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DAY ONE
Structure, Crossing & the Sword
The first day focuses on the body mechanics and structural concepts that form the foundation of Armizare.
Topics include:
Understanding the Segno and how it guides movement and tactical decision-making.
The relationship between stance (posta), structure, and efficient movement.
Push drills that develop sensitivity, pressure, balance, and body mechanics.
Fiore's abrazare principles and how grappling concepts carry directly into swordsmanship.
Creating powerful strikes through proper body structure rather than muscular effort.
How posture determines weapon function and tactical opportunity.
Connecting sword handling to whole-body movement.
Students will then progress into Fiore's theory of the crossing of swords, including:
Understanding the decision-making process after the crossing.
Working from both inside and outside lines.
Binding, striking, and closing safely.
Largo and Stretto as tactical ranges rather than fixed techniques.
Breaking structure (Forteza), constraining speed (Presteza), and controlling initiative.
Guided sequence sparring to apply the concepts under pressure.
DAY TWO
Dagger, Grappling & Weapon Integration
The second day expands these same concepts into Fiore's dagger system before reconnecting them to the sword.
Topics include:
Dagger fundamentals and mechanics.
Fiore's remedies and tactical responses.
Applying abrazare principles during dagger combat.
Grappling with and against an armed opponent.
Transitioning between non-resisting and resisting training.
Effective striking, control, disarms, keys, and hooks.
Applying the Volta to create superior positioning and leverage.
Understanding how dagger principles directly inform sword fighting.
One-handed sword concepts and freeing the support hand after the crossing.
Integrating Largo and Stretto concepts across both weapons.
Sequence sparring to reinforce tactical decision-making.
By the end of the seminar, students should have a clearer understanding of why Fiore's plays work—not simply how to reproduce them—and how the same principles flow seamlessly between grappling, dagger, and sword.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Kurt Holtfreter
Kurt Holtfreter has been studying Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) with the Triangle Sword Guild (TSG) in Raleigh North Carolina since 2017. He has a background in Kendo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. He is currently TSG’s head instructor for the Armizare curriculum and Armored training programs.
Kurt travels to other HEMA schools and events such as the Western Martial Arts Workshop (WMAW) to broaden perspectives through collaborative training, sparring, and consultation in order to bring home fresh ideas to share with TSG. Kurt’s passion lies in understanding the mindset of the combat professional of the 14th Century. He uses his experience from his time in the Marine Corps to craft training experiences focusing on being the person of arms and replicating immediate actions seen with Fiore’s dei Liberi’s Armizare manuscripts. He extends this perspective into the practice with sharp weapons and establishes cutting ‘ranges’ where practitioners not only get to practice their strike patterns with dagger, sword, lance, and ax, but they also get to experience multiple target engagements, weapon transitions, and activating arms from the scabbard.
Kurt runs the YouTube channel 'Holtfreter Lab’s' where he showcases his research and shares his interpretations on Armizare. He has also published the book “My Mind of Fight” which is his thoughts, observations, and considerations for the Kunst des Fechten systems on Amazon.
WHAT GEAR SHOULD I BRING?
While we have loaner gear you may borrow, it is first-come, first-serve and may run out before you pick it up. It is recommended that if you have this gear OR can purchase it before the class date, to bring it with you so that you may ensure you are armed and armored properly. If you would like to see more recommendations, click the button below.
DAGGER TRAINER (Synthetic or sparring-safe steel only)
Any sparring-safe dagger trainer is allowed. We recommend using affordable and sparring-safe rondel dagger trainers by Cold Steel. Link for purchase is in the picture and HERE
LONGSWORD TRAINER (Synthetic or sparring-safe steel only)
Any sparring-safe synthetic or steel longsword is recommended. If you need to purchase one, a link for purchase is in the picture and HERE
HEMA PROTECTIVE GEAR
At a minimum, gloves and a sparring mask is recommended. But for all HEMA protective gear, a link for purchase is in the picture and HERE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Empty-Hand, Longsword, and Rondel Dagger
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Ludus Ferocia Historical Combat in Norfolk, VA - 5000 Colley Ave, Norfolk, VA
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We will have training weapons and some gear available to lend but it is first come first serve. It is recommended you bring what gear you can.
RecommendedFull HEMA protective equipment
Minimum Required
Fencing mask
Gorget
Padded gloves
Athletic cup
During grappling exercises, lighter gloves may be used when appropriate.
Additional Recommended Equipment
Mouth guard
Protective goggles
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This seminar is appropriate for HEMA practitioners with some prior longsword experience. While Fiore terminology will be introduced throughout the weekend, the instruction is designed to be accessible to students from any historical fencing background.
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Kurt will be teaching concepts from Armizare written by Italian master Fiore dei Liberi
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While modern protective HEMA kit is recommended, actual knightly armor is not required. This class serves as an introduction to armored combat.
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Ludus Ferocia has a 5000 square foot building with bathrooms, AC, and a lounge area. There is space to train and decompress.
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Parking is very limited on our street (Colley Ave). All street parking is available but avoid parking at businesses or in the apartment complex next to us. All overflow parking can use the Colley Executive Offices parking lot down the street.
LOCATION OF WORKSHOP
LUDUS FEROCIA HISTORICAL COMBAT (AT THE UNIVERSAL COMBAT CENTER)
5000 COLLEY AVE, NORFOLK VA 23508