May 14th: Four-Hour Longsword Workshop
Looking for a gift for that special someone? This is perfect! Give the gift of sword fighting to them. You can send him or her to the class, or you can attend with him! If you know of anyone that you think would enjoy this class, please pass the information onto them or give me a call for more information.
This is a four hour intensive class for the students of the sword that would like to attend class at the school but lives out of the area or just don't have the time to commit each week to class.
Every month we gather for four hours to study the long sword. The first three hours are spent on the curriculum of the school and the final hour is spent working on a specific technique from Fior dei Battaglia (Flos Duellatorum written in 1409).
DEMAS has loaner equipment for the students that do not have their own swords or helmets, all you need to bring are gloves. If you have your own wasters and helmet, please bring them with you.
We will be working outside with masks and maintaining an appropriate distance to protect ourselves, our friends, and our family.
Dress of the day is sweats, a t-shirt, and comfortable shoes.
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: 3266 De La Cruz
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Cost: $80 in advance
$90 at the door
May 15th: Be S.A.F.E. Self Defense
We have all heard about the person who has become a statistic. Most of you figure it’s not going to happen to you. You’re right, chances are it won’t. However, we have to hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. We are on the road a lot, traveling, meeting people, and some have kids that are preparing to go off to college or high school.
You can take this class for your own peace of mind or give the gift of safety to someone you care about. If you know of anyone that you think would enjoy this class, please pass the information onto them or give me a call for more information.
Self-defense does not require a lot of physical strength, if you understand how to use an attacker’s strength against him. You don’t need to be stronger than your attacker, nor do you need to be a black belt to be safe. Learn ways to protect yourself with a 600-year-old Italian Martial Art. Be safe in the future, while drawing from the strengths of the past.
Effective use of your hands and everyday objects around you for your personal protection is easy to learn and practice. Regardless of your age or physical fitness, it is never too late to learn to be safe, NOT be a victim.
The Be S.A.F.E. class is a set of awareness, assertiveness, verbal skills with safety strategies and physical techniques that enable someone to successfully escape, resist and survive violent attacks. The course provides psychological awareness and verbal skills, not just physical training.
Empowerment is the goal of this class. When you feel free and empowered, you are better able to go where you need to and do what you need to do without fear or unease because you have options, techniques and a way of analyzing situations that help you to Be S.A.F.E.
Dress of the day is sweats, a t-shirt and comfortable shoes.
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: 3266 De La Cruz
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Cost: $80 in advance
$90 at the door
Davenriche European
Martial Arts School
Look to the Future, while Drawing from the Strengths of the Past
Children's Sword Classes
Squires 5-8 yrs old
We are starting a new program for children between the ages 5-8 years old. Coach Phoenix has been teaching children for 28 years and instructing the children’s swordfighting classes at Davenriche European Martial Artes School since 2021. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they can provide not just skill development, but a fun and safe environment for students to learn how to move, interact with other children, and learn to be in control of their own bodies.
Using our specially designed, age-appropriate, foam training swords, students will develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination as they are introduced to basic sword skills. Each week the students will have an opportunity to learn and develop an appreciation for history through examining artifacts, doing hands-on crafts, and storytelling. They will also learn social/emotional skills such as how to work with others, self-control, respect for themselves and others, responsibility, patience, and good sportsmanship, all while having fun.
The Squire’s class will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-4:45 PM starting June 16. The squires can attend one or both classes each week. The first 5 students enrolled in the class will get the month of June free.
The training from the Squires class will allow them to move into the next level of training for children called the Dragon Slayers for ages 8-13 years old. If the child is 8 years or older they can start in the Dragon Slayer's class.
Class Schedule:
Tuesday 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Thursday 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Instructors:
Coach Phoenix
Dragon Slayers 8-13 yrs old
Available to children ages 8 to 13, Dragon Slayers is a challenging and fun program for kids who dream of being a musketeer, pirate, or knight.
Using our specially designed, age-appropriate Level I, foam training swords, students will learn the the same swordfighting techniques as in the adult classes, only presented in an age-appropriate manner. Starting with soft "boffer" swords, our Dragon Slayers learn confidence and control in both attack and defense. When they are ready to move on to our Level II solid core foam swords and eventually wooden "waster" swords. Dragon Slayers who complete the program graduate into the Teen Longsword class or the adult Longsword class.
Class Schedule:
Tuesday 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Instructors:
Coach Phoenix
Coach John
Teen Longsword 13-15 yrs old
The Teen Longsword class follows the curriculum of the adult longsword class. The students in this class will use the wooden or synthetic swords that the adults use in class.
The Teen Longsword class is designed for the teen students that are too old for the Dragon Slayers, but not quite ready to commit to the adult longsword class and train with the adults. At the age of 15 or 16 the students are welcome to graduate to the adult classes. They are welcome to attend the longsword classes or any of the other classes offered at DEMAS.
Class Schedule:
Sunday 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Instructors:
Coach Phoenix
What To Expect From A Class
Students are expected to attend class at least once a week but twice a week is recommended. This allows a student to progress rapidly in skill and provides a greater sense of accomplishment.
Students are expected to arrive at class at least 5 minutes early and ready to participate in the class. Each class will start with a warm-up and skills review. Drills are combined with strategy and technique in a playful way to engage the mind and build dexterity and endurance. Each class ends with competitive exercises that allow students to challenge their abilities in a safe and engaging way and enjoy swordplay. DEMAS instructors are always available for questions and to work on technique.
The first few classes are designed to familiarize students with the basic body movements of medieval swordfighting. We start with padded swords for the small children, heavier padded weapons for the older children and wooden swords as the children get older. The wooden swords will help to accustom them to the weight of the sword. Our practice swords are used, often along with other safety gear (masks, safety glasses, gloves), in full-speed and full-contact activities that allow the students to practice the techniques learned in class safely.
All equipment and safety gear needed by the student is provided when the students start, but students are encouraged to procure their own equipment as they progress in the class. Comfortable clothes, shoes and gloves are recommended. Unlined leather gloves are best but cotton gloves offer comfort between sword and hand. When the students move to the heavier swords, hockey or lacrosse gloves can be worn for added protection.
Membership & Sign-up
Before signing up for our program we recommend that you bring your child for a complimentary trial class at any of our regularly scheduled times. Space may be limited, so we recommend calling ahead, or signing up online.