01/09/2026
This has been in the works for a while; I was invited to this event in 2024 but had a conflict.
I have to acknowledge the flexibility and communication of the organizers of the Rose & Thorns Historical Fencing Symposium for keeping me in mind this year. I’m glad I could make good on it this year, and I’m excited to attend!
Class Taught :
In-Between the Rapier and the Foil - Techniques using the Smarra
This class will explore the evolution of various techniques using the Smarra, as shown through the lens of Rosaroll-Scorza & Grisetti's La Scienza della Scherma (1803). This kind of weapon, known by myriad names (Spada di Marra, Transitional Rapier, Late Italian Rapier, Spada dalla Napolitana, Neapolitan Foil, and more recently "Italian Smallsword"), occupies an interesting place in Italian fencing history and theory, as the Rapier starts to become what we now know today as the Italian Foil. Students will see how familiar techniques with rapier and foil vary with this weapon, how they changed, and how they can transfer back or forward for use with the Rapier and/or Foil.
About the Instructor:
Maestro Ryan Mank has been fencing since 2000, and teaching fencing since 2006, serving as Assistant Instructor of Trovare di Spada in St. Louis MO from 2006-2012, and Head Instructor of Red Sun Classical Fencing in Albuquerque NM since 2012. He has training in classical French and Italian styles of swordplay utilizing the Foil, Epee, and Sabre, as well as the Rapier, and has been a proponent of the use of the Smarra for 15 years. He received his Fencing Master's diploma from the Sonoma State University Fencing Masters Certificate Program in July 2022.
He has previously taught at workshops and seminars nationwide, including the Rapier and Sabre Pedagogy retreat in Atlanta GA, an Italian Sabre Workshop at the Phoenix Society of Historical Swordsmanship in Phoenix AZ, and a Smarra/Transitional Rapier Workshop in Boston MA, to name a few.
He has also competed (and continues to compete where allowed) in classical fencing tournaments across the US, winning multiple weapon divisions (Foil, Epee, Sabre, Historical) in events such as the Palm Beach Open in Palm Beach FL, The Grand Assault of Arms in New York NY, The Redwood Coast Assault of Arms in Arcata CA, and Fencing on the Frozen Tundra in Milwaukee WI.
Protective Gear :
Equipment: Mask, lightweight jacket, gloves are required. Chest and groin protection recommended.
Weapon - the following are examples of weapons that could be used for this class:
-Castille Armory Smarra
-HF Armory Italian Smallsword, or Smallsword Olympic (main difference is the blade width/heft, both blades are 35" long)
-Classical Italian Foil (such as those available from Negrini, Fencing Post, and now HF Armory)
-Castille Armory Light Dueling Rapier can work, but the long quillions might present difficulties with certain techniques in this class.
-French-style smallswords can work, but a standard length epee blade (35"), or similar, is recommended.
-Having a knucklebow on the weapon is helpful, but not required.
Typical full-size rapiers are NOT recommended for this class; they are too long and too heavy.
