Antoni Olbrychski – Competitive Longsword Fencing

Seminar on Saturday / Open Hall on Sunday

In this seminar, Antoni Olbrychski, an internationally acclaimed fencer and instructor, will delve into the intricacies of competitive longsword fencing. This session is designed to help participants enhance their performance by focusing on the most effective actions and exercises specifically tailored for competitive contexts.

Participants will explore how different HEMA rulesets (Polish, Slovakian, Scandinavian) emphasize various aspects of combat. Antoni will guide you through the tactical wheel of fencing, showing how training under different rules can help you identify and improve weaker areas in your fencing technique.

Key topics include:

• The specifics of competitive longsword training
• Techniques for avoiding doubles during attacks
• Effective strategies for countering undercuts to the hands
• Understanding the benefits and risks of training with Right of Way
• Identifying and developing a fencer’s special skills

The workshop will blend technical exercises with task-based sparring, providing a comprehensive approach to mastering competitive longsword fencing.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or looking to sharpen your skills, this seminar offers valuable insights into the tactical and technical aspects of fencing under various rulesets, helping you become a more versatile and effective fencer.

FULL TOURNAMENT GEAR IS NEEDED!

Antoni Olbrychski – Historian and Fencing Instructor

Antoni Olbrychski brings 17 years of fencing expertise and 9 years of dedicated HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) training to the arena. As a highly accomplished competitor, Antoni has secured multiple medals in prestigious tournaments such as the Helsinki Longsword Open, Swordfish, European Games, and the Polish Championships, among many others.

Currently, Antoni is recognized as the top-ranked fencer in the world according to HEMA Ratings, reflecting his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. His competitive focus spans across several disciplines, including longsword, saber, and sword and buckler.

In addition to his competitive success, Antoni is an esteemed instructor at Akademia Szermierzy in Warsaw, where he shares his extensive knowledge and passion for fencing with students of all levels. His experience as both a historian and a fencing expert makes him a distinguished figure in the world of HEMA.