The Sword Conservatory Tests New Wheelchair Swordfighting System

The Sword Conservatory’s mission is to teach the art of swordsmanship to all with safety and fun, and we mean ALL. To this end, we are testing a wheelchair swordfighting system.  Funded in large part by a grant from the Town of Holly Springs, NC, it is based on the design of the IWAS/ Imperial College Wheelchair Fencing Frame, but expanded to enable medieval swordfighting with foam swords, historical fencing, and modern sport fencing. The setup will allow anyone who is mobility-challenged to fight others (mobility-challenged or not) on an equal playing field.

We will be teaching an all-abilities introductory medieval sword fighting class on Saturday, Aug. 30 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Hunt Center in Holly Springs. We will teach single-handed sword techniques with foam swords to students with a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges, and our new wheelchair system will be there to help enable participation.  All students will learn basic sword fighting skills and will have the opportunity to fight our instructors.

Students can sign up for the class through the Holly Springs Parks and Recreation website (https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/2846/Accessible-and-Inclusive-Recreation-AIR). We hope to see you there.