveys about finds and originals in museums.
Apart from HEMA, Enzi has been practising stagefighting constantly for 23 years. As an instructor in an SFX agency, he teaches and coaches actors and stuntmen in the use of historical and modern weapons and is an examiner for the practical part of the official Austrian gun licence. He also works as a fight choreographer for film, theatre and television productions and recently received his certificate as a weapons master for film and theatre.
Workshop:
Smallsword
Biography:
David Pascal started fencing when he was very young and soon after he began to study ancient fencing and became interested in the French épée.
He has been studying other martial arts of Japanese origin for some time, such as kenjutsu (Katori Shinto ryu, aikido and iaido among others) and is currently studying two traditions of ancient fencing while continuing his training as a fencer in sport fencing.
The first is a general study of the French school of the late 17th and early 18th century with authors such as La Touche, Liancour and Girard. The second line of study corresponds to the Spanish mixed doctrine with the author Rodriguez del Canto, an original 18th century Spanish school that blends the French, Spanish and Italian schools into a single system.
The class will focus on some of the exercises of the Spanish Mixed Doctrine inspired by the style of Don Diego Rodriguez del Canto, master of this school.
Workshop:
Single tempo vs parade-riposte in early modern french rapier. How to get the most from your time and distance. Single sword, Sword and dagger.
Biography:
Thibault is the main rapier instructor in the association « De Taille et d’Estoc » and has been practicing HEMA since 2008, with a strong emphasis on rapier and associated weapons. He has given workshops about the specificities of French rapier sources in numerous events, including the Dreynevent and several international rapier symposiums.
When he is not fencing, he works as a Medical Doctor in a Hematology ward (believe it or not!).
Workshop:
Italian Rapier
Biography:
Marco Danelli, in parallel with his activity as a swordmaker, started his historical fencing career almost 20 years ago, during which time had a chance to join and practice in various clubs through Italy and the UK. His main focus of studies are the Italian styles from the 16th to the 19th centuries and has taught classes on those topics in various national and international events.
Workshop:
The sword and the buckler in “Arte de Esgrima”.
For the master-at-arms Domingo Luis Godinho, in his 1599 manuscript “Arte de Esgrima”, the combination of the sword and the shield called rodela is the most important, which is why he dedicates an important part of his work to the study of these two weapons. In this workshop we will study their basic positions and movements and some of the techniques described.
Biography:
Eduardo started in the world of historical fencing in 2011 with the master Ton Puey
in A Coruña in the study of the rapier sword following the discipline of Verdadera Destreza. Since 2017 he has been an instructor at the Academia da Espada school.
He has also carried out studies on the two-handed sword following the teachings of the Italian author Achille Marozzo in his treatise Opera Nova in collaboration with other schools, and on the combination of the sword and the buckler by the Portuguese master Domingo Luis Godinho in his manuscript Arte de Esgrima.
Workshop:
The Art of Poking People Politely:
Low-Line Devilry and Defence in French Smallsword tradition.
So, you’ve mastered the art of poking people politely in the chest. Bravo! But what happens when your opponent is rude enough to defend their upper openings?
It’s time to aim lower—with class.
In this workshop, we descend into the low lines of French smallsword fencing: thrusts to the belly, parries near the knees, and tricks the average fencer’s ego never sees coming. Rooted in the elegant, refined (and occasionally
sneaky) French tradition, we’ll explore how to attack and defend the lines less traveled—with flair, precision, and just a touch of disdain.This workshop is suitable for beginners and intermediate fencers alike—whether you’re a nimble newcomer or someone who once fought a duel over the last scone at afternoon tea. We’ll cover the fundamentals of targeting the lower line (because flank and belly are people too), defensive techniques that don’t involve hiding behind your instructor, and how to deliver attacks with the kind of flair that would make Beau Brummell weep with envy (yeah, go ahead, google him).
Have your own smallsword? Fantastic!
Don’t have a smallsword? I’ll bring some! (Just don’t lose it down your breeches).
Expect some laughs, a bit of sweat, and the occasional melodramatic flourish.
Tights optional.
Sass encouraged.
En garde!
Biography:
Predrag Agatonović is president, co-founder, and instructor at the FEATHER School of Fencing from Serbia, with over two decades dedicated to the study, practice, and teaching of the art.
His journey began in 2003, driven by a deep passion for European martial traditions. Over the years, he has mastered a variety of weapons, with particular expertise in the smallsword, rapier, and saber.
Beyond technical skill, Predrag’s approach to fencing encompasses a comprehensive methodology, integrating sociology, psychology, and sports training into his teaching. He believes that fencing is not just a martial discipline but a means of personal and intellectual growth, emphasizing development over competition.
Beyond instruction, Predrag is also an entrepreneur and founder of FEATHER SMALLSWORDS, a company dedicated to crafting high-quality smallswords for historical fencing. His expertise as both a fencer and a swordsmith allows him to create weapons that blend historical accuracy with modern craftsmanship, serving the needs of fencers worldwide.
Workshop:
Thomas Van Hoof will be teaching a workshop on sabre vs bayonet.
Biography:
Thomas is the head instructor of Marmaridae Historical Fencing. This club is located in Mol and has their main focus on military sabre, but they also train in bayonet and smallsword. Thomas started doing HEMA in a self-organized study group in 2018, which then grew into an official club in 2021. The main sources Thomas works from are Hutton and Waite.
Workshop:
Longsword
Biography:
Yannick has been practicing longsword, ringen and dagger at SwArta since 2010. Since 2023 he has served as the main instructor at the Ghent chapter for this club. Mainly focusing on longsword, he medaled in several international competitions. Always attempting to link back to early Liechtenauer manuscripts, most of his workshops focus on bridging the gap between what is read in these sources and what we can reproduce in sparring.
Workshop:
Destreza Rapier
Biography:
Blanca She began practicing historical fencing in 2012 at the Sala de Armas in Castelló, under the guidance of Master Aitor Blanco.
Rapier – alone or in combination with dagger – is the main discipline to which spends most of her practice. She studies historical treatises on Verdadera Destreza by the main old Masters: Francisco Antonio de Etenhard, Luis Pacheco de Narváez, Rodriguez del Canto, etc.
Since 2014 has focussed on the treatise “Nobility of the Sword” by Master Francisco Lorenz de Rada. Impressed by the complexity of his system, dedicates with passion to its study and practice.
Passed instructor’s exam in 2017 being an active member of the Sala’s teaching staff ever since.
UGFAS medal 2024 for the development of historical fencing and close combat weapons discipline.
Workshop:
Destreza Rapier
Biography:
Aitor began training martial arts at the age of 5, and since then he has travelled through different martial traditions, such as Aikido, Iaido, Wing Chung, classical fencing or boxing. Twenty years ago he began his Destreza teaching career in Spain, directing the Sala de Armas in Castellón and focusing his study on La Verdadera Destreza from a martial and traditional perspective. His main concern until this day is to spread Verdadera Destreza in the most trustworthy and purist way possible, inside and outside Spain.
Workshop:
Fiore Italian longsword
Biography:
Mauricio began his historical fencing training in Mexico City in 2014 with “Esgrima de Duelo,” focusing on Italian longsword and rapier. He continued his development in Bruges, expanding into German longsword as well as Spanish rapier and sabre. Most recently, he trained in Belgrade, specializing in competitive longsword. He specializes in Italian longsword with the techniques taught by Fiore de Liberi.
Lecture:
La Verdadera Destreza – Books & Swords
Biography:
Chris is director and instructor of the Academia da Espada Deutschland, which is the official german chapter of Academia da Espada under Maestro Ton Puey.
Since the end of 2019, he has specialized in fencing according to La Verdadera Destreza. He also trains fencing according to the italian school at the fencing school Krifon near Heidelberg under fencing master Christian Bott.
Chris completed the trainer course of the Bavarian Fencing Association in the field of historical fencing in 2021.
In sporting terms, he participated in several tournaments and won the title of German Champion 2021 in the discipline of rapier and was awarded “Best Technical Fencer” at the International Rapier Seminar in Copenhagen in 2022.