The Philippo Vadi Longsword Course
Everything you need to become proficient in the longsword style of Philippo Vadi, as shown in his 1480s treatise De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi.
Enroll in Course
Learn the Art of the Longsword, Based on the 15th-Century Manual by Philippo Vadi
Learn the longsword step by step—from the ground up—with expert instruction from Guy Windsor.
If you've ever wanted to wield a longsword with confidence, skill, and historical accuracy—this is the course for you.
Enjoy clear, structured training based on Philippo Vadi’s De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi, brought to life by world-renowned swordsman Guy Windsor.
👉 Click “Enroll Now” and start your training today.
What You’ll Learn
- How to hold the sword and move with it correctly
- Essential footwork and body mechanics
- The 7 basic cuts of the longsword—and how to make them effective
- All 12 of Vadi’s guard positions (poste)
- All 25 of Vadi’s longsword plays, taught in order
- Solo drills, partner drills, and training games to build real skill
- Key concepts like timing, control, and tactical decision-making
- How to train safely, improve consistently, and fence with confidence
Course Structure
Over 75 video lessons, across 8 modules:
- Introduction & Safety
- Footwork and Sword Handling – Warm-ups, footwork, grips, and mechanics
- The Blows of the Sword– Vadi’s blows, including drills based on the guards
- The 12 Guards – Every position explained and drilled
- Basic Training and Setting up the Plays – Solo and pair training to build a solid foundation
- The 25 Plays of the Longsword – All 25 plays from De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi, step-by-step
- Plays from Chapters 11 and 15 – Extra drills from Vadi's theory of fencing
- Skill Development – Fencing games, timing, and troubleshooting
Who This Course Is For
- Beginners looking for a structured, complete introduction to longsword
- Experienced martial artists who want to explore Vadi’s unique system
- HMA students seeking historical accuracy and practical application
- Anyone who’s ever dreamed of mastering the knightly art of the sword
What’s Included
- Full lifetime access to all course materials
- Train at your own pace, anytime, anywhere
- Mobile and desktop friendly
- Immediate start—no prerequisites required
Get Started Now
You don’t need fancy gear or years of experience to begin. Just a sword (or even a stick), a mask, a friend, some space, and the willingness to train.
👉 Click “Enroll Now” to start learning Vadi’s longsword system today.
Your Instructor
I have been training martial arts for 30 years, and teaching swordsmanship professionally since I founded The School of European Swordsmanship in 2001. The School has branches and study groups all over the world, so I have taught thousands of students, from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures. My books include The Swordsman’s Companion, The Duellist’s Companion, The Medieval Dagger, The Medieval Longsword, The Theory and Practice of Historical Martial Arts, and The Swordsman's Quick Guide series of ebooks along with many others. It's my job to help you achieve your goals. I do this by teaching in person, through my books, and through these online courses.
Course Curriculum
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Start02.01 Warm Up 1 (8:11)
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Start02.02 Footwork 1 Stepping and Passing (5:59)
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Start02.03 Footwork 2 Withdrawn Foot (2:59)
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Start02.04 Footwork 3 Play (1:07)
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Start02.05 How to Hold the Sword (5:10)
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Start02.06 Six Grips (6:44)
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Start02.07 Up down around around RH (3:00)
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Start02.08 Up down around around LH (1:21)
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Start02.09 Improving the Grip (2:59)