Our School
Learn about the history of Black Boar, from our humble beginnings to the established historical fencing school we’ve become.
Founding Black Boar
The Black Boar Swordsmanship School (known simply as Black Boar) was conceived in 2009 by Ian MacIntyre, out of a passion for the research and teaching of historical sword arts. Ian’s long-time friend, Phil Crawley, has assisted him with running the school since its early inception.
Both Ian and Phil are well respected figures within the historical fencing community, and have dedicated years to interpreting European weapon treatises from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This knowledge was used to develop Black Boar’s smallsword and military sabre curriculum, which remains faithful to the source texts.
Our Journey
When the school first started, it was based 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 of Edinburgh, where our main Chapter is now located.
Today, Black Boar continues to grow and evolve. Ian officially retired from historical fencing in 2022, and Phil took on the mantle of president and lead instructor. Alongside research and teaching, he coordinates wider school governance and events. With the ongoing expansion of our activities and community, senior Black Boar members support Phil with class teaching and school administration.
UK and Global Connections
Black Boar has built strong relationships with many other historical fencing schools, and we’re part of the British Federation for Historical Swordplay. Some of our earliest members have gone on to establish their own schools, both in the UK and overseas, expanding the study of sword arts into ever varied weapon styles.
We regularly connect with the wider HEMA community by participating in events all over the world, and we’ve formed many friendships along the way. Black Boar is also the organiser and host of the annual Smallsword Symposium, the world’s first and largest event dedicated to smallsword, where we welcome guests from all corners of the globe.