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August 2007 Christian Tobler Seminar Presented by NYHFA, Mercenary Tailor, Purpleheart Armory and Albion Swords | |
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With clear blue skies overhead, an eager crowd of students gathered around a grassy field and watched as Christian Henry Tobler demonstrated the first play of the Zornhau, a longsword fencing technique that combines defense with an offensive thrust in a single movement. Hammers rang in the background as the smiths from Mercenary Tailor crafted a pair of Wisby gauntlets and hushed murmurs of excitement followed Dr. Lee Jones as he prepared to share antique medieval swords from his personal collection. While internationally recognized swordsmith Dan Maragni prepared for a late afternoon lecture and Christian Darcé of Purpleheart Armoury demonstrated the handling properties of his new line of steel-pommel wasters, the air filled with the scent of spices and delicacies as food was prepared for the hungry attendants.
If the above has given you the impression that the August 2007 Christian Tobler Gathering in Sandy Creek New York was much more than just a seminar, you would not be mistaken. The event was the work of NYHFA member Todd Sullivan, who organized and orchestrated the gathering at his home in northern New York State. Todd’s wife Tracy Sullivan and her friend Cheryl Mills worked tirelessly to feed all comers throughout the day and night, creating a staggering variety of food that left no one hungry. |
Christian Tobler and Michael Edelson demonstrate the first play of the Zornhau
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Christian and Mike demonstrate Johannes Liechtenauer's wrestling
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The Liechtenauer seminar consisted of two days of instruction in the various arts of the Liechtenauer tradition. The first day was dedicated to the unarmored techniques of the medieval longsword, while the second day was divided between wrestling, dagger combat and a demonstration on using the longsword in harnessfechten (fighting in armor).
Christian Tobler lectured on the history and philosophy of the Liechtenauer tradition, then demonstrated techniques at varying speeds with his assistant, NYHFA director Michael Edelson. Students then chose training partners and practiced what they were shown while Christian and Michael walked the grounds, offering assistance when it was needed. The class did exceptionally well in all regards; the level of energy was high and knowledge was absorbed at an exceptional rate. |
During breaks and in the late afternoon hours, seminar attendees were treated to a collection of modern and antique weapons and armor, courtesy of Albion swords and Mercenary Tailor. Allan Senefelder and Jason Perfetto brought an assortment of 15th, 16th and 17th century swords and armor, including a beautifully articulated pair of 16th century munitions gauntlets that stunned those who had never seen period armor in action. Along with the antiques, the guys from Mercenary Tailor brought an assortment of finely crafted reproduction armor from their own workshop. |
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 Attendes admire Mercenary Tailor's antique and original armor  People were very impressed by Mercenary Tailor's high quality affordable wares |
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At an adjacent table, a handful of Albion swords were presented for all to see, and while many wished there had been more of them, the fact that a cutting area with pool noodles and generously donated Sword Fodder cutting targets was just nearby assured everyone left with a smile on their face. |
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 Brendan Murphy at the Albion Round Table |
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Many seminar students were supplied with wasters by Christian Darce of Purpleheart Armoury, who showcased his new steel pommel waster. This new design offers more realistic balance and a comfortable leather-wrapped grip while maintaining Purpleheart’s legendary durability. |
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 Purpleheart Armoury Table |
 Addison de Lisle holding Purpleheart's new waster model |
| Dr. Lee Jones, internationally recognized authority on medieval swords gave a presentation about a few of the pieces in his collection. After Dr. Jones’ informative and inspiring presentation, he allowed seminar attendees the rare and priceless opportunity to actually handle the swords. Dr. Jones answered questions and seemed to delight in the interest people showed in his collection. For many of those gathered, this was the first time they had ever handled a genuine medieval sword. Some were humbled, others awed and most left with a profound sense of gratitude to Dr. Jones for making it possible. |
 Dr. Lee Jones speaking passionately about the medieval sword |
 Master Blade Smith Dan Maragni giving a presentation |
Sword and metallurgy enthusiasts were given a rare treat when Dan Maragni, master blade smith, gave not one but two presentations. The first was a lecture on the properties and characteristics of swords throughout the world, while the second was a hot forge demo were Dan demonstrated the forging of a knife right in front of enthralled spectators. After the first lecture, Dan gave Todd Sullivan a reproduction 12th century sword and asked that he try to break it. Todd and others put the sword through some harrowing drills, including chopping down a wooden pell, from which the sword emerged largely unscathed. A video of the test can be seen here: Die Pell Die! |
 Newcomers to WMA John Mills and his son Nick - both have since joined NYHFA |
Lance Mason(left), the Warden of Cape Vincent Prison, and John Mills(right), USAF Defensive Tactics Instructor
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| For many of those gathered, this was their first exposure to Western Martial Arts and Historical European Swordsmanship. Stereotypes were defied, myths exposed and expectations surpassed.
A good turnout of law enforcement and military personnel and their satisfaction with what they were taught showed that we are a point in the recreation of these lost arts that they are considered viable by people who rely on martial disciplines to protect life, limb and country. |
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Christian Tobler, Addison De Lisle, Jerry Durante, Mathieu Gauthier and Justin Kirck enjoy some delicious food courtesy of Tracy Sullivan and Cheryl Mills
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Jerry Durante at the turkey pit
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There was always something delicious to eat, but as a special treat, NYHFA’s own Jerry Durante prepared a pair of turkeys over a fire pit. Taking a long time to cook, the juicy and deliciously smoky birds were worth the wait. |
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Les Maîtres D'Armes from Canada - (left to right) Jean-François Gagné, Norman Piché, Mathieu Gauthier , Bernard Emmerich and Jason Smith
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Newcomers to WMA Allen Andrews and fiancé Jill Sawyer - Allen is a police officer in South Portland, Maine
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| As the event came to a close, friends new and old bid each other farewell. People were deeply appreciative of the efforts Todd and his family put into the event, and thanks to them it could not have turned out better. Now that the event is over, Todd is already planning the next one, and it is already promising to be even bigger and better than the last. | |
The Mumpton brothers at the Mercenary Tailor table
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Purpleheart Armoury's Christian Darcé looks on as Dr. Lee Jones speaks
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Journeyman Armor Smith Jason Perfetto of Mercenary Tailor working on a Wisby gauntlet
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Master Armor Smith Allan Senefelder of Mercenary Tailor
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Jason Perfetto showing Christian Tobler a 16th century battle axe
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Holy crap! It's real! - Michael Edelson admiring an antique sword while Christian Tobler and Dr. Lee Jones look on
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Brian Hook expressing his enthusian for the seminar
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Look at the flex on that gauntlet! - a closeup of some of Mercenary Tailor's antique pieces
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Christian Tobler posing with NYHFA members Brian Hook, Todd Sullivan, Jerry Durante, Justin Kirk, Andrew Lee and Michael Edelson by the Selohaar Fechtschule banner
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Christian Tobler(right) and Michael Edelson demonstrate harnessfechten - fighting in armor
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Christian Tobler wondering who is going to clean up this terrible mess
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The gang from Les Maîtres D'Armes admiring some wares
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Christian Tobler has a little Captain in him
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