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A SWORDSMANSHIP SCHOOL IN HONOR OF GRAND MASTER SALVATOR FABRIS
An Italian Rapier from the 1600s Laying Over Fabris' 1606 Rapier Treatise, the Scienza d'Arme.

The Order of the Seven Hearts is a private, internationally-recognized research group in Northern Virginia devoted to studying and practicing the historical fencing and dueling arts of old Europe, including Italian rapier, Bolognese Swordsmanship, and Baroque Swordsmanship. Named after the Chivalrous Order of which legendary fencing master Salvator Fabris was supreme knight, our mission is threefold: 1. To conduct a methodical, philological research of the historical fencing and dueling texts of the 1500s-1800s period, with an emphasis on those arts practiced in what is now Italy, 2. To perform the theory and practice of what we learn as a martial art while remaining as faith as possible to the letter of the text, and 3. To share our research with the growing Historical Western Martial Arts community through online resources, published books, and seminars.

Tom Leoni & Steve Reich Demonstrate a Classic Italian Rapier Action from Fabris.

Our primary emphasis is on the Bolognese system of the 16th century, the Italian Rapier system of Salvator Fabris of the early 17th century, and the system of Baroque Swordsmanship of the late 17th century as described by Francesco Marcelli and Bondi' di Mazo. We strive to rediscover these lost arts as thoroughly and accurately as possible. We also research, study and practice other forms of swordsmanship and European martial arts. We have extensive curricula in the following:

Kara Reich and Steve Reich Demonstrate a Bolognese Action.

Most of our instruction takes place at pan-organizational or dedicated seminars and we have been invited to teach historical fencing, Italian rapier and European martial arts seminars throughout the United States and in Canada, Europe and Australia. Our philological approach of being "true to the books" is constantly well received, as is the cultural frame within which we place the arts we research and teach and the athleticism with which we strive to perform them.

A Note to Aspiring Students

Tom's fencing salle in Alexandria is open for rapier and historical fencing classes, training and private lessons. Please contact him at (703) 606-1594 to learn more.

Recent Additions:


August 9, 2010
The Complete Renaissance Swordsman By Tom Leoni
Dating from the 1520's, Bolognese swordsmaster's Antonio Manciolino's Opera Nova is the earliest surviving printed book on Italian martial arts. This seminal and eclectic Renaissance work contains clear and systematic instruction on the use of the sword and small buckler, sword and large buckler, sword and targa, sword and dagger, sword and cape, two swords, sword alone, and sword and rotella, plus a fascinating compendium on the use of polearms. Clearly and elegantly written, Manciolino's text is one of the best and clearest presentations of the martial skills required of the ideal Renaissance man.


Spada da Due Mani Waster.

July 27, 2010
Purpleheart Armoury has a new Wooden Waster for the Spadone/Montante.
We highly recommend Purpleheart Armoury's new Montante as an inexpensive option for use when training in Achille Marozzo's material for Spada da due mani and the Iberian Montante material. This trainer is weighted and balanced so that it will feel and respond like a Spadone rather than a longsword--an important consideration when learning the various techniques and actions for this large sword.

Last Updated: 02-Sep-10