News Release

Crossing Swords: Learn the Art of 19th Century Saber Fighting at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 12, 2018

Contact: Elaine Dorset, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, [phone]

Contact: Jeff Richardson, Academia Duellatoria, [phone]

This fall, try your hand at 19th century saber techniques at this workshop series offered in partnership with Academia Duellatoria. The 19th Century U.S. Army Dragoon Saber Training Program, which debuted in the summer of 2017, focuses on the saber techniques used by the soldiers of the U.S. Army Dragoons, who arrived at Vancouver Barracks in 1855.

Saber training is similar to many other martial arts; it requires the development of physical discipline and mental control. This training program is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the military at Vancouver Barracks while also learning some of the skills that the soldiers would have relied upon.

Within the program, three training levels are offered:

• Basic 1: A program designed for someone new to saber training. Basic 1 begins with footwork and progresses through solo and partner drills, including offensive cuts and thrusts and defensive guards and parries.

• Basic 2: A continuation of the skills learned in Basic 1. Basic 2 will consist of additional solo and partner drills and will focus on perfecting technique. You must take Basic 1 before taking Basic 2.

• Intermediate: A program that includes more advanced skills and techniques beyond what is learned in Basic 2. Intermediate will continue perfecting basic techniques and begin the challenging concepts of offense and defense with an opponent. You must test for proficiency in Basic 2 skills in order to take Intermediate.

All training sessions also provide background history of the U.S. Army at Vancouver Barracks, and its relationship with the peoples of the Pacific Northwest.

Training sabers are provided. The training sabers have dull edges and blunt tips.

Participants who successfully complete both the Basic 1 and Basic 2 training courses and are 16 or older will have the opportunity to volunteer at living history events and programs at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Who can participate?
This program is designed for participants ages 12 and up.

Fall 2018 Program Dates
Training sessions will be held on Sundays starting on October 7 and continuing through November 18, 2018. Basic 1 runs from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm, Basic 2 runs from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. There will be no Intermediate training during this series.

Cost
The 7 week training course costs $100 per person. The training fee is payable to Academia Duellatoria by check or PayPal. Fees must be paid before the training sessions begin. No payments will be accepted at the training sessions. Enrollment in the training is not guaranteed until your payment is received.

Contact & Registration
For more information, or to sign up, please contact Jeff Richardson of Academia Duellatoria at [phone] or by email