Smallsword Symposium
The world’s first and largest event celebrating the art of smallsword, an elegant weapon for a more civilised age.
Hosted each year in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, participants will experience an exciting weekend of workshops and social activities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet, network and socialise with the global historical fencing / HEMA community.
2025 Event
This year’s Smallsword Symposium officially takes place from Friday 3rd October to Sunday 5th October 2025.
Friday 3rd October - evening meet and greet social
Saturday 4th October - workshops, free play and evening meal social
Sunday 5th October - workshops, free play and evening farewell social
We recommend participants arrive in Edinburgh on Friday, to allow time to settle in and rest before the event gets into full swing on Saturday morning.
Timetable
A breakdown of the event schedule. Please note, activities and timings may be subject to change.
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Evening - Meet and Greet Social (Beehive Inn)
Come along to say hello and socialise with your fellow fencers from around the world! Black Boar members will be there to facilitate meet and greets. This informal evening is the perfect way to relax after your travels and will take place in the dedicated upstairs bar of the Beehive Inn, located on the Grassmarket. You’ll be able to order food and drinks.
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09:15 to 09:45 - Registration
Check-in with our event organisers and complete health and safety documents.
09:45 to 10:00 - Warmup
Get yourself limbered up and kitted up for the day!
10:00 to 11:00 - Workshops
Option 1 - Where There’s Hope (Emanuel Meyer)
This workshop explores The Scots Fencing Master by Sir William Hope, published in 1687 and one of the earliest smallsword treatises. While often overshadowed by his later New Method, this earlier work offers unique insight into both the art and Hope’s personal views on fencing techniques. Held in Edinburgh - where Hope once served as Lieutenant Governor of the Castle and wrote much of his work - the Smallsword Symposium provides the perfect setting to revisit this historical text and examine what constituted cutting-edge smallsword practice in the city over 300 years ago.
Option 2 - TBC (Tobias Zimmerman)
Details coming soon.
11:00 to 11:15 - Break
Catch your breath and rehydrate before the next session.
11:15 to 12:15 - Workshops
Option 1 - Aphantasia on a Theme by Hutton with Hope-ful Variations (Bethan Jenkins)
This workshop explores fencing without the use of sight, focusing on developing proprioception - our body’s awareness in space - to improve technique and responsiveness. Drawing inspiration from Hutton’s ‘blindfold’ lessons and echoing Sir William Hope’s insight on ‘supplying sight with feeling’, participants will learn to rely on internal cues rather than visual ones. The class features the unique Contra-Caveating parade as an ideal method for sightless fencing. This is not a class on Hutton’s fencing system, and the hanging guard in Seconde will not be covered due to time constraints.
Option 2 - I Got Double Trouble, Twice as Much as Anybody Else (Philip Crawley)
This workshop focuses on the core actions of attack and defence using sword and dagger. Participants will explore techniques for both offense and protection in paired work. Daggers will be provided; basic fencing gear is required. The class is led by Philip, President and Instructor of the Black Boar Swordsmanship School in Edinburgh. A historical fencer since 1996, Philip specialises in the French schools of the long 18th century. Outside of fencing, he works in mental health with a focus on addiction and recovery - and serves as butler to the sighthounds who rule his home!
12:15 to 13:15 - Lunch
A well earned break to grab a bite to eat and recharge.
13:15 to 14:15 - Workshops
Option 1 - TBC (Isaac Humber)
Details coming soon.
Option 2 - TBC (Martin Dougherty)
Details coming soon.
14:15 to 14:30 - Break
Catch your breath and rehydrate before the next session.
14:30 to 15:30 - Workshops
Option 1 - Opportunities to Attack (Greig Watson)
When is the right moment to attack in smallsword fencing? This workshop explores how to judge the timing of a safe and effective thrust amid engagements, disengagements, beats, feints, and ripostes. Using Italian sources - though applicable to any style - the session examines decision-making in offence. Greig is the founder and head instructor of Edinburgh Renaissance Fencing Academy (ERFA). He began fencing in 2002, later becoming an instructor at DDS before founding ERFA in 2014. He specialises in Italian fencing from the 16th-19th centuries and teaches nationally and internationally.
Option 2 - Free Play (Social Fencing)
Enjoy some good natured fencing and duels with your fellow participants.
15:30 to 16:45 - Free Play (Social Fencing)
Enjoy some good natured fencing and duels with your fellow participants.
Evening - Meal and Social (Beehive Inn)
Lay down your arms and get spruced up for a lovely buffet style meal and evening of good company and witty banter. We’ll be in the dedicated upstairs bar of the Beehive Inn, located on the Grassmarket. Food is provided and you’ll be able to order your own drinks.
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09:15 to 09:45 - Registration
Check-in with our event organisers and complete health and safety documents.
09:45 to 10:00 - Warmup
Get yourself limbered up and kitted up for the day!
10:00 to 11:00 - Workshops
Option 1 - TBC (Tim Klotz)
Details coming soon.
Option 2 - Free Play (Social Fencing)
Enjoy some good natured fencing and duels with your fellow participants.
11:00 to 11:15 - Break
Catch your breath and rehydrate before the next session.
11:15 to 12:15 - Workshops
Option 1 - Smallsword Vs Broadsword (Mike Smith)
This workshop examines the classic clash of cut versus thrust - broadsword against smallsword - through the lens of historical masters. Participants will explore how the smallsword can be adapted to counter the cutting power of the broadsword in this dynamic match-up. Mike is the founder of the Cat’s Glove School of Traditional Defence in Edinburgh, and the class draws on his experience since 2004, including international teaching in Italy, Malta, and Canada. Forearm protectors are recommended for this class.
Option 2 - Free Play (Social Fencing)
Enjoy some good natured fencing and duels with your fellow participants.
12:15 to 13:15 - Lunch
A well earned break to grab a bite to eat and recharge.
13:15 to 14:15 - Free Play (Social Fencing)
Enjoy some good natured fencing and duels with your fellow participants.
14:15 to 14:30 - Break
Catch your breath and rehydrate before the next session.
14:30 to 16:45 - Free Play (Social Fencing)
Enjoy some good natured fencing and duels with your fellow participants. There may even be some fun fencing games to end the event…
Evening - Farewell Social (Grassmarket)
Alas, all good things come to an end (until next year of course)! Enjoy a final evening of festivities to wrap up the event in style. We’ll confirm a location soon.
Location
Where the event takes place and how to get there.
Event Venue
The event will be held at the Heriot’s Centre for Sport and Exercise, a modern sports facility located in the heart of Edinburgh just off the Grassmarket. You must access the venue from the Grassmarket, and go up a small side street called Hunter’s Close where you’ll find the main entry gate. Press buzzer 2 on the intercom and the centre’s staff will let you in.
If you’re unsure where to go, check our Google Maps listing for help with navigation.
Facilities
Fencing will take place across 2 exercise halls, the larger of which contains a dedicated viewing area. Changing rooms, toilets and shower facilities are located throughout the building, and there are water fountains available to stay hydrated.
Please note, there are no secure lockers at the venue. Whilst personal belongings and gear can be stored in the viewing area and changing rooms, Black Boar bears no responsibility for any items participants choose to leave unattended.
Social Venue
Our Friday and Saturday evening social festivities will be at the Beehive Inn on the Grassmarket. We’ve secured exclusive use of the upstairs bar, a spacious and atmospheric function suite where drinks and food can be ordered. For our Sunday evening social, we’ll confirm the location nearer the time.
Travel
Find out how to get to, from and around Edinburgh.
Airport
If you’re flying, Edinburgh airport is located just outside the city limits with regular bus, tram and taxi connections into the city centre.
Train
For those coming by train, check out the Scotrail website for timetable information to and from Edinburgh’s famous Waverley station.
Buses and Trams
Edinburgh boasts regular and reliable transport options all across the city. Lothian Buses run daily with connections to all major areas, and Edinburgh Trams offer smooth transport between key location such as the airport and Princes Street.
Car
If you intend to travel by car, please be aware that parking in Edinburgh is very restricted. You’ll typically need to pay for street parking, and some areas of the city are classified as low emission zones where additional fees may be incurred. Luckily, there’s a host of trusted taxi services available day and night, such as Edinburgh’s City Cabs.
Accommodation and Meals
Important information about accommodation in Edinburgh, and amenities near the event venue.
Where to Stay
Whilst accommodation isn’t included in the ticket price, there are plenty of options within Edinburgh to suit all budgets. We can’t give specific recommendations, but you’ll find a large selection of hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels and Airbnb options throughout the city. We strongly suggest using established and reputable booking sites when securing your accommodation. Some suggestions include:
Please note, with Edinburgh being a popular destination year-round, accommodation can book up fast and get very expensive when it’s left until the last minute. We recommend participants book accommodation early to ensure the best locations and prices.
Food and Drink
A buffet style meal will be provided on Saturday evening, and is included in the ticket price. There will also be light refreshments available (coffee, tea, etc) at the event venue on Saturday and Sunday. Participants will need to purchase their own food and drinks the rest of the time, as needed.
Local Amenities
Whether its breakfast, lunch or dinner, drinks and snacks, or essential supplies, there’s a wealth of options to choose from within Edinburgh. Near the Grassmarket you’ll find a huge selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars offering lots of culinary choice. Explore a bit further and the possibilities are endless! Whatever you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone and the majority of establishments are happy to cater for any special dietary requirements.
What to Bring
The equipment and supplies you’ll need to provide for yourself.
Fencing Gear
Participants must bring their own fencing gear. This includes appropriate safety equipment (fencing mask, jacket, gloves, etc) and blunt training weapons (smallsword simulators). Limited school kit is available to borrow on a first come first served basis.
For more information on what gear is appropriate, visit our equipment and weapons pages. If you have any questions, or you’re unsure whether your gear is suitable, please contact us.
Travel Insurance
We recommend participants have an appropriate travel insurance policy that provides medical cover, loss / damage for equipment and luggage, cancellation cover, etc. It’s always a good idea to plan for the unexpected, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
General Items
Participants should bring any general supplies that they’ll need during their trip. Don’t forget to pack any important documents you might need, money / cards, extra clothing, toiletries and medications, and of course, your phone charger and a UK power adaptor!
Booking and Payment
Tickets cost £150 per person and can be purchased from our online shop.
You must be aged 18 years or over to attend the event. Participants must adhere to our safety standards and rules. All sales are subject to our terms of use.