Using Structure to Win before you Begin
Led by Dan Evans – Competitor, Coach, and Tournament Director/Judge
Saturday, July 18th, 12:00pm-5:00pm
Strong, Weak, Long, Short: Using “Structure” to Win Before You Begin
Historical fencers often use the word “structure” when they describe good technique. But what makes someone’s “structure” good, bad, or effective?
In this 4-hour seminar, Dan Evans of the Center for Blade Arts will use core principles of medieval German longsword fencing to explore what “structure” means, why it affects our fencing, and how we can use it to our advantage.
Saturday, July 18th, 12:30pm-4:30pm
Check in/Gear check between 12:00-12:30
Highland Park Community Center, Main Gymnasium
1978 Ford Pkwy.
Saint Paul, MN 55116
$40/person, Ages 16+
(under 18 requires parent/guardian signatures)
Note: This workshop is limited to a max of 24 Students.
Registration link – Pending…
Requirements:
Gear/Equipment: protective HEMA mask, gorget, and gloves, required. Steel longsword strongly recommended, although synthetics are acceptable. All gear will be intact and must be checked by the instructor or StPFF staff before we begin.
Experience: Recommended 1 year of HEMA experience with any weapon. – NOT recommended for beginners who have less than 6 months of experience or who have not completed an introductory course in historical fencing.
About Dan:
Dan Evans has trained and competed in historical fencing for more than 4 years. He began his fencing career in Pittsburgh to fulfill a New Year’s resolution and quickly found competitive success in longsword. Since he moved to Minnesota in 2023, he has extensively studied the German historical fencing traditions of Kunst des Fechtens longsword and i.33 sword and buckler.
As a competitor, Dan has won 9 individual medals in longsword, one medal in rapier, and 2 best club team awards at tournaments in 4 states. He has defeated 8 longsword fencers currently or formerly ranked in the top 100 in the world.
As a fencing student, Dan has earned the rank of Scholar at the Goliath Historical Fencing Academy in Wisconsin and at Ram’s Head Fencing in Minnesota.
As a coach, Dan has led classes and seminars at 6 clubs in 4 states.
And as an event organizer, Dan has directed or judged at 9 tournaments in 4 states and currently serves on the leadership committee for the Icebreaker tournament as the lead judge for the event.