Our Journey
Learn about the history of Black Boar, from our humble beginnings to the established historical fencing school we’ve become.
Founding Black Boar
Black Boar was founded in 2009 by Ian MacIntyre, out of a passion for the research and practice of historical sword arts. Ian has been part of the historical fencing community for decades, and is a well known and respected figure within it. One of Ian’s good friends, Philip Crawley, shared this keen interest for swordplay, and helped him to grow and evolve Black Boar since its early inception. Both Ian and Philip have dedicated many years to interpreting treatises from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, and have used this knowledge to develop teaching curriculum for both smallsword and military sabre.
When the school first started, it was in a small community hall in Fife, Scotland. Before long, as interest in historical fencing and membership increased, Black Boar came to the capital city, Edinburgh, where we’re now based.
Evolution
Today, Black Boar is an established and thriving historical fencing school. We have members from all over the UK, and remain dedicated to smallsword and military sabre tuition. Ian retired from fencing in 2022, and Philip now serves as Black Boar’s president and lead instructor. Alongside conducting research and teaching, he coordinates wider school governance and events.
UK and Global Connections
Black Boar has built strong relationships with many other historical fencing schools and the wider HEMA community, and we’re part of the British Federation for Historical Swordplay. Some of Black Boar’s earliest members have gone on to establish their own fencing schools, both in the UK and overseas, expanding their studies into more varied historical weapon systems.
In addition, we regularly participate in historical fencing events around the world, and have formed many friendships along the way. Black Boar is also the organiser and host of the annual international Smallsword Symposium, where we welcome guests from all corners of the globe to celebrate the art of smallsword.