About the Academia della Spada

The Academia della Spada is a school for the art and science of defense. Opening its doors in 1998, the academy offered instruction to those interested in exploring 16th Century historical Italian systems of sword play, which at the time was an area of study barely touched upon by most in the fencing community. Today, the academy has greatly expanded its curriculum and focus under the direction of its two primary instructors Cecil Longino and Nathan Barnett. 

Historical fencing, typically considered fencing arts that predate the 19th Century, has grown considerably in popularity and interest over the past ten years both in the United States and abroad.

The academy is dedicated to reviving and maintaining the historical martial traditions of Western Europe. We do this through dedicated research, practice, and proper application of both theory and technique. The historical fencing classes taught at the academy are Medieval sword and buckler, Italian longsword, English backsword and Italian rapier. While we strive to faithfully reconstruct these fencing systems from their original treatises, we are equally influenced by the living wisdom of today’s classically trained fencing Masters. Aside from the historical weapons, the academy also offers classes in classical European martial arts through the Salle Saint-George.

Potential students are encouraged to contact the academy and arrange a time to participate in one of the available classes (phone: 206-849-9414).