Though we’ve been around for quite a while (founded in 2016), it’s worth while going back to the ideas and needs that informed the founding of The Sword Conservatory (TSC). In this blog series, we’ll examine each of the key concepts that make up TSC’s mission statement.
The founding members of TSC (Josh Albert, Craig Freudenrich, and Eric Lindbeck) had been practicing and teaching historical martial arts, sport fencing, and theatrical combat for many years before starting The Sword Conservatory, Inc. In that time, they had seen many approaches, so when they started The Sword Conservatory, they knew what they wanted to do...
To make swordfighting accessible to as many people as possible.
To offer multiple traditions, styles, sports, etc.
To focus on education.
To make it fun.
These objectives came together in the mission statement for the organization: Teaching the history, sport, and art of swordsmanship to all, with safety and fun.
Let’s start with the “who” of our mission statement: “Teaching … to all…”
Most historical swordfighting programs are made for adults. Traditionally, this makes sense due to the cost, training commitment, equipment weight, and likelihood of injury involved. Unfortunately, due to these factors, only a small number of adults are able to participate: those who have the money (equipment being an expensive pre-requisite), time, and conditioning to participate; plus the insurance, mindset, and work flexibility needed to tolerate the inevitable injuries that come with “playing rough with swords”.
We seek to turn this paradigm on its head so that everyone can enjoy swordfighting at the level that they want to. We keep our classes as low-cost as possible, without contracts. We choose our equipment primarily for its safety and low weight, which combine to minimize the financial investment and maximize the number of people who can participate. Where possible, TSC provides the weapon being studied so that students do not need to outlay additional funds. All told, for most of our classes, a new student can get a full set of equipment for no more than the cost of a basic beginner’s sport fencing package.
Low weight, low cost and high safety, give parents the peace of mind and affordability to allow their children to participate. Youth as young as eight years old can take part, with a progression of weapons and styles that can form the foundation of a lifetime of enjoyment no matter what age you start.
All told, we want people of all ages, levels of athleticism, income levels, and interest to be able to participate in a real swordfighting experience.
Next up, we’ll discuss the role that safety plays in our program.
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