Swordplay: Mastering the Medieval longsword

When I first moved to the Chicago area in the summer of 2002, I knew that there would have to be more people interested in Medieval history that there were in South Texas. I immediately started looking on the Internet for a group to join. I happened across the official site of the Chicago Swordplay Guild and new I had discovered something unique.

I attended their next meeting on the grounds of Pulaski Park. I was delighted to meet a couple dozen like minded souls who had a fascination for the Middle Ages and, more importantly, swordfighting. The students were scholars first and atheletes second.

The members of the guild were students of the actual 15th century Italian and German masters. Through translations of the original surviving mansuscripts, guild members would make every effort to fully understand the intricate but deliberate motions of the guards and thrusts that would have been learned by young Italian noblemen over 500 years ago.

In fact, many of the techniques are still in use today by various law enforcement academies and modern ground fighting schools, although I would dare say that most modern day police officers would probably not believe you if you told them that their classroom material was centuries old.

If only my employer had been as understanding. Not long after joining the guild, my office adopted more sporadic hours and I was no longer able to continue taking regular courses with the guild. I began missing more classes that I attended and the quarterly dues no longer were justifiable. Anyone with a Medieval flare should check them out.

UPDATE 13 Nov 2010: In January 2011, a new introductory class (required for all new members as well as those who have been away for an extended period of time) will begin. I am planning to once again become a member of the Chicago Swordplay Guild. I encourage like-minded individuals to come out and get involved as well.