About Us
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Prima Spada, School of Fence is a fencing school operating in Queensland, Australia. Based on the work of European masters of the 16th and 17th centuries, Prima Spada endeavours to promote the art of Renaissance European swordplay as a modern sport.
While practicing this challenging art, Prima Spada seeks to reinforce the enjoyment of teaching, performing and participating in this fun recreational activity - the interpretation of Renaissance Swordsmanship that is Prima Spada. Prima Spada is more than simply a school name; it is a teaching system and style of modern Renaissance swordplay. This system has been developed along a period-accurate basis, utilising both ancient and modern mechanics, concepts, and weapons. |
Swordplay as taught by Prima Spada is a full body activity that builds good posture and bearing, middle-body strength and flexibility, and exercises the mind to think tactically and strategically. To ensure that the enjoyment of this art form may be accessible to as many people as possible Prima Spada offers instruction in four forms of fencing.
First among these is Prima Spada's Exhibition Combat Syllabus in which students learn a myriad of period-accurate techniques that are applied against an opponent as a show of skill, rather than as a means by which to defeat an adversary.
First among these is Prima Spada's Exhibition Combat Syllabus in which students learn a myriad of period-accurate techniques that are applied against an opponent as a show of skill, rather than as a means by which to defeat an adversary.
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The second form of training that is offered by Prima Spada is instruction in a category of combat known as Historic European Martial Arts (HEMA). This style of fencing is vigorously competitive in nature, with students learning to apply skills and techniques with the sole aim of striking an opponent without themselves being struck, in order to gain victory in a fencing bout. Thirdly, Prima Spada also maintains an Artistic Fencing team, the training of which focuses on the choreographic application of fencing principles in order to produce a dance-like display of skill. Finally, Prima Spada offers instruction in Classical Fencing; the non-electric ancestor of modern fencing.
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The underlying techniques and philosophies for Prima Spada have been derived from selected European Masters of Defence of the sixteenth century, such as Giacomo Di Grassi, Vincentio Saviolo and Achille Morozzo. While incorporating the teachings of these Masters, Prima Spada holds in particular regard the unique philosophies and techniques of Gérard Thibault d’Anvers, as laid down in his Academie de l’Espée, published in 1628.
Prima Spada, School of Fence is proud to adopt, promote, and operate with the spirit of the Renaissance, ensuring that students are aware of the philosophies behind the art that they practice and seeking always to promote the practice of respectful and honourable conduct. This vision is evident through the motto of Prima Spada, “Honourable in Victory, Gracious in Defeat”.
Prima Spada is a member of the Queensland Living History Federation (QLHF), a founding member of the Australian Historic Swordplay Federation, now known as Western Martial Academies of Australia (WMAA), and a registered member of the Australian Academy of Fencing (AAF).
Prima Spada, School of Fence is proud to adopt, promote, and operate with the spirit of the Renaissance, ensuring that students are aware of the philosophies behind the art that they practice and seeking always to promote the practice of respectful and honourable conduct. This vision is evident through the motto of Prima Spada, “Honourable in Victory, Gracious in Defeat”.
Prima Spada is a member of the Queensland Living History Federation (QLHF), a founding member of the Australian Historic Swordplay Federation, now known as Western Martial Academies of Australia (WMAA), and a registered member of the Australian Academy of Fencing (AAF).
AccreditationsPrima Spada is registered as a member of the Academie d'Armes Internationale through the Australian Academy of Fencing. This membership is made possible through the personal qualifications of Prima Spada's Head Coach, Prv.Mtr. Keith Beattie.
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Join UsPrima Spada is always welcoming new members! We love to share our passion for fencing with anyone who would like to try their hand at becoming a sword-master!
Prima Spada offers tuition in numerous fencing disciplines including: Historical Exhibition Combat, HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), Smallsword, Modern/Classical Fencing and Artistic Fencing. We aim to create an enjoyable and accessible approach to swordplay of all kinds where students are constantly challenged to excel at the techniques taught at their level and are encouraged to demonstrate their ability in combat. Prima Spada is a school of fence that is suited to all individuals who hold a love of swordplay of any kind! |
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