SabreSlash 2025 is an annual event established with the aim of promoting the art of sabre fencing in its various historical forms. It is open to all historical sabre fencing stylists of all levels and will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, September 27 - 28 2025.
This year marks a very special occasion, the 130th anniversary of the very first International Fencing Tournament in foil and sabre for amateurs held in Prague in June 1895, attended by Maestro Luigi Barbasetti as a member of the jury as well as a fencing performer at the fencing academy held as a highlight of the event. This very important and almost forgotten tournament was the milestone, which set the course for the military as well as civilian sabre fencing development for decades to come.
To commemorate and celebrate this special occasion, SabreSlash 2025 organizers have prepared for you a very special program. This year we will host several distinguished guest instructors from abroad who will present in their workshops the development of sabre fencing from the 17th century Polish Hussars sabre, through the mid-19th century French method of Contre-Pointe, up to the second half of the 19th century Italian method of Giuseppe Radaelli, concluded by the late 19th century method of Luigi Barbasetti.
The organizers, Barbasetti Military Sabre (since 1895) and Ars Dimicatoria Prague, are proud to announce that this year we will host a number of distinguished guest instructors from abroad, namely Leonard Marynowski from Wroclaw, Poland, Jean-Francois Gilles from Paris, France, Franco Burberi from Milano, Italy, Andrei Xuereb from Valetta, Malta, and if the odds are in favour, Jim Emmons from Oregon, USA, will joins us as well.
For this year we have also developed a brand-new sabre fencing tourney trademarked “RandomSlash”, in which “everybody can fence with anybody as long as anyone likes”. Basically, anyone can join in fun with sabres for as long anyone likes. More detailed tourney rules will be disclosed soon.
SabreSlash 2025 program:
- “Fighting in Polish Hussar Armour”, workshop run by Leonard Marynowski, Signum Polonicum, Wroclaw, Poland.
- “Introduction to the French Contre-Pointe”, workshop run by Jean-Francois, La Salle d'Armes, Tour d'Auvergne, Paris, France.
- “The use of the 'pie fermo' during our fight”, workshop run by Andrei Xuereb, Malta Historical Fencing Association, Malta.
- “Sforzo di Cambiamento in Radaelli´s fencing method”, workshop run by Franco Burberi, FISAS, Milano, Italy.
- “Feints by the Filo in Barbasetti fencing method”, workshop led by Michael Kňažko, Barbasetti Military Sabre (since 1895), Prague, Czech Republic.
- “RandomSlash”, a brand-new tourney.
- “SabreSlash Moustache Challenge”. As always, all gentlemen are encouraged to attend the event wearing a fully grown 1900´s style moustache. The wearer of the most classical moustache will be awarded a very special prize.
Detailed SabreSlash 2025 program as well as guest instructors´ bios will follow shortly.
Workshops and tourney requirements:
- own complete protective sabre fencing gear (mask, jacket, a pair of gloves, throat and groin protectors – all compulsory), own sabre for workshops
-own sabres for „ RandomSlash 2025 “.
Instructors:
Master of Arms, Leonard Marynowski, Signum Polonicum, Wroclaw, Poland.
Master of Arms, Jean-Francois, La Salle d'Armes, Tour d'Auvergne, Paris, France.
Master of Arms, Andrei Xuereb, Malta Historical Fencing Association, Malta.
Master of Arms, Franco Burberi, FISAS, Milano, Italy
Jim Emmons, Barbasetti Military Sabre (since 1895), Oregon, USA.
Master of Arms, Leonid Křížek, Barbasetti Military Sabre (since 1895), Prague, Czech Republic.
Master of Arms, Michael Kňažko, Barbasetti Military Sabre (since 1895), Prague, Czech Republic.
Host:
Barbasetti Military Sabre (since 1895), Prague, Czech Republic
Ars Dimicatoria School of Historical Fencing, Prague, Czech Republic
Place:
Main gym of the Primary School Emy Destinnové, náměstí Svobody 930/3, 160 00 Prague 6 Bubeneč 160 00, Czech Republic
Price: EUR 120
Official T-shirt: EUR 20
To reserve your place contact Mr. Michael Knazko
via e-mail:
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Please note: The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the event program. The organizers also reserve the right to cancel the event wholly should unforeseen circumstances or/and risks to public health arise.
Also check out other Sports events in Prague, Workshops in Prague.
