Workshops

The workshops are for those who wish to participate in a practical taster of the systems presented by the various instructors, and are included within the booking fee. A Full list of workshops, classes and demonstrations is available (or shall be soon)on the programme page. As the availability of instructors is subject to change, so too is the schedule of classes and workshops.

WEAPONS
Be prepared. One cannot expect the instructors to provide weaponry and/or protective equipment for all attendees of a given workshop or class. Though it is possible, that there will be spare weapons available to borrow, you should not count on it. Therefore, as far as possible bring what you can. It should go without saying, that any weapons should be blunt and rebated if made of steel or should be a suitable wooden substitute. Please check over your kit before arrival to ensure that blunts are serviceable (not worn out), any steel is free of burrs or rust, and that any wasters, bokken or shinai are free from cracks or splinters. If the equipment is in any way faulty, please leave it at home.

Instructors will specify required equipment for any given interaction workshop. Please see programme listings.

SAFETY
Please assume that you must wear protective equipment to participate in any of the workshops, free-play or one-to-ones. Instructors will list necessary or required protective equipment for any particular workshop. If you cannot meet the instructor’s safety requirements, then you should not plan to participate in their workshop.

Bare minimum safety standards should be met as follows:

• A fencing mask (or suitable substitute depending on weapon used)
• A fencing jacket (or suitable substitute depending on weapon used)
• Gloves or gauntlets (may or may not be padded depending on weapons)
• A suitable gorget
• Breast protection for women and groin protection for men

As a fundamental rule, no bare skin may be exposed while engaging in armed combat
Please ensure your safety equipment is up to standards as we do not want some stupid injury preventing us using this venue again in the future.