Historical Dagger workshop: Saturday, July 12th, 2025, 11:30am-4:30pm
Led by Jason Vail, author of the book; Medieval and Renaissance Dagger Combat.
This 1/2-day workshop will focus on the historical techniques and context of use of the “Rondel” dagger, a dagger style popular throughout the Medieval and Renaissance eras.
Drawing selected lessons from his book, “Medieval and Renaissance Dagger Combat”, along with his own personal experience, Jason will take the students from the foundational basics to more advanced techniques found in numerous historical sources such as Fiore, Vadi, Tallhoffer, and Meyer.
All levels of experience are welcome.
Saturday, July 12th, 11:30am-4:30pm
Highland Park Community Center, Main Gymnasium
1978 Ford Pkwy.
Saint Paul, MN 55116
$45/person, Ages 16+
(under 18 requires parent/guardian signatures)
This workshop is limited to a max of 50 Students.
Registration link – Register for Dagger workshop with Jason Vail at St. Paul Freifechter | PushPress
Minimum equipment required for basic drills:
A Rubber/Plastic training dagger (Required) – the Cold Steel synthetic training rondel dagger is recommended.
A fencing mask (HIGHLY Recommended) to prevent any “accidental” contact..
Both of which are available through vendors such as Purpleheart Armoury in Texas (www.woodenswords.com)
For advanced sparring/drills, additional protection may be required – HEMA Gloves, jacket/gambeson, etc (rigid plastron and throat protection is *highly* recommended for this).
Bio (from Amazon):
Jason Vail is a writer of historical fiction and a martial artist who blends rich historical detail with realistic martial action. His martial arts career includes training in karate, jujutsu, judo, boxing, wrestling and mixed martial arts. Since 2001, he has been a student of historical European martial arts and is an avid longsword and backsword/broadsword fencer. However, his primary focus has been in reviving the dagger combat techniques found in the European fighting manuals dating back to 1409 not only because of their historical interest but also because of their usefulness in modern self-defense. The result of this study is his book Medieval and Renaissance Dagger Combat, published by Paladin Press.
In addition to Lone Star Rising: Voyage of the Wasp, Mr. Vail is the author of the Stephen Attebrook action/mystery series set in 13th century England, whose titles include The Wayward Apprentice, Baynard’s List and A Dreadful Penance.