The Martinez Academy of Arms is the only historical European martial art school in New York City. On a fine sunny day in Washington Square Park, Maestros Ramon Martinez and Jeannette Acosta-Martinez, Staff Instructors Jared Kirby, Sagar Krishnaraj, Keena Suh, and emcees Lou Costa and Bill Franz demonstrated training, formal duelling, and impromptu street fights with older methods of swordsmanship of the 18th-20th centuries, as well as facts, stories and anecdotes about the history of duelling in New York City. Ben Miller, a student at the Academy, provided this historical background:

The history of duelling in New York dates as far back as the 1600s, and, unbeknownst to most, lasted into the early 20th century. During the 18th century, duels were fought more frequently in New York City than in any other American city. Although no exact figure has ever been compiled as to the total number of duels fought in the city, in September of 1780, five duels were fought in one week; likewise, in September of 1786, a letter published in a New York newspaper noted that "duelling of late seems to be very predominant in this city...for if reports are to be relied on, there has been two or three challenges given within this week past." On Staten Island alone, nearly fifty officers were court-martialed and dishonorably discharged during the Revolutionary War in consequence of duelling and gambling. Throughout the ages, combats were fought by men as well as women, using weapons such as the small-sword, broadsword, saber, sword-cane, pistol, and stiletto knife.

Weapons demonstrated included:

•    The 18th-century French small-sword, used for personal defense
•    19th-century Northern Italian foil and 19th-century French foil, the core training implement utilized in both civilian and military schools
•    Fencing with the stick, another training tool used in fencing schools through out the 19th century
•    Fencing with the sabre, demonstrating both the duelling sabre used in civilian duels and the military sabre
•    Fencing with the duelling sword, used specifically in affaires d'honneur

Holly Plaza, where the demonstration was held, was once a duelling ground. Duelling was not uncommon in NYC throughout the 17th, 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. The classical era of fencing is considered to be the 19th century through about 1914. The historical eras are the 18th and 18th centuries. The language of duelling and swordsmanship has entered our lexicon: "come to the point," "forte," "foible," "foiled again," "skirmish," and "below the belt" are all derived from duelling and fencing terms. The last recorded duel was in 1962 in France. Duels can last 10 seconds or hours. A formal procedure involving seconds and doctors was standard. More duels were fought in the US in the 19th century than anywhere else. Duels were typically held early in the morning to avoid detection by law enforcement, since duelling was illegal. Also, the light is more even in the morning so no one would have a disadvantage of glaring sun in their eyes. Duelling was an expensive proposition; a doctor was necessary to officiate, and he could lose his license for doing so. Seconds were responsible for negotating any possible avoidance of the duel. The challenged party had the right to choose the weapon. There is no winner of a duel, just survivors. Women also duelled, particularly in France.

Strength and size are not relevant, but rather intelligence and sensitivity. It is necessary to control yourself before learning to control an opponent. Moliere famously described it as the art of "giving without receiving." Someone asked, "Why not just use a longer sword?" Maestro Martinez explained that longer can also be a disadvantage, for example, at closer range.

The difference between knives and swords was discussed, with Maestro Martinez stating that he believes any blade over 12" is a sword and that a Bowie knife is a kind of short sword. I asked at what age were boys schooled in swordsmanship, and Maetro Martinez answered "around 8 or 9 years old, or as soon as they were big enough to hold a sword."

Free-form duelling between all the Academy instructors concluded the demonstrations, with Maestra Martinez answering questions from the audience and inviting us all to try a lesson at the The Martinez Academy of Arms.


Interested in learning classical and historical fencing? The Martinez Academy of Arms offers lessons for all beginners as well as advanced students. Classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The first class is free and observers are welcome. Visit www.martinez-destreza.com for more information, or e-mail contact@martinez-destreza.com.