Event Calendar

There is a link to the BFSA calendar above in the menu-bar. In addition you can subscribe to the Black Falcon School of Arms calendar on Google calendars, here's a link.

Study Focus

It's the Year of Silver! For our 25th (Silver) Anniversary, we will be working through all of George Silver's Brief Instructions Upon my Paradoxes of Defence. Silver practices will take place after our other weapon focus (Degrassi's rapier until October/November). Wednesday night focus is currently English Longsword based on the Harley MS

"Open" Practice

Members in good standing* are eligible to participate regular training sessions with the Black Falcon School of Arms. Regular Practice for the BFSA takes place every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Lions Basketball Gym at 3790 N Weber. All students and Schollers are expected to attend this practice.

Additional training occurs on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Lions Wrestling Gym which is right next door to the basketball gym.

Interested newcomers are encouraged to drop by and ask questions during our regular sessions. Please drop us a line first so we know to expect you.

Required Equipment

Required equipment for basic practice consists of: a practice sword and a fencing mask, although allowances will be made for new students. Schollers or those who plan to test for the rank of scholler must own equipment as listed in the ranking section.

Sparring Days

The last Saturday of every month is usually a sparring day. On sparring days, we invite all BFSA members as well as those from other HEMA clubs to participate in live sparring. Non-members are required to sign a waiver and be validated by a Scholler or above before being permitted to participate freely

Required equipment for sparring is as follows:

• Fencing mask: Masks must be in good condition - i.e., without dents, cracks, rust, be misshapen or exhibit any other form of overuse that demonstrates it may be unsuitable for protection.
• Throat protector: Must be adjusted to cover the throat and not hang loose.
• Fencing jacket or gambeson without open gaps that covers the full arm
• Groin protector (optional for women)
• Hand Protection: Hard shell gauntlets are highly encouraged (metal or plastic). Lesser hand protection is acceptable for lighter weapons.
• RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
  • Protection for the back of the head and neck
  • Hard elbow and knee protection that also protects the side of the joint
  • Chest protector
  • Hard protection for shins

*Member in Good Standing

A member in good standing has satisfactorily completed the introductory course (or been granted an exception by a Rector), is current on their monthly dues, and is not in violation of any of the BFSA's by-laws, rules, or standards of conduct. Follow the links to the introductory course in order to sign up to become a member of the BFSA.