The Academia della Spada is a school of classical and historical fencing. Opening its doors in 1998, the academy offered instruction to those interested in exploring 16th Century historical Italian systems of sword play, which at the time was an area of study barely touched upon by most in the fencing community. Today, the academy has greatly expanded its curriculum and focus under the direction of its two primary instructors Cecil Longino and Nathan Barnett.

Historical fencing, typically considered fencing arts that predate the 19th Century, has grown considerably in popularity and interest over the past ten years both in the United States and abroad. Classical fencing or what is considered fencing’s “golden age” existed during the 19th Century when these arts were highly systematized, codified, and thoroughly documented. While practicing historical fencing requires a great amount of research and some amount of speculation to reconstruct accurately, there are still a small number of fencing Masters who come from living lineages dating back to the classical period and who still teach these traditional systems of fence.

The academy is dedicated to reviving and maintaining the historical and classical martial traditions of Western Europe. We do this through dedicated research, practice, and proper application of both historical theory and technique. The historical fencing classes taught at the academy are Medieval sword and buckler, Italian longsword, English backsword, Italian rapier, and French small sword. While we strive to faithfully reconstruct these fencing systems from their original treatises, we are equally influenced by the living wisdom of today’s classically trained fencing Masters. Aside from the historical weapons, the academy also offers classes in traditional French foil, an academic, graceful and vigorous form of fencing which is considered to be the training tool for the small sword originally and later the dueling sword.

Offering quality instruction in both classical and historical fencing arts makes the Academia della Spada a unique fixture in the Greater Seattle area.

Starting with Academia della Spada

Potential students are encouraged to contact the Academia and arrange a time to participate in one of the available classes (phone: 206-849-9414).
During the year classes are grouped into trimesters. New students may begin any time during a trimester.
Beginning students are required to obtain a pair of leather gloves.
The Academia can provide additional protective gear and other equipment as needed.