To provide the public with hands-on experience of daily life as a trooper in 1855, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, in partnership with Academia Duellatoria, is holding training sessions in the methods and drills used in the 19th century to instruct in the use of this distinctive weapon. Training and drills for sword work are similar to other martial arts techniques, and so provide opportunity to work on muscle memory, motor skills and coordination. After completion of the Basic 1 course, students can participate in saber drills during reenactment events at Fort Vancouver.
The upcoming training course is seven weeks, on Sunday afternoons, Oct. 16 through Nov. 27. The cost is $100 per person for the seven-week course. Anyone age 12 and up may participate. Training sabers and safety equipment will be provided. The training sessions take place at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. To learn more visit 19th Century Saber Training Program – Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. or contact Elaine Dorset at elaine_dorset@nps.gov or 360-558-0828.