The copy: As part of the official opening of the Higgins Academy of the Sword in October 2009, the Higgins Armory is proud to offer a new introductory course on rapier swordplay. Based on material drawn from both living tradition and the writings of Agrippa, Capo Ferro, Fabris, Marcelli, and Bondi di Mazo, The Art of the Rapier will teach students the principles and application of the rapier in a safe, progressive, ordered, easy-to-understand manner while increasing their level of fitness, learning correct biomechanics, and having fun. Subject matter will progress from stance and footwork to individual and partner drills, use of the dagger with rapier, how to apply universal principles to specific tactical situations, and free fencing. No prerequisites; minimum age is 18 (16 with instructor’s permission; 14 with a participating parent).

The Time: Saturdays, 2-3:30 PM beginning October 31 and ending November 21

The Fee: $125; $100 for Museum Members

The Instructor: Ken Mondschein is the translator of Camillo Agrippa's seminal 1553 rapier treatise, an advanced Ph.D student in medieval history at Fordham University, a second-degree black belt in karate, a classical and historical fencer of some twelve years' experience in both the US and Europe, and will be taking his moniteur's practical this weekend, so wish him luck .