About Us

Welcome

Honor Above All!

Diamond Rose Academie D’ Armes

Diamond Rose Academie d'Armes school of fencing is dedicated to teaching and promoting an appreciation of the fundamental techniques and core principles of this Western European Martial Art. Our instructor Chris Atkinson started this school in 2000, he has been fencing since 1997 and has studied martial arts of many forms since he was a child. Chris teaches safety, courtesy and honor above all else. We study and practice the fighting systems from the 15th through the 17th centuries, with an emphasis on the short sword and historical rapier combat. Students learn the use of the rapier and short sword and the use of secondary weapons, such as; the dagger, cane, cloak, buckler, as well as the open hand. There are three different classes, in separate locations Auburn, Nevada City and Marysville.

Why learn the art of historical fencing? - There are many competitive sport fencing schools and organizations but there are very few schools that teach the art of renaissance fencing. Students are instructed in the methods of fencing that were considered an art and a way of life during the age of the Renaissance. The art of fencing is very different from the sport of fencing or sport fencing that you see at the Olympics. The most obvious difference is two white jacketed fencers attached by a wire to a scoring machine bouting each other on a little strip of gymnasium using thin metal foils or watching a bout between two noble gentlemen clad in renaissance finery outside in a grassy fencing area. During the renaissance, fencing was an important part of a well-rounded education. Honor was everything during this era. Gentlemen and ladies learned the art of fencing and knew that someone well versed with a sword was not one to be trifled with. Students learn that historical fencing requires discipline, practice and dedication to become mastered and most of all it is safe, fun and fosters camaraderie between classmates and opponents. Our maestro Chris Atkinson. teaches "Honor above all".

The art of fencing is grounded in the principles of chivalry.

Chief among these principles are respect for others, honor and fair play. The members of our school shall be dedicated to the development and pursuit of these principles within themselves through the study, appreciation and practice of the art of fencing. We encourage students to strive to uphold these principles not only in the arena of their art but also in their daily lives within their respective communities.

Throughout this website you will find much information related to historical fencing and links to assist you even further. Our newcomer information page is a good place to start for basic information and frequently asked questions. Many hours can be enjoyed, surfing the thousands of pages of education and photos. Compiled by our Courtier and Web Mistress Debbie for her years of dedication, Thank you! Some great places to visit are the links pages and articles such as: fencing articles, links, historical fencing masters, information on equipment requirements, articles on Renaissance garb and, most of all, information on how to register for class so you can get started. Please feel free to contact Katie or Debbie by email regarding class locations or questions about the fascinating style of rapier fencing that is taught. The classrooms are always open to visitors.

In addition to The Academie, we have a guild that is a non-profit Renaissance Guild. It is an educational organization that participates in many functions to promote historical fencing, the Renaissance lifestyle and the history of the Huguenots. Some of these functions throughout the year include, active demonstrations , festivals, tournaments at Renaissance Faires, tournaments with other schools at other locations or events, fundraising events for local children's organizations, and events organized by the Diamond Rose for the purpose of promoting our students and school. For some events we even provide the Huguenot Guards. There is a wealth of information on historical fencing, renaissance life and times, fencing equipment, sportsmanship, fencing articles, old time fencing masters and renaissance attire on the website.

Competitions with other groups - Renaissance faires and revels are a few of the venues we use to compete in a friendly atmosphere with other fencing students, and to share our love of the history. Competition with other groups assists the student and teacher to assess the student's progress in skill and technique and is the best way to focus future fencing lessons. These event are where all the practice pays off. We become a fencing family and revel in the best parts of days long past. We look forward to sharing our love of this fun and exciting sport where we put...

"Honor Above All"