When the distance closes, a fencer’s options extend far beyond grappling or punching. Mastering grappling and disarming techniques is essential for neutralizing the threat of an opponent’s weapon at close range.

From Italian masters to the German tradition, historical longsword treatises are filled with ingenious disarms that remain highly effective in modern HEMA. In this workshop, we will dive into these two major schools, exploring their distinct philosophies and techniques—from establishing contact and achieving suppression to executing the final disarm. Join us as we break down the core principles behind these historic combat maneuvers.

Instructor: John Liou. An instructor at Vor & Nach HEMA and the Fu Jen Catholic University European Swordsmanship, specializing in a wide range of weaponry including German longsword, messer, I.33 sword and buckler, British military saber, and Italian rapier. Since graduating from university, Liou have dedicated his career to HEMA instruction. Having consistently achieved top-three finishes in various weaponry combat and HEMA tournaments, he also widely recognized as one of the top fencers in Taiwan.