Nonpro t
BY JONATHAN PERRIELLO
Under a pavilion at McPherson park in Col- leyville, a group of combatants swing swords and shields aloft as the instructor critiques their form. At another part of the pavilion, a pair of stu- dents thumbs through a historical manuscript. This is a typical class for Vier Blössen Historical Fencing, a club that teaches medieval sword ghting, President Donny McKay said. The club is a local chapter a liated with the nonpro t Historical European Martial Arts Alliance, McKay said. The group meets weekly in dedication to sharing knowledge about di erent sword- ghting systems and weapons dating back to the 1400s. The namesake denotes a concept that serves as a visual representation of angles of attack when manipulating swords. The backstory The Colleyville chapter began in 2016, teaching a style of German longsword, side sword and Dusack, a cutlass-like saber, McKay said. After McKay joined, he brought with him knowledge of the sword and buckler, a system that pairs a sin- gle-handed sword with a small, center-gripped shield. In 2022 McKay became president. The club likes to remain exible in its teachings based on student interest. “It’s very individualistic,” McKay said. The details Classes are o ered three days a week, and Swords clash at Vier Blössen Historical Fencing in Colleyville
The group meets weekly in dedication to sharing knowledge about di erent sword- ghting systems and weapons by analyzing historical texts dating back to the 1400s.
COURTESY VIER BLÖSSEN HISTORICAL FENCING
students can pay monthly or per class. Students train with blunt metal blades that allows them to train safely while still experienc- ing the heft of real weaponry, McKay said. People of all sorts can nd enjoyment in the training, McKay said. Some might join because they are intrigued by the history behind it; others followed a path from books, video games and other mediums of fantasy ction. There are even elements of geometry involved. “It’s a physical activity that keeps us healthy and keeps us engaged, and keeps us tied in with the community,” McKay said.
MCPHEARSON PL.
W. MCDONWELL SCHOOL RD.
N
McPherson Park, 240 W. McDonwell School Road, Colleyville www.vierblossen.com
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