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ISMAC Photo Galleries

NOTE: You most likely arrived here by way of the ISMAC website, which is a seperate entity. If you wish to return to the ISMAC site proper, all you have to do is click here.

Welcome to these collected Photo Galleries for ISMAC - the International Swordfighting and Martial Arts Convention.

The purpose of these Galleries is to provide a space from which to share images from our annual seminar with the greater community. As such, these Galleries would not have been possible without the good graces of a number of photographers and other individuals. We are very grateful to these individuals for their help and support.

Please enjoy these moments in time. There is an available service here to order quality prints and other items. If you have any photos from ISMAC we would love to add them to this page. Please contact ISMAC to make arrangements.

We have tried to name everyone in every photograph, but our efforts have not met with complete success. We ask for your assistance in this by emailing ISMAC with any missing names you can identify. Our goal in completing this is that you may then do a search by name and find all of the photos featuring any individual. Your help in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated.

We do hope you enjoy the Galleries -- There are all kinds of great features here, such as voting for your favorite images and adding comments, as well as RSS feeds and the like. Have a great time exploring, and we look forward to your responses.

Instructors - We have tried to do justice to these photos by including adequate descriptions, and we are ever in the process of doing so. We would be in your debt for any help or instruction you might provide us in our attempt to correctly depict these images.

Thanks, and enjoy.

Featured Galleries

2009 Classes :

2009 Classes

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 3:44pm PST

2009 Tournaments :

2009 Tournaments

Updated: Aug 19, 2009 8:03pm PST

2009 After Hours :

2009 After Hours

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 4:25pm PST

Galleries

2009 Classes :

2009 Classes

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 3:44pm PST

2009 Tournaments :

2009 Tournaments

Updated: Aug 19, 2009 8:03pm PST

2009 After Hours :

2009 After Hours

Updated: Aug 18, 2009 4:25pm PST

2008 Opening Ceremonies & Patri Auction :

2008 Opening Ceremonies & Patri Auction

Updated: Aug 26, 2008 7:43am PST

2008 Classes and Lectures :

2008 Classes and Lectures

Updated: Oct 06, 2008 12:37pm PST

2008 Candid :

2008 Candid

Updated: Oct 06, 2008 12:39pm PST

Opening Night Festivities :

Opening Night Festivities

Updated: May 12, 2008 5:38pm PST

Fundamental Principles of the Longsword : This class was designed to provide a solid theoretical foundation, as well as an initial setup of muscle memory for the next three days and for ones further practice of (long-)swordsmanship. The class covered fencing terminology regarding the parts of the longsword as well as the opponent, before it addressed various concepts to increase the chances of hitting without being hit. To bring those concepts from theory to reality the course then ingrained essential sword handling skills and started building up muscle memory for essential footwork patterns. The next step was to bring footwork and swordhandling together as coordinated fencing actions before we finally combined a number of these actions into a solo form. While the curriculum of this class was primarily based on the German Liechtenauer tradition, it nonetheless addressed fundamental concepts and skills inherent in any Longsword study.

Fundamental Principles of the Longsword

This class was designed to provide a solid theoretical foundation, as ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 6:09pm PST

Fundamental Principles of the Rapier : In this class was studied the foundation stones of Italian Rapier, representing the rapier at the height of its development. This system gives the fencer an invaluable base for the study of treatises which will lead to a greater understanding of those elusive fencing principles that are the grounding of the Italian Rapier. Primary footwork, the scanso, intagliata, re-unita, passata and the passo straordinario. The importance of balance and an understanding of the vita. The deconstruction of the the 4 guards and the 9 parries, and the engagement of the opponent's blade.

Fundamental Principles of the Rapier

In this class was studied the foundation stones of Italian Rapier, rep ...

Updated: May 08, 2008 9:19pm PST

Stretching for Western Martial Arts : Very few of us are able to do Western Martial Arts as a profession, the rest of us work for a living which impacts our bodies. Our muscles can uniquely adapt to whatever we spend the most of our time doing. Unfortunately this can cause misalignment, postural changes, tightness and pain in the muscles we need to use the most. In this class we performed a series of stretches that addressed all of the neglected muscle groups we need to sword fight effectively. We were stretching from heels to ears! Attendees were to be prepared to stretch for most of the class. This class was appropriate for any fitness level and personal instruction was provided. Proper stretching prevents injuries, increases our ability to perform, and enhances our sword fighting techniques. Stretching as a lifelong practice decreases the negative effects on our bodies and enables us to keep fighting into a ripe old age!

Stretching for Western Martial Arts

Very few of us are able to do Western Martial Arts as a profession, th ...

Updated: May 13, 2008 6:48pm PST

Zwerchhau and Friends: Making Use of the Long Edge and Short Edge Alike in Liechtenauer's Longsword : During this class we examined why a number of cuts in the Liechtenauer Tradition of the Longsword are executed with the short (false) edge at some times, while they are done with the long (true ) edge at other times. The question of how are they done and when are they done in one manner or the other was addressed, as well as why Liechtenauer advocates these techniques in his system.

Zwerchhau and Friends: Making Use of the Long Edge and Short Edge Alike in Liechtenauer's Longsword

During this class we examined why a number of cuts in the Liechtenauer ...

Updated: Aug 17, 2007 4:43am PST

Tomahawk and Longknife : This class focused on the use of the tomahawk as a close-quarter combat weapon, building on fundamental techniques from previous years (some time was devoted to review these fundamentals for those who had not taken those courses). Grips, stances, and attack and defense, ranges of combat, as well as fighting theory, were all covered. The second half of the class examined the use of the knife in conjunction with the tomahawk. There was an emphasis on practical application of techniques against a variety of common weapons of the era (saber, bayonet, etc) as well as sparring. Time was also spent examining the history and evolution of the weapons, as well as aspects of carriage and drawing in various situations. There was also an examination of the clothing of the period and how it influences fighting with these weapons. We also looked at some of the other accoutrements carried by the longhunters and irregular military units.

Tomahawk and Longknife

This class focused on the use of the tomahawk as a close-quarter comba ...

Updated: May 13, 2008 7:12pm PST

Introduction to Marozzo Pressas :

Introduction to Marozzo Pressas

Updated: May 08, 2008 6:56pm PST

Wrestling in Western Martial Arts : In this class we explored some basic theories about wrestling and looked at some examples from various western sources, from modern sport wrestling and sambo to techniques shown by Talhoffer. Students could expect to hit the ground a lot during this class - nothing too high impact, but were wrestling and it definitely comes with the territory. No prior knowledge was required since we were working at building a solid base to build off of.

Wrestling in Western Martial Arts

In this class we explored some basic theories about wrestling and look ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 11:53am PST

Late Medieval and Renaissance Dagger: Wrestling with a Pointy Tool : This class covered unarmed defences against dagger attacks, as well as dagger vs. dagger situations, as described in various German treatises from the 15th and 16th Centuries.

Late Medieval and Renaissance Dagger: Wrestling with a Pointy Tool

This class covered unarmed defences against dagger attacks, as well as ...

Updated: May 11, 2008 7:40pm PST

La Verdadera Destreza and "Personal Defence" : The Spanish school of rapier is often thought of exclusively as a system of defensive swordsmanship for use in dueling. However, Carranza, Narvaez and other masters of La Verdadera Destreza are very specific in applying the theory to a variety of situations. Applications include street combat at night, mounted combat, encountering "Fencers" of the so-called Destreza Comun (Common Skill) or Esgrima Vulgar (Vulgate Fencing), foreign swordsmen such as those of the Italian school of rapier and against the Turkish curved sabre. The emphasis of this class was the usage of theory in less than ideal situations applying it to fighting situations on the streets against a variety of types of fencers. Our focus was mainly on single sword but also covered the use of the sword in combination with the dagger and the cloak.

La Verdadera Destreza and "Personal Defence"

The Spanish school of rapier is often thought of exclusively as a syst ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 12:51pm PST

Dagger and Rapier : In this class, we looked at the offensive as well as the defensive uses of the dagger. The dagger is a highly under-utilized tool in the fight and in the tournament. We practiced the correct ways to use the dagger by itself, as well as using the dagger in conjunction with the rapier. We also reviewed techniques that are applicable in both the personal duel and in the brawl scenario.

Dagger and Rapier

In this class, we looked at the offensive as well as the defensive use ...

Updated: May 11, 2008 4:38pm PST

Chop It Up :

Chop It Up

Updated: May 14, 2008 4:31pm PST

Longsword Concepts: Controlling the Center Line : The positioning of your hips dictates the center line. Your hips also control your shoulders and your shoulders control your sword. If you control the center line you can strike your adversary while putting him in a position that restricts his ability to strike you and makes his defence more difficult. This class focused on understanding where the adversary's attack will come from and the distance he has available without changing his tempo.

Longsword Concepts: Controlling the Center Line

The positioning of your hips dictates the center line. Your hips also ...

Updated: May 09, 2008 9:43pm PST

Foundations of Sword and Dagger Combat : The focus of this class was to critically dissect the foundational elements of efficient and orderly use of the sword and dagger. We then applied these foundational elements and theory to 4 actions and counter actions. Each action was performed according to the constant and unchanging true foundation of fence: The use of distance, time, proportion, angulation, conservation, and unity. The drills were practiced against both cooperative and antagonistic partners.

Foundations of Sword and Dagger Combat

The focus of this class was to critically dissect the foundational ele ...

Updated: May 12, 2008 12:38pm PST

The Montante of Figueiredo : A brief Introduction to the two handed sword of Field Marshall Don Diogo de Figueiredo, 1651 Master in the Science of Arms to the Crown Prince of Portugal. This short manuscript covers the use of the two handed sword in tactical situations one might find themselves confronting, containing 32 plays of the sword. This class worked on the basic movements, doing a quick overview and trying some sample plays including the play for ship board use on a galley of the period.

The Montante of Figueiredo

A brief Introduction to the two handed sword of Field Marshall Don Dio ...

Updated: May 09, 2008 4:37am PST

Rapier & Dagger: Spanish vis-a-vis Italian : This class covered some universal concepts as they are applied with the rapier and dagger, which are applicable to either school. Moreover, we covered how some of these concepts are uniquely applied within each system using specific techniques typical of each school against the other respectively.

Rapier & Dagger: Spanish vis-a-vis Italian

This class covered some universal concepts as they are applied with th ...

Updated: May 11, 2008 6:56pm PST

Irish Cudgel Grappling : Faicseanaíocht (Irish Cudgel) This year we took the Irish Cudgel Play class in a different direction, including some stick grappling and some unarmed/disarmed concepts to help round out this stick only (as some would think) art. There were still plenty of shillelaghs swinging above our heads but we explored a bit more practical application as well. This included a short look at some use of the stick in grappling applications. We also looked briefly into Collar & Elbow wrestling on its own. C&E is a fairly simple style of wrestling that begins in the not too surpising collar and elbow tie up position. It provides a good base for wrestling in Faicseanaíocht. We concluded with a short but concise look at Mendoza's first lesson of boxing. This style was widely popular during the early part of the 19th century in Ireland and is the base for the pugilistic aspect of Faicseanaíocht.

Irish Cudgel Grappling

Faicseanaíocht (Irish Cudgel) This year we took the Irish Cudgel Pla ...

Updated: May 11, 2008 9:24am PST

Demonstration: Falcon Cane Defense System : Prior to Saturday's Rapier & Smallsword Tournament, Instructor Tony Wolf conducted a demonstration of his own Falcon Cane Defense System, for all of the assembled audience.

Demonstration: Falcon Cane Defense System

Prior to Saturday's Rapier & Smallsword Tournament, Instructor Tony Wo ...

Updated: May 11, 2008 11:03am PST

2007 Rapier and Smallsword Tournament : Open to the public for viewing, this tournament invited ISMAC attendees to practice and hone their skills in a competitive format.

2007 Rapier and Smallsword Tournament

Open to the public for viewing, this tournament invited ISMAC attendee ...

Updated: May 10, 2008 9:09pm PST

Controlling the Enemy : This class focused on various techniques of controlling one's attacker in a hostile situation. Some of the techniques included: 1) Joint Manipulation a) Skeletal anatomy 1. How to impede joint functions 2. How to use their function to your advantage 2) Synergy/Energy Control 3) Pressure Points Various situations were covered, such as single wrist grabs, double wrist grabs, chokes, bear hugs, punches, kicks. Students learned how to work with the opponent's energy to control their movement with a minimal amount of effort and personal risk. Pressure points were explored as an additional means of subduing one's opponent. This was not only a class in synergistic movement and defence, but also a basic lesson on skeletal, muscular and nerve anatomy of the body.

Controlling the Enemy

This class focused on various techniques of controlling one's attacker ...

Updated: May 11, 2008 3:45pm PST

Angelo's Small Sword :

Angelo's Small Sword

Updated: May 12, 2008 1:24pm PST

Cutlass : The cutlass has long been considered among the top swashbuckling weapons and the blade of choice for pirates, buccaneers and naval heroes. Until recently little regard has been given to this versatile weapon, generally assuming its use to be simply along the lines of the military sabre. In this class the student will gain knowledge of the historical development of the weapon as well as its extreme versatility in close quarter combat within the confining spaces found aboard ships of the 17th thru 19th centuries. Techniques covered included grips, cuts and parries, definition of target, two-hand work such as blade-assists, grapples, pommel or guard strikes and punch/cut sequences within an extremely confined area. Also included was the adaptation of these methods to transitional, or aggressive forward action in a melee, rather than a standard one-on-one fencing scenario.

Cutlass

The cutlass has long been considered among the top swashbuckling weapo ...

Updated: May 09, 2008 11:02pm PST

Escrima Sticks : A Private Lesson.

Escrima Sticks

A Private Lesson.

Updated: May 12, 2008 2:30pm PST

2007 Candid :

2007 Candid

Updated: Aug 17, 2008 3:28pm PST

2006 Opening Ceremonies :

2006 Opening Ceremonies

Updated: Sep 29, 2006 4:10am PST

2006 Classes :

2006 Classes

Updated: Jan 25, 2007 7:01am PST

2006 Demonstrations :

2006 Demonstrations

Updated: Jan 25, 2007 7:06am PST

2006 Candid :

2006 Candid

Updated: Apr 03, 2007 9:04am PST

2005 Opening Ceremonies :

2005 Opening Ceremonies

Updated: Sep 21, 2006 10:45am PST

2005 Classes :

2005 Classes

Updated: Apr 03, 2007 8:40am PST

2005 Demonstrations :

2005 Demonstrations

Updated: Sep 21, 2006 10:48am PST

2005 Rapier/Smallsword Tournament :

2005 Rapier/Smallsword Tournament

Updated: Sep 21, 2006 10:56am PST

2005 Singlestick Tournament :

2005 Singlestick Tournament

Updated: Sep 21, 2006 10:56am PST

2005 Candid :

2005 Candid

Updated: Mar 29, 2007 11:32am PST

2004 Opening Ceremonies :

2004 Opening Ceremonies

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 6:41am PST

2004 Classes :

2004 Classes

Updated: Sep 29, 2006 1:14pm PST

2004 Demonstrations :

2004 Demonstrations

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 7:57am PST

2004 Rapier Tournament :

2004 Rapier Tournament

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 9:04am PST

2004 Singlestick Tournament :

2004 Singlestick Tournament

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 9:52am PST

2004 Candid :

2004 Candid

Updated: Sep 22, 2006 10:34am PST

2003 Rapier Tournament : Not all of the photos in this collection are of the ideal quality: some are blurred or grainy, and such. I included those photos in this special case for two reasons: 1- Tourney photos are rare enough, and there are those who may wish to see these, blurry or not. 2- Some of the shots have an "accidentally artistic" flavor to them, which I considered may be worth sharing. --Tiggs

2003 Rapier Tournament

Not all of the photos in this collection are of the ideal quality: som ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2007 8:33am PST

2003 Classes :

2003 Classes

2003 Candid :

2003 Candid

Updated: Mar 30, 2007 9:40am PST

2002 Classes :

2002 Classes

Updated: Apr 02, 2007 11:48am PST

2002 Candid :

2002 Candid

Updated: Apr 02, 2007 3:18pm PST

2001 Classes :

2001 Classes

Updated: Mar 26, 2007 10:06am PST

2001 Candid :

2001 Candid

Updated: Mar 30, 2007 6:23am PST

2000 Classes :

2000 Classes

Updated: Jan 10, 2007 2:07pm PST

2000 Candid :

2000 Candid

Updated: Jan 10, 2007 2:05pm PST

This collection hosted and maintained by the International Swordfighting and Martial Arts Convention.