Stoccata School of Defence

Started: The School was formally founded in 1998 but was based on research and teaching by the founders (as part of various re-enactment groups) dating back to 1985.

Branches: There are three branches of Stoccata, two in Sydney and one in Hobart.

Time/Place:
Hobart: St James Church Hall, cnr Main Road and Rupert Ave, New Town (near Augusta Road turnoff) 6.30PM Wednesday Nights
Sydney (Fechtschule Sankt Peter): St Swithuns Church Hall, Telegraph Road, Pymble, 7.30PM Monday Nights
Sydney (Angloceltia): Denistone East Uniting Church Hall, Acacia St, Denistone East, 7.45PM Monday Nights

Instructors:
Hobart: Stephen Hand
Sydney (Fechtschule Sankt Peter): Andrew Brew
Sydney (Angloceltia): Peter Radvan, Paul Wagner

Focus: Stoccata has traditionally focussed on the use of the shortsword (a basket hilted sword that wasn’t particularly short) according to the style of 16th century Englishman George Silver. This is still the core style taught at Stoccata Hobart and Angloceltia. Stoccata: Fechtschule Sankt Peter teaches the German longsword (a light two handed sword) as the core weapon. Additional weapons taught are the rapier, sword and buckler, sword and shield, 18th century backsword, the messer (a German cutlass style weapon) and the quarterstaff.

Resources: There are a number of resources on our website, here. Stoccata instructors have between them authored six books on historical swordsmanship, the bulk of which are available through Chivalry Bookshelf or in Australia from Stephen Hand. The instructors are in constant demand to teach at overseas swordsmanship events and regularly teach in North America and Europe.