Classes at the Ithaca Youth Bureau

The Ithaca Youth Bureau is currently closed until further notice.

The next intro series class is not scheduled.
Classes are held at the Ithaca Youth Bureau, at 1 James L Gibbs Drive (near the entrance to Stewart Park) 
Ten Sunday afternoons from 2:30-3:30pm

For ages 10-up. Teens, parents and other adults welcome. 
All equipment provided. 

Ten weeks, $100 
To register, contact the Ithaca Youth Bureau at 273-8364 or IYB@cityofithaca.org 

You can also register online, at IYB Recreation's Website


Competence in the skills we teach in this class is a prerequisite for Classical Fencing II. Students often take this class more than once.

 

The classes we hold at the Ithaca Youth Bureau facility are part of our introductory series of classes. This currently includes two different classes, with the addition of a new class coming soon. While it is possible for a student to begin with individual lessons, many topics benefit from a group presentation and having fellow students to learn with is an enjoyable part of the process.

 

Introduction to Swordmastery: Classical Fencing 

This is our foundational class, and all students should begin here. 

An introduction to the True Art, Science and Spirit of the Sword. 
Classical Fencing is one element of Swordmastery, the martial art that uses the practice of the sword to cultivate self-mastery. 
A skill-based activity, much like music, the student must acquire a certain degree of technical ability before being capable of meaningful practice with a partner. 
For safety reasons, we never permit students to practice with a partner before they have acquired that level of skill. 
Bouting (sparring) is an element of practice that is inappropriate for entry-level students and will not be a part of this class. 

We cover the basics of footwork and the beginning of bladework in a very organized and sequential way. 
Because each class builds on the one before it, and leads to the one after it, it is important not to miss classes. 

Please consider your schedule and the dates of the classes before registering. 
A student who misses two classes in a row, or more than two total may not be able to continue in the class, and will not be able to progress without repeating the entire series. 
We currently run this class three times per year: in the Fall (Sept-Nov), in the Winter (Jan-Apr), and in the Spring (Apr-Jun). 

This class is open to students from the ages of 10-up, and adults (especially parents!) are welcome. 
The lower age requirement of 10 years old is for developmental reasons.  We find that younger children are rarely ready for the physical and mental demands of the class, which creates a safety concern for all involved.

 

CLASSICAL FENCING II

This class is designed to take students who have done well in the Intro class, and help them gain the skills and knowledge required for promotion to the first rank in our school.  
We will focus both on the etude, and on the beginnings of partner work.  
Classes are normally held for ten  Sundays.
There are currently no classes scheduled as the space is unavailable until further notice.
At the Ithaca Youth Bureau, at 1 James L Gibbs Drive (near the entrance to Stewart Park)  
Sunday afternoons from 3:30-4:30pm  
For ages 10-up. You must have completed the Intro class at least once AND have the Master's invitation.  
Teens, parents and other adults welcome.  
All equipment provided.  

Six weeks, $65  
To register, contact the Ithaca Youth Bureau at 273-8364 or IYB@cityofithaca.org  

You can also register online, at IYB Recreation's Website

 

SECRETS OF THE SWORD: FACT VS FICTION

This is a short series of classes intended to provide an overview of four of the weapons that we teach: Longsword, Rapier, Smallsword, and Sabre. 
It is designed to dispel some of the myths people believe about swords that come from living in a society where people no longer carry swords, where the only place people see them is in some way a fantasy. Students who take this series of classes may find themselves interested in continuing to learn the truth about swords. 
Dates and times to be announced. 
For ages 12-up. There are no prerequisites, but keep in mind that some of these swords are fairly heavy. All equipment provided.